yo,
Good info Shadow D!
Here is Ford's TSB on this; esp in cold weather...
Ignition Switch Key Hard to Turn in Cold (in Non-Tilt) TSB 95-23-12 for 89-91 Bronco, F Series, Econoline & Medium, Heavy Duty trucks by Ford via ChiltonISSUE: The ignition key may be hard to turn in cold temperatures on trucks equipped with fixed (non-tilt) steering columns.
This occurs because the column lock actuator may not be properly lubricated.
ACTION: Lubricate the column lock actuator with silicone lubricant. Refer to the following procedures for service details.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the appropriate model year Bronco, Econoline, F-Series Service Manual, Section 13-06 for 1988-90 models and Section 11-04A for 1991 models. Refer to the 1991 F-FT-B 600, 700, 800 Service Manual, Section 13-06 and Section 11-04A for 1992-95 F & B Series vehicles.
3. Remove the two (2) bolts attaching the steering column support brackets to the pedal support bracket.
4. Mark the location of the ignition switch and remove it.
5. Remove the turn signal lever and turn signal switch.
6. Remove the lock cylinder.
7. Remove and throw away the snap ring from the upper steering shaft.
8. Using a light hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is loose. Remove the upper bearing.
9. Loosen the upper ****** retention nuts until one or two threads remain engaged.
a. Pinch the nuts toward the shaft.
b. Remove the upper ****** from the outer tube.
10. Remove the column lock actuator.
INSTALLATION
1. Clean the grease from the column lock actuator and upper ****** using parts cleaner (F3AZ-19579-SA) or equivalent.
2. Apply silicone lubricant (COAZ-19553-AA) or equivalent to the column lock actuator and upper ****** where the actuator slides.
3. Install the column lock actuator into the upper ******.
4. Install the upper ****** onto the outer ******.
5. Install the steering wheel onto the steering shaft and hand tighten the steering wheel nut.
6. Pull up on the steering wheel until the steering column expands about 10mm (0.375").
7. Remove the steering wheel.
8. Press the upper bearing onto the steering shaft.
9. Install a new snap ring (DOAZ-3C610- B) on the steering shaft.
10. Using a small hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is seated into the upper ******.
11. Install the lock cylinder.
12. Install the turn signal switch and turn signal lever.
13. Install the ignition switch.
14. Install the two (2) bolts attaching the steering wheel bracket to the pedal bracket.
15. Install the steering wheel.
16. Connect the battery ground cable.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
COAZ-19553-AA Silicone Lubricant
F3AZ-19579-SA Metal Brake Parts Cleaner
DOAZ-3C610-B Snap Ring
& This is Chilton's Version of the switch/act. rod R&R
1.Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2.Remove the steering column shroud and lower the steering column.
3.Disconnect the switch wiring at the multiple plug.
4.Remove the two nuts that retain the switch to the steering column.
5.Lift the switch vertically upward to disengage the actuator rod from the switch and remove the switch.
6.When installing the ignition switch, both the locking mechanism at the top of the column and the switch itself must be in the LOCK position for correct adjustment. To hold the mechanical parts of the column in the LOCK position, move the shift lever into PARK (with automatic transmissions) or REVERSE (with manual transmissions), turn the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key. New replacement switches, when received, are already pinned in the LOCK position by a metal shipping pin inserted in a locking hole on the side of the switch.
7.Engage the actuator rod in the switch.
8.Position the switch on the column and install the retaining nuts, but do not tighten them.
9.Move the switch up and down along the column to locate the mid-position of rod lash, and then tighten the retaining nuts.
10.Remove the locking pin, connect the battery cable, and check for proper start in PARK or NEUTRAL.-Also check to make certain that the start circuit cannot be actuated in the DRIVE and REVERSE position.
11.Raise the steering column into position at instrument panel. Install steering column shroud.