Ford Repair: 1989 Ford F150 Ignition, column support, 1989 ford f150

Question
I have a 1989 Ford F150.  When starting it lately the ignition has been sticking after turning the key so that it seemed to take a second to return to the running position.  When I went to start it this morning it would not turn over (no sounds from the solenoid).  After several attempts to get it to crank the ignition seemed to break loose so now I can move the ignition back and forth freely.  Its like something broke.  It still won't crank.  Is it the ignition switch?  How do I get the steering column cover off?  How do I fix this?  Thanks.

Answer
Bill,

Remove the bolts securing the steering column support bracket. Lower and support the steering column. Remove the nuts securing the ignition switch to the steering column and lift the switch up, disengage the actuator rod from the switch and remove the switch. When installing the ignition switch, both the lock cylinder and the ignition switch must be in the lock position. Place the lock cylinder in lock and remove the key. Place the ignition switch in the lock position and insert a 5/64-inch drill bit into the locking pin hole on the side of the switch. NOTE: new replacement switches will already be pinned in the lock position by a shipping pin. Install the switch by first engaging the actuator rod into the swittch and position the switch on the steering column and install the nuts finger tight. Next, move the switch up and down along the steering column and when you locate the mid-point of the rod lash, tighten the retaining nuts. After removing the lock pin, the remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal. check the operation of the ignition switch in all positions. Hope that this helps. Good luck.


ken