chuckeycharles

I have a 1993 F150. It has been a great truck. Right now I cannot turn the key to the start position.

The truck has sat for a year or so because I drove a company vehicle. Now I'm laid off and need to use the truck.

My repair manual says to turn the key to the on position and then use a 1/8" drill bit to push in the release button.

I had to use WD-40 to loosen up the tumbler enough to turn it to the on position. But, now that I have it there, I cannot tell if I am able to depress the release button. I have removed shroud for the steering column, so I am able to see the hole on the lock cylinder assembly for the release point.

I also have used a number 0 phillips screw driver which is nearly the exact same diameter as a 1/8 drill bit.

Is it possible that the release button is frozen? If so what might loosen it up? Can it be safely drilled out? What risks do I encounter if I attempt to drill it out?

Thanks for your help and advise.

Bert

It won't push up at all? Try turning the key in that area while pushing the pin up. The pin is metal and the area around it is aluminum and the drill will slide off and eat up the aluminum before the pin. If it's corroded, try spraying WD40 in there too and maybe tapping it up then pull out on the lock cylinder.

__________________
Bert

chuckeycharles

Yeah, it sure did not feel like it was pushing up. I did try spraying WD 40 in there. Maybe if it sits over night. I will try to find something else about the same diameter and see if I can tap it with a hammer to loosen it.

I guess it is safe to say that once the retaining pin pushes up the cylinder should slide out with ease? It sure feels like that when I pull on it with the key while it is in the on position.

Bert

You're right, that pin is all that holds it from pulling out. Hope it pulls out tomorrow.

__________________
Bert

chuckeycharles

Bad weather, could not try again until this morning (Tuesday)

Still cannot get the cylinder to pull out.

It looks like the pin had already moved and I just did not realize it. I turned the cylinder back to the off position and removed the key. Then reinserted the key and turned it back to the on position. Now I can both see and feel the retaining pin move, but pulling on the key and key ring is not enough force to get the cylinder to pull out.

Do I need to pry on it. I am afraid that I would damage the cylinder housing. The pot metal looks none too sturdy.

Aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeyooowwwwwww!!!!!! I hate working on stuff like this. Give me something made of steel that I can beat on, pry on or put heat to it.

Bert

If the pin moves in, it should pull out. You could try prying a little but be careful.

__________________
Bert