Replacing Ignition

[Harmon]

Got truck running again only to have the key in the ignition be stuck to on posistion...couldnt turn off untill I undid the the pos/neg battery cables on battery.

I have a back up ignition, and wondering what I am looking at to replace.

[Jason S]

My first thought is the ignition lock cylinder (what the key goes into on the column). It isn't overly difficult to replace, but you will have to remove several parts including the steering wheel and steering wheel lock plate.

It is also possible the ignition switch (lower column) is jammed, but I've only experienced them to have electrical issues (not mechanical issues). 

 Have you had any troubles with the key before? Have you tried squirting some lubricant (i.e., WD-40) into the lock cylinder? 

[Harmon]

never had problem....replacwed steering column with one i have now.  just used key that was in ignition when i got column.  truck  has noy been driven since last year in may

[Jason S]

I neglected to mention an issue with the "rack" on the ignition rod, which may also bind up if it's excessively worn...

I've done something similar to what you did and on that truck the key was always a bit "sticky".  I used lock cylinder lubricant on the ignition lock cylinder, as WD-40 (and other sprays) would dry out. Since I used the lock cylinder lubricant (spray can type w/straw), it has turned a lot freer. That being said, something like WD-40 will often times flow into areas better than the lock cylinder lubricants.   

Prior to pulling everything apart and replacing parts, you might try giving it a shot of some lubricant... Based off your problem, I think it wouldn't hurt to have some a lubricant with a precision injector (i.e., a needle or straw) & give it a try before going into the column. 

I'm sure others will post additional comments, especially if they know of a specific solution to your issue.

[werewolfx13]

Replacing the lock cylinder is fairly easy, theres a good write up on here for "fixing a sloppy tilt column", and if your column is tilt, I would follow its instructions and do a little preventative maintenance. Otherwise, its also a good set of instructions just for disassembly and reassembly. You can borrow a steering wheel puller and lock plate press from a parts store, but you'll probably have to buy the pivot pin removal tool, but I think they're only like $5..

[Harmon]

Just sprayed wd-40 in cylinder and was able to get key out.  I still get hung up (stuck)  every few times I turn on key then try to turn off.  When it get stucks in on posistion I can turn the key forward and back and it will turn off.  I can do that with battery not connected but I cant depend on doing that if truck is running obviously.  I guess I am going to replace the ignition and see if that works, unless based one what I just wrote is a clue to my column being no good.

Thanks.

[Jason S]

I guess I am going to replace the ignition and see if that works, unless based one what I just wrote is a clue to my column being no good.

If it keeps sticking like you describe, the lock cylinder is likely just worn out.   

[Harmon]

Ill let yall know tomorrow, bought the ignition and the tool to fix the truck...I also practiced on my old steering column taking out the ignition...should be a piece of cake...knock on wood.

[Harmon]

Replaced ignition, but now truck wont start...key works fine, but it wont start...put gas in carb and it runs a sec really rough...I started a new thread about it.  Thanks for the help on the ignition yall.

[bake74]

     See other thread.

[fitz]

How long did  it take to replace the ignition? I read Capt's write up in the tech section. I'm about to tackle this job myself on one of my trucks.
Thanks