How to change 2001 Mountaineer ignition actuator linkage

[fjm]

Thanks to those of you who offerred help with my starting problem.

FYI, I isolated the problem to a busted actuator linkage that wasn't moving my ignition switch off the ACCESSORY, so all power stayed on. Now the car starts easily when I turn the key to ON and manually slide the ignition switch to START.

Does anyone know the correct or easy way to replace the actuator? Before I jump in, do I have to disassemble the steering and column to access? Would appreciate your input.

 

[SoNic67]

It's a bear to replace it, did it on my Mercury Sable.
See here a similar linkage system - replacement of rod (in 3 parts):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZIIXkPkgLM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byhC5hGZpMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-hv470KRHM

 

[fjm]

Wow. I found those videos on YouTube this morning.....and they scared me. What the hell, I'll try. So far, panels are off and I'm ready to pull the steering wheel. Tune in tomorrow.

 

[SoNic67]

I had to file the new plunger, like it shown on videos, because it wasn't "rotating" in the hole. Probably that in factory, they install it from the other side, with all steering beeing out of car.
When I put it back, I had to improvise some spacers (cut from a EMT conduit) to push back the spring loaded clip. Video part 3 shows what I mean.
Don't rotate at all the yellow spring clock mechanism or you will have to re-center it. Not hard, but failure to do that will break it at first turn.

 

[fjm]

Holy crap. The more I hear the worse it gets, but I'm on it.