yo J,
a tip by JK;
Actuator OEM part #E9TZ 3E715 B available at Our Sponsor,
Jeff's Bronco Graveyard $12.00, or Ford Dealership or in the Help section, mfg Dorman...this part is for BOTH Tilt and Non-Tilt steering columns. When you turn the key to "RUN/START" and there's no spring resistance feeling it usually the actuator is broken
Overview; "...The ignition rod is attached the upper ignition actuator by a 3/32 x 38 roll pin ($0.12 each) and the rod needs to be straight so it travels enough to trigger the igniton switch but it's a chore to take it off as you need to remove the steering wheel and tear it down to the (Tilt or Non-Tilt) knuckle, usually down when you replace a broken upper ignition actuator. The ignition switch located on the lower part of the steering column has slots so it can be adjusted by loosening the 2 -7/16 nuts and move it up or down but a lot depends on what's wrong up top with some of the other parts, ie: ignition rod, key cylinder, lower igniton actuator and upper igniton actuator. These parts are timed so when you turn the key to RUN they all need to move forward/downward so the rod triggers the igniton switch to START the BKO..."
"...Find the ignition rod (on top of the column, running from the steering wheel down to the ignition switch at the base of the column) and make sure it's moving back and forth when you turn the key, through all positions. If it is, your upper actuator is probably not the problem. Lastly, check your ignition switch (again, at the base of the column). Manually push the switch back and forth through the different positions. Push it all the way forward (or down) and see if it will engage the starter. If it does, then your ignition rod is probably bent, which can be remedied quite easily. & If it's an auto, try starting in neutral or while pulling up on the lever while it's in park. If that works, look to a park/neutral safety switch. If it's a stick, check the clutch switch. You could try jumping from hot to the small terminal on the solenoid to test it's operation. Sometimes new ones are bad out of the box.,,:
Actuator Rod Pics (Upper & Lower); 74-92, 92-96 w/Ford Part Numbers
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/ford/old-ignition-actuators.php
Troubleshooting in 87-91 (from Factory Manual and the Ford Electrical & Vacuum T Source: by Broncobill78 (Dave) at Ford Bronco Zone Forums
see the lock cyl installation instructions
(also applies to 80-91 w/Tilt; miesk5 Note, It is out of order, so read the 2nd from left page first
Steering Column Removal & Installation w/Tilt Steering in an 85; also applies to 80-91 w/Tilt
Source: by Chris B (Blue, bronco boy) at
http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Steering_Column/Steering_Column.html
Iggie the tilt parts & ENSURE the steering wheel is in straight ahead position.
Lock Cylinder & Switch Removal & Installation in an 89 Non-Tilt & Tilt & w/ and w/out key; "...With Key; 1.Disconnect the battery ground. 2.On tilt columns, remove the upper extension shroud by unsnapping the shroud from the retaining clip at the 9 o'clock position. 3.Remove the trim shroud halves. 4.Unplug the wire connector at the key warning switch. 5.Place the shift lever in PARK and turn the key to ON. 6.Place a 1/8in. (3mm) wire pin in the hole in the casting surrounding the lock cylinder and depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the cylinder. 7.When installing the cylinder, turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position and depress the retaining pin, then insert the lock cylinder into its housing in the ****** casting. Assure that the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will allow the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder cast housing hole. 8.The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Non-Functioning Cylinder Or No Key Available, Fixed Columns; 1.Disconnect the battery ground. 2.Remove the steering wheel. 3.Remove the turn signal lever. 4.Remove the column trim shrouds. 5.Unbolt the steering column and lower it carefully. 6.Remove the ignition switch and warning buzzer and pin the switch in the LOCK position. 7.Remove the turn signal switch. 8.Remove the snapring and T-bolt nuts that retain the ****** casting to the column outer tube. 9.Remove the ****** casting, upper shaft bearing, lock cylinder, ignition switch actuator and the actuator rod by pulling the entire assembly over the end of the steering column shaft. 10.Remove the lock actuator insert, the T-bolts and the automatic transmission indicator insert, or, with manual transmissions, the key release lever. 11.Upon reassembly, the following parts must be replaced with new parts: ******, Lock cylinder assembly, Steering column lock gear, Steering column lock bearing, Steering column upper bearing retainer, Lock actuator assembly. 12.Assembly is a reversal of the disassembly procedure. It is best to install a new upper bearing. Check that the truck starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL. Tilt Columns; 1.Disconnect the battery ground. 2.Remove the steering column shrouds. 3.Using masking tape, tape the gap between the steering wheel hub and the cover casting. Cover the entire circumference of the casting. Cover the seat and floor area with a drop-cloth. 4.Pull out the hazard switch and tape it in a downward position. 5.The lock cylinder retaining pin is located on the outside of the steering column cover casting adjacent to the hazard flasher button. 6.Tilt the steering column to the full up position and pre-punch the lock cylinder retaining pin with a sharp punch. 7.Using a 1/8in. (3mm) drill bit, mounted in a right angle drive drill adapter, drill out the retaining pin, going no deeper than 1/2 in. (13mm). 8.Tilt the column to the full down position. Place a chisel at the base of the ignition lock cylinder cap and using a hammer break away the cap from the lock cylinder. 9.Using a 3/8in. (10mm) drill bit, drill down the center of the ignition lock cylinder key slot about 13/4 in. (44mm), until the lock cylinder breaks loose from the steering column cover casting. 10.Remove the lock cylinder and the drill shavings. 11.Remove the steering wheel. 12.Remove the turn signal lever. 13.Remove the turn signal switch attaching screws. 14.Remove the key buzzer attaching *****. 15.Remove the turn signal switch up and over the end of the column, but don't disconnect the wiring. 16.Remove the 4 attaching screws from the cover casting and lift the casting over the end of the steering shaft, allowing the turn signal switch to pass through the casting. The removal of the casting cover will expose the upper actuator. Remove the upper actuator. 17.Remove the drive gear, snapring and washer from the cover casting along with the upper actuator. 18.Clean all components and replace any that appear damaged or worn. 19.Installation is the reverse of removal..."
http://content.chiltonsonline.com/T...9XX3WVZPma/mjIupNCabrjR6Jk/yibMCAvi+CZU79Tw==
by CHILTON
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
