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85 Econoline key problem

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  #1  
Old 08-30-2018, 06:51 PM
Rusty Baker's Avatar
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Default 85 Econoline key problem

Suddenly the key turns too easy. It no longer unlocks the steering wheel... If I turn it to the start position, the dash lights come on but that is all that happens. What broke? and can I fix it without pulling the steering wheel?
It is an 85 but only has 123,000 miles.
 
  #2  
Old 09-01-2018, 12:03 PM
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This forum seems to be dead any more.
 
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Old 09-01-2018, 11:07 PM
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Could be because it’s a holiday weekend..

Tilt wheel column?
 
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Old 09-02-2018, 12:57 PM
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No, just a regular steering wheel.
 
  #5  
Old 09-03-2018, 12:07 PM
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Being the steering won’t unlock would lead me to the lock actuator assembly.
If it were just the ingition/crank couldn’t make contact (actuating rod or ignition switch itself) could be lower in the column, but with no unlock I’d be suspect of the upper components. If you remove the column covers and can manually extend the ignition rod and get it to crank, again, I’d look towards the upper actuator parts..
 
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Old 09-03-2018, 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Hayapower
Being the steering won’t unlock would lead me to the lock actuator assembly.
If it were just the ingition/crank couldn’t make contact (actuating rod or ignition switch itself) could be lower in the column, but with no unlock I’d be suspect of the upper components. If you remove the column covers and can manually extend the ignition rod and get it to crank, again, I’d look towards the upper actuator parts..
Thank you. What all do I need to take apart to get to the actuator?
 
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Old 09-03-2018, 08:14 PM
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Since the steering doesn’t unlock, I’d start by removing the ignition lock set for inspection, and if no issues, remove the retainer/washer underneath the lock set. With retainer removed, you’ll be able to see the actuator splines and the ignition lock set driven gear (make note of its clocked position if removed)
Sorta looks and works like a rack n pinion with the lock set as the driver. If the gear/spline is cause, debris there, then move forward with replacement.

To remove the ignition lock set, battery disconnected, the steering wheel needs to be removed to access the lock set release pin (key set in ON position allows for the pin to be pressed inward for the removal) With the wheel removed, you’ll also be able to see and verify the steering locking pin positions and weather or not it slides in/out of position with the ingition switch rotations. If it doesn’t move, most probably the actuator parts.
With the ignition lock set removed, as well as the column half shells, you should be able to see and manually apply the ignition switch push rod to engage the switch/start. Unless something is holding the actuator assembly..
Being you stated it moves unusually easy, with no unlock or crank function deep into the switch, seems there’s an issue in the lock actuator control..
 

Last edited by Hayapower; 09-03-2018 at 08:16 PM.
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