Steering Column Repair: 1995 F150 Steering Column, turn signal switch, expert mechanic

Question
I just talked to my Son who is having a problem with the steering column/ignition switch.  The ignition switch will turn the engine on but won't turn it off.  He is trying to repair the problem.  Is there any place he can download a diagram of the column/switch.  He is an expert mechanic and the Maintenance Supervisor for a production company but hasn't done anything like this?  Any help will be appreciated

Answer

rack gears Hi Clarence:

It sounds like the white plastic "Rack actuator" gear has broken.  It's a very common problem and requires quite a bit of work and experience to replace it.  It is buried inside the column.  The airbag (if equipped), the steering wheel, the turn signal switch, both covers, the lock cylinder, the tilt housing (and spring), the actuator gears inside the lock housing and the upper bearings all have to come apart to access this gear.  Once it's apart, the new part needs to be shaved to fit properly and then the gears need to be realigned properly to hit all the key positions.  I would not recommend doing this one yourself.
A good repair shop should charge you about 2 hours labor to do it and the part costs about $12.00
The part has to come from Ford only, (not a parts store) & the part # is F2DZ 3E723 A.  Your rack gear is the long yellow plastic one in the bottom of the photo.
I hope this helps you