BUSTED IGNITION

[MAX]

I went to start my 89 bronco this morning the ignition snaped , so i replaced the tumbler assembly , now with the new one in i turn the key i get power but it wont start and i cant move the column to get into drive. It was like minus 10 today so i ended up jumping the selonoid to start it thinking maybe something froze but no dice , i checked the linkege everything looks fine. Anyone have any sugestions . Thanks

 

[Bulldozer]

When you installed it did you fit it in right?

 

[MAX]

Yes it fit just like the original.

 

[Bulldozer]

What came with the ingition, you had to hook up the wires right?

 

[Seabronc]

The tumbler doesn't have wires, it connects to a push rod that goet to the ignition switch mounted on the steering column under the dash. That is a mechanical connection. Take the shroud off and see if the rod is moving when you turn the key. sounds like the mechanical connection in the key switch is not hooked up properly, that also is required to unlock the shift lever.

Good luck,

>-

 

[MAX]

Did that already, the rod moves when i turn the key.

 

[fbrown3]

Yes it moves. but does it move far enough? It only takes a small amount to throw it off some times you have to fiddle with it to get it just right(can be a pain in the %@#$!) ( :angry:

 

[Seabronc]

OK. Just refreshed my memory on the design of the lock cylinder and push rod.

Also this assumes you have not messed with the ignition swithch under the dash by loosening the nuts and sliding it around. If you haven't only the tumbler position needs to be repositioned in the correct Ignition rod actuator tooth.

What I suspect is that you did not have the tumbler and push rod in the proper position when you installed the tumbler. I don't know if I can explain this properly withour pictures, but I'll give it a shot.

You need to make sure that the gear on the lock cylinder engages the proper tooth in the Ignition rod. To do that you need to get the column switch under the dash in the same position as the lock tumbler, (you may have disturbed the position of the rod durring the removal and replacement, the reason I believe this, is that you can't unlock the shifter).

If you manually move the rod witth your hand, you should feel it detent in various positions. Pulling it all the way up puts it in the accessory position. The first detent after that when pushing the rod toward the floor is normal lock position, the next is off, the next is run, and the next will be a spring loaded start position.

Position the rod in the start position, insert the tumbler in the same position while depressing the retaining pin. Make sure the cylinder is fully seated, a little bit of wiggle should engage the gears but not really move the rod. Then turn the key to the off position which engages the cylinder locking pin.

Now rotate the ket check that it properly detents in the previously mentioned detent positions. (Don't try to start untill the the steering wheel is back together.

Now try to start it. If that doesn't work then we need to go into the Ignition switch adjustment proceedure. I'm not going to cover that unless the above doesn't work.

The KEY thing here is to engage the correct tooth on the actuator rod.

Good luck,

>-

 

[MAX]

Thanks that could be part of my problem but i figured out why the column wont move there is a part that broke off the ign rod ass. the went down in column to unlock it , so i think im going to replace the whole column unless any one knows if i can get a replacement part . I doubt it though it is a bitch to get to i had to rip the column all the way to the tree not sure if i can even get it back together the way it was and working properly.

 

[Seabronc]

You could try a Ford dealer, a lot of junk yards won't let you just tear a column apart to get one part out. They want to sell it as a unit, it's one of those things like good doors that they sell to auto body shops a lot. There are some who will though like the crusher near here, unfortunately he is closed down for parts right now while they investigate an accident. A guy went back in the yard while it was raining and jacked a car up with a cheap ricer jack, stuck his head under the car and it fell on his head and killed him. They claim they told him not to go get any parts because of the rain.

A column is an easy change just a bitch disconnecting and reinstalling the shifter link without a special tool but doable. I changed mine once to add a tilt column and speed control. I used a large screwdriver to pry them apart and channel locks to press the linkage back together.

God luck,

>-

 

[MAX]

Thanks doing it today ill let you know how i made out.