Steering Column Repair: Ford E250 ignition, ford steering column, ford e250

Question
I have a 2004 e250 with tilt wheel.  I tried to start the van and the key seemed to snap forward, it was totally free, forward or back. It stayed in the run position, and would shift through all the gears without the key in the ignition.  I was able to jump the starter and get home, then I had to pull the fuel relay out to shut it down.  I took the key cylinder out and it works fine, I can also see the plastic rod in the column move back and forth with the key.  What happened?

Answer
Hi Mark:
Sorry about your truck.  It sounds like you have a broken rack actuator gear.  The pin comes out on the end you cannot see.  We have recently uploaded pages and a description of how to rebuild the upper portion of a Ford steering column.  They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions on our website. Although the example is for a Ford Mustang, the column is identical to yours http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/fordupper.php

I hope these instructions help you.  If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply follow the links and order whatever you need online (or email us on our "Contact Us / Order Parts" page and we will get back in touch with you personally).

Good luck

Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com