Taking the Ignition switch apart ?????

Old Redneck

Well-known member
How do you take the ignition switch out of the car.Never done that before.I need help on this.I am going to replace the lock cylinder I guess.:mad:
 
Redneck put a big flat screw driver in to the bezel and reach under the dash and push the ignition toward the dash, (it is spring loaded) and turn the screw driver a quarter turn, counter clock wise and the bezel will com off and the switch will come out.
I think to get tumblers out you need to insert a paper clip or something like it into a hole next to key and insert key and turn the key, I think to start with the clip in and it should come out. BOSSY.
 
How do you take the ignition switch out of the car.Never done that before.I need help on this.I am going to replace the lock cylinder I guess.:mad:


What kind of car? I don't understand the big screw driver deal. Wouldn't work on any ford switch I know of.
 
The switch can be removed from the dash by pushing the switch towards you from behind the dash and giving the bezel a quarter turn or the bezel might be retained by a small wire circlip. Bezel should come off and switch can be removed from back side of dash. I'm not sure when the paperclip to remove the tumblers from the switch started.
 
I am sorry it a 56 Crown Victoria.The switch is locked up tight
 

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I just got back from working out and desided to take the switch apart as you said and it worked. The switch was hanging down and I notice that the Graphite Lubricant was comming out on the floor of the car. So I got the shop vac. and suck out the switch. Wow the key works great now.Both keys do. I am so happy now. I can't beleave it the switch works as there was nothing wrong with it.You fellows were a great help.Thank you very much.:D:D:D:D:D
 
The switch locked up again???

So I have desided to order a new switch and door locks for the car. I would be out on the road and the switch would lock up and I would be in trouble. I though I had it fixed???:mad:
 
Probably a good thing. I did same, all of mine worked too but - 54 years old and to have something like that screw up a road trip? $$ well spent.

Ford used to have lock lube, it came in a small can. Pretty sure it contained graphite.
 
I had it working great and while I installed a air Cond wire and then I reinstalled the switch and the switch locked uo again. I ordered a new switch and door locks to match, I half to take and install new door glass anyway so I will change the locks then.Anyway I got the electric wipers and air cond. installed. I haven't charge it yet.I am going to raise the seat so my wife can see over the steering wheel.This beast has been a lot of work,Should be a decent car down the road.
 
The tumblers on the early 50s fords & Mercs have a little pin that you can push to release the tumbler from the switch housing. the switch assembly has to be removed from the dash to get to it. I believe you still have turn the tumbler with the key a certain amount to get it to release. It may also have an internal problem with the switch itself that is not allowing it to operate correctly.

Kerby
 
Not without destroying the switch. You need the key. You turn it to ON or ACCY, forget which, push a pin into the little hole on the front of the tumbler, and a miracle occurs sometimes and the tumbler assy comes out with the key. The manual for any fiftys Ford usually has directions on the procedure.
 
It is sometimes possible to remove the tumblers without the correct key. Try a selection of keys in the switch sliding the key in and out whilst turning the key to the right,clockwise.
If you get the lock to turn to start you can the push the pin down on the top of the tumblers through the switch body and the lock will pull out.
 
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