Hmmm...stiff ignition switch(truck)

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by David Gramlow, Oct 31, 2002.

  1. Now that cold weather is setting in here, the ignition switch on my 89 F150 (daily driver) is really getting difficult to turn, it's almost impossible to "feel" just where it is when turning it, have to look to see what position it is in. It started to get this way a bit last winter too, but not nearly so bad. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to lubricate it myself? It turns perfectly fine in warm weather conditions, but the cold is really causing problems now. Or would it be best to have a shop/dealer take it apart, clean it up, etc...??
     
  2. :( No one has any suggestions?? :confused:
     
  3. Marc Frappier

    Marc Frappier Big Blocks Rule.

    sticky

    Dave

    DAMN FORD....just kidding
    If it were my problem I would take some brake cleaner and flush that dirty ignition. Don't worry brake cleaner is safe to use, some cans even say "brake and electrical cleaner. This will free up all the sludge in the key. If you can blow it out real good then use a very light lubricating spray i.e LPS or WD-40. This worked very well on a ignition problem of my own.

    Good Luck:grin:
    Marc
     
  4. Re: sticky

    You got that right! Actually it's been a decent truck for me, it just doesn't have any freakin' power...stupid 302, crappy automatic transmission...

    Anyway, thanks for the brake cleaner tip...might have to give that a try, if I can do a decent job of protecting other interior surfaces from the overspray.
     
  5. GSXMEN

    GSXMEN Got Jesus?

    David,

    I know of a couple of guys that have had to replace their ignition switch on their Fords!:Dou: They might have even had some recalls on switches.:Do No:

    Shouldn't be too much to switch it for a new one (hopefully). I'd hate to hear that it 'froze up' on you, in the start position or something. That's not a pleasant sound.:Brow:
     
  6. Greg Schmelzer

    Greg Schmelzer What are you looking at?!

    Contact cleaner!!!

    Try Contact Cleaner and then follow that up with a shot of silicone spray lube directly into your hole. Key hole, I mean! :laugh:

    CRC makes good stuff. We use it at work all the time, to the tune of almost 45-50 cans per week. It really does a good job of de-greaseing (sp) the switch and the silicone is such a light weight oil that it will not 'gum up'. Plus it doesn't get 'thick in the cold. Another tip from Alaska for you. Although, I'm sure you guys from ND know a bit about cold.:eek2: :laugh:

    Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
     

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