Help with starter/ignition wiring

[j602]

Well, about a week ago my buddy broke off my key in the ignition while trying to start my truck. It left enough in to start the truck still, but not enough to have a chance in hell of getting it out. So, I've been running around town just leaving it parked for anybody to crank and steal. So today, I went to Advance and found a unviersal starter switch. All you have to do is connect the wires (battery, accessory, and ignition) from the original unit and mount it. I don't need the batter and accessory, because I can use the old switch for those, so I just need the ignition wire. What I need to know is, which wire do I cut to rewire to the new switch? I looked at the Chilton wiring diagrams, but could only find the wires leading the actual starter and battery, etc. Nothing for the steering column. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[OhioCichlids]

take it to a locksmith, he can get the broken key out for you. That way you dont need the second ignition

 

[j602]

I REALLY doubt it. I mean, this thing is in there. It almost looks like the silver tabs on the outside of the turned separately from internal ignition. Plus, those locksmiths charge rediculous fees. This only cost me $9.00.

 

[drivehard]

i bought a remote starter and this is what it said about the wiring and stuff

"the ignition wire should have 12v running through it when the key is in the "on" or "run" and the "start" or "crank" position, when the key is in the off position it should recieve 0v"

some ignitions have 2 ignition wires that must be powered.

so basically you just have to test all the wires to find this combination. on my truck the wires were red with a green stripe but i have a new ignition in mine so the wires probably arent the same.
hope this helps.

 

[jimbo74]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27420

look at this thread... does your key look like mine? i just removed it... i have directions how i did it...

 

[jimbo74]

a new ign switch costs $20-30 depending where you get it form.... and is better than the ghetto fix

 

[j602]

Lol. So the part that slides out when you push a screwdriver in that hole is where the key goes into? And all you have to do is go buy another one of those? Where do you get it from? Does it come with a key? I called Ford earlier today and the only thing he said he had was all new locks (doors, hatch, ignition) for like $170.

 

[j602]

And what is that part called? Lock cylinder?

 

[jimbo74]

it is not a OEM part, it is aftermarket... it is not keyed the same as the rest of my explorer was, but so what, i needed to carry an extra key around... i have hear for $15 a locksmith can key it the same


its the lock and tumbler or the ignition switch everything should be covered in my thread

 

[j602]

Sooo, where did you get it from?

 

[410Fortune]

CArquest, Napa, any good auto parts store will have a OEM replacement igntiion key and tumbler setup for your truck, dont skimp and use a universal ghetto setup, do it right.
After 270K miles my original lock and tumbler setup was getting worn, it was like $15 for a new one at Carrquest, with two new keys. Took all of 4 minutes to install.

 

[j602]

Great, I figured I could get it at one of those places. I usually get most of my OEM parts at Carquest. Thanks again guys.

Oh, and the only reason I was going to use this was because it seemed a helluva lot easier than ripping apart my steering column to replace it. Little did I know that it could be done for $25 in 4 minutes.

 

[410Fortune]

yep. Fords are a snap, especially with the old key in there, because you have to turn it, then push that pin in to get the assembly out of the chamber...

Carquest RULES, at least around here, one of the most knowledgable guys I have ever known is the manager at my local store, I have been working with him for years so to speak.......invaluable resource.

 

[j602]

Woot! Just got back from Napa, who had it in stock. Chrome tabbed lock cylinder was $25, black was $29. I went for the black. I'll be putting it in shortly.

410, Carquest does rule. Especially when you know someone who works there that gets you an employee discount. It was rediculous how cheap we were getting parts. Well, that guy's gone now, but we still get parts through Carquest, because their products are of such great quality. Thanks again for the help man.

 

[410Fortune]

I got a better idea, start your own company, use the tax ID to open accounts with everyone, even stealerships

Did I mention I have contacts all over town?? hehehe