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. Ignition switch jammed, was working, key in it,in park, would not turn. We all tried to turn key, could not release the pin, or get wheel to turn, or get it out of park. Decided to drill out cylinder, which we did, but there is a metal piece still in the hole at the bottom of the now empty assembly for the cylinder, and wheel wont turn, We did not try the electric part of ign. switch, but did have to unhook the transmission to tow it out of the road with the snow plow on it. Is there a way to start the engine without replacing the cylinder, as we dont need a key to start it, or even have the steering wheel lock, it is a ranch vechicle and doesnt go more than 5 miles from home.

  2. Ignition would not turn,while in the middle of snowplowing. We could not get the key to turn at all and could not push the pin in. Decided to drill out the cylinder, and finally got it out, but for a part at the bottom hole which seems to be plugging the area the bottom of the replacement cylinder would fit., steering wheel still locked, unable to move out of park. Got the starter to make a sound, before we disconnected the battery while drilling it. We do not need a key, or need the steering to lock (the car is a ranch vechicle, snow plowing in winter and water hauling in summer) Can we put a switch , or use a screw driver to start it and not replace the cylinder? we will try to jiggle the linkage and play with the electric part of the ignition. Any other suggestions?

  3. I turned my key to start my truck & it all electrical came on but where the key should hav stopped @ start it just kept turning all the way around & going in reverse with the key to shut it off it just goes in circles & electrical is stuck on…what do I need to do. My brother said something about a broken rod in the ignition…

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