MooseKnuckle

Hello Folks,
New to the site, Im a Jeep man myself, but I need a little help with my buddys mustang.

Tonight I recieved a phone call from my buddy who stated that the key would not turn in his 89 Mustang. I drove over and sure enough it wouldnt do anything. I tried all the usual tricks, compressed air, WD-40, wiggling the wheel, etc. No luck.

What I need to know is, is it a bad job to replace the ignition cylinder on an 89 Mustang? Does anybody have a write-up on how to do it? Does it require any special tools?

its an 89 Mustang Conv. 2.3L Auto.

Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Lucas

thefonz

Not sure what you mean by wiggling the wheel. Try turning hard to the left and while holding the steering wheel try the key, then same to the right.
Also, I know you tried WD40, but also run the key in and out rapidly,maybe 10times then try it.

If either of these don't work you can change the switch. If the steering column has a plastic shroud around it, the switch must be turned to remove and replace it. If that is the case,you can hamer in a straight blade screwdriver (big one) into the keyhole. Then with a large adjustable wrench, give it a qiuck snatch to the on position,press the retainer and pull out key lock.

If it doesn't have the shroud around it, you will need to pull the steering wheel to replace it.
HTH