Glacier Explorer
Active Member
- Joined
- July 25, 2015
- Messages
- 69
- Reaction score
- 6
- City, State
- New Jersey
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1998 Explorer XLT
Has anyone around here taken their steering column down to the point needed to replace the ignition switch actuator pieces within the column flange? My 98 XLT with tilt wheel recently became dead in the driveway due to a broken linkage of some sort inside the flange, between the ignition cylinder and ignition switch under the dash.
The parts in need of repair/replacement are labeled 16 (lower actuator), 17, 18, and 19 (upper actuator) in the diagram in the following link: http://parts.autonationfordwhitebea.../steering-cat/shroud-switches-and-levers-scat
I don't know exactly what is broken since I haven't made my way down into the guts of the column, but I know is is not my ignition lock cylinder (fairly common problem) or my ignition switch (replaced and tested). When I put the key in and turn it, I can see the upper actuator moving back and forth while the lower actuator that connects to the ignition switch does nothing. The key spins freely with no "spring" as there should be when you turn it all of the way from start to run. If I get a screwdriver or something, I can move the lower actuator easily. When I unscrew the ignition switch, I can push and pull the part that normally fits into the lower actuator (that seems to be connected to nothing inside of the flange) to turn the engine on and off. Since I can start it up by hand my pushing and pulling the ignition switch slide (but still have to have the key in the ignition for the PATS), I figure the wiring, battery, starter, etc is all sound.
So, my question: Does anyone know of any guides on how to properly take the column apart and reassemble it? I have looked all over, and didn't turn up with much. If there is anyone who has done this job, or something similar, what is the difficulty level? I would rather do this job myself and save the money, but if I need special tools or expertise, I might just have to find a shop to do it for me.
The parts in need of repair/replacement are labeled 16 (lower actuator), 17, 18, and 19 (upper actuator) in the diagram in the following link: http://parts.autonationfordwhitebea.../steering-cat/shroud-switches-and-levers-scat
I don't know exactly what is broken since I haven't made my way down into the guts of the column, but I know is is not my ignition lock cylinder (fairly common problem) or my ignition switch (replaced and tested). When I put the key in and turn it, I can see the upper actuator moving back and forth while the lower actuator that connects to the ignition switch does nothing. The key spins freely with no "spring" as there should be when you turn it all of the way from start to run. If I get a screwdriver or something, I can move the lower actuator easily. When I unscrew the ignition switch, I can push and pull the part that normally fits into the lower actuator (that seems to be connected to nothing inside of the flange) to turn the engine on and off. Since I can start it up by hand my pushing and pulling the ignition switch slide (but still have to have the key in the ignition for the PATS), I figure the wiring, battery, starter, etc is all sound.
So, my question: Does anyone know of any guides on how to properly take the column apart and reassemble it? I have looked all over, and didn't turn up with much. If there is anyone who has done this job, or something similar, what is the difficulty level? I would rather do this job myself and save the money, but if I need special tools or expertise, I might just have to find a shop to do it for me.