1990 Ford F150 Pickup Truck,Changing The Ignition Lock Cylinder And Keys

This repair is similar for many of the Ford trucks and vans of this era. It is very simple to do as long as the key will still switch on and the electrical portion of the ignition switch is properly adjusted. First switch the ignition on and locate the access hole for the release pin. Then using a small rod, push in on the retaining pin. You should feel it move in about an 1/8″ of an inch.

Once the pin is pushed in simply pull on the lock cylinder assembly and remove.

To install line up the notches and push the new cylinder back in and turn the key off.

If the pin pushes in but the lock cylinder will not pull out, you may have to loosen the electrical portion of the ignition switch located further down the column. I had to do this in order to remove this one and yes, I realise that I am showing pictures of removing and installing the same new lock cylinder in all of the pictures. Just the way it works out sometimes.

If you have to get to the electrical portion of the ignition switch, it is located above the aluminum plate show in the picture. Remove the 6 bolts holding the bracket on and the steering column will drop down and you will find the switch on the left side of the column. It is held in place by two nuts.

31 discussions on “1990 Ford F150 Pickup Truck,Changing The Ignition Lock Cylinder And Keys”

  1. It is very likely that the electrical part of the ignition switch is your problem. I have seen this many times. In most cases the blower motor will not work either. Once the engine is running, slowly turn the key switch towards the off position to see if you can find the sweet spot that will allow the turn signals to work. Although the vehicles are different I have included a repair post address to a similar complaint. You will need to copy and paste the address.

    http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2009/05/2003-e350-super-duty-van-turn-signals.html

  2. By design that should not happen. Did you get a brand new lock cylinder or a used one? Remove the new lock cylinder. While it is in your hand, rotate it on and see if the key can be removed. Remove the key and see if it will turn. The only thing that I can visualize is that you have the extra button on the column that has to be pushed to switch the lock cylinder into the lock position. If so there could be a problem there.

  3. Sparky, Your advice helped greatly in switching out the ignition lock. It did not fix my issue. I am hoping that you have some further advice. When I take my key out of the ignition I can still start my truck. I switched the ignition, but still no luck. Any suggestions?

    Thanks,

    Jesse

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