Question1985 Ford Thunderbird.. lost keys trying to get the new ignition in and the old ignition is in the locked position, cant get it out.. Please Help???
Answer
Inner gear behind the
Hi Cheryl:
You will have to force and break the lock out without damaging the housing. Once this is done you will be able to install the new lock cylinder.
This takes a lot of effort but can be done. Once you remove the lower cover from the steering column, you will be able to see the small 3/16 hole on the bottom side of the lock cylinder housing. Inside that hole is the release pin for the lock cylinder. The problem is that the release pin will only go in once the key is in the "on" position. You will have to take a 1/8 punch and drive that pin into the lock cylinder, breaking both the lock cylinder and a locking tab deeper inside the lock (one you can't see yet).
When you do this correctly and successfully, the head of the lock will fly off first and then the lock itself will actually pop out about 1/2-3/4 inch. You can then slide the rest of it all the way out (sometimes you need to help pry it out).
Now, looking inside the hole you will see the tip of the lock cylinder still stuck inside the gear. Once again, this little piece and the ignition have to be turned to the "on" position before it will come out. You can accomplish this by pushing the ignition rack gear itself with an angle probe towards the dashboard until the dash & ignition lights up. If you push it too far, the truck may actually start, so be careful. I have enclosed a picture showing you where to push and giving you an idea of what you will be looking at.
Once the pieces are out, install the new lock cylinder (in the "on" position), reassemble the cover and you should be all set.
Lastly, check out our company website in the "how-to" section. You may get a better understanding of how it all works
www.stolenadrecovered.com
Good luck
Doug
