Steering Column Repair: replaced steering column, radioplays, truck computer

Question
i reinstalled the steering column on my 1996 ford explorer now it will not start. the lights come on the fuel pump pumps but it will ot crank or nothing the radioplays but silence when key is turned to starting position.
it has the factory alarm and an after market alarm and tilt

Answer
Hi PJ:
It sounds like you have an antitheft system in your truck.  This would be a black box with a loop that surrounds the lock cylinder housing right where the lock goes in.  It will have a green flat wire plug that snaps into it.  You didn't say why you changed the column, but if someone tried to steal it or broke the old transceiver (black box w/ loop) then you need to buy a new one, have it towed to a dealer and reprogrammed to fit your original key that also has a chip in it.
The truck computer, the transceiver and the key all have to be programmed to the same code.  You cannot reprogram a used one.  Once that is done, the truck will turn over and start.

Often a good locksmith will have the electronic equipment to program it, but most shops do not.

Good luck
Doug