Automobile Enthusiasts

dweller

(26,725 posts) Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:13 PM Apr 2023

I'm in need of info about replacing an aftermarket ignition switch

When the key has been lost 😞
No locksmith will make me a new key (or so they say) bc it’s aftermarket …

So I’m going to have to break this one to replace it with another .

Any tips ? And no I’m not trying to steal a car, it’s my old ford Ranger and I need to get it towed away, but the steering wheel is locked turning right, and can’t get it on a tow truck that way

Help ?

Tia

✌🏻

26 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

I'm in need of info about replacing an aftermarket ignition switch (Original Post) dweller Apr 2023 OP

Don't use a flat bed tow vehicle. Get one that picks the front wheels. patphil Apr 2023 #1

Good idea but dweller Apr 2023 #2

I figured you did, but I said, "what the hey, I'll give it a try". patphil Apr 2023 #4

Jack the front end up on a floor jack, then have the tow truck pull it out......NT essaynnc Apr 2023 #3

No floor jack dweller Apr 2023 #5

There is usually a metal tag witth a number that comes with the ignition keys. Beastly Boy Apr 2023 #6

It's an after market ignition dweller Apr 2023 #9

No tag, I am assuming. With the tag it should have worked the same with aftermarket vendors Beastly Boy Apr 2023 #14

Disconnect the steering column from the steering box. taxi Apr 2023 #7

How tough is that ? dweller Apr 2023 #11

It's only one bolt. taxi Apr 2023 #18

Excellent suggestion!!! n/t RKP5637 Apr 2023 #23

This message was self-deleted by its author Beachnutt Apr 2023 #8

Youtube Beachnutt Apr 2023 #10

Got my grandson doing that dweller Apr 2023 #12

Remove the steering wheel! Mopar151 Apr 2023 #24

What about the airbag ? dweller Apr 2023 #25

Look on you tube how to break it out KS Toronado Apr 2023 #13

Locksmiths declined even touching it dweller Apr 2023 #15

Would this help? discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2023 #16

Gravel drive dweller Apr 2023 #21

BTW what year? n/t discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2023 #17

1997 dweller Apr 2023 #19

You tube covers 1997 KS Toronado Apr 2023 #20

Most of them start with dweller Apr 2023 #22

I talked to my tow guy dweller Apr 2023 #26

patphil

(7,972 posts)

1. Don't use a flat bed tow vehicle. Get one that picks the front wheels.

Reply to dweller (Original post)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:15 PM

Apr 2023

dweller

(26,725 posts)

2. Good idea but

Reply to patphil (Reply #1)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:18 PM

Apr 2023

It’s parked pointing at a telephone pole 3 ft in front of it and I can’t roll it back and to the right without hitting the house … I’ve thought of that …

😐

✌🏻

patphil

(7,972 posts)

4. I figured you did, but I said, "what the hey, I'll give it a try".

Reply to dweller (Reply #2)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:22 PM

Apr 2023

essaynnc

(921 posts)

3. Jack the front end up on a floor jack, then have the tow truck pull it out......NT

Reply to dweller (Original post)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:20 PM

Apr 2023

dweller

(26,725 posts)

5. No floor jack

Reply to essaynnc (Reply #3)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:23 PM

Apr 2023

And it’s a gravel drive 🫤

✌🏻

Beastly Boy

(12,758 posts)

6. There is usually a metal tag witth a number that comes with the ignition keys.

Reply to dweller (Original post)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:31 PM

Apr 2023

Do you by any chance have it saved somewhere?

If you bring this tag to a Ford dealer, they can order a replacement key for you.

dweller

(26,725 posts)

9. It's an after market ignition

Reply to Beastly Boy (Reply #6)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:35 PM

Apr 2023

Ford doesn’t care 🤨

✌🏻

Beastly Boy

(12,758 posts)

14. No tag, I am assuming. With the tag it should have worked the same with aftermarket vendors

Reply to dweller (Reply #9)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:39 PM

Apr 2023

Sorry.

taxi

(2,346 posts)

7. Disconnect the steering column from the steering box.

Reply to dweller (Original post)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:31 PM

Apr 2023

dweller

(26,725 posts)

11. How tough is that ?

Reply to taxi (Reply #7)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:36 PM

Apr 2023

That may work …

✌🏻

taxi

(2,346 posts)

18. It's only one bolt.

Reply to dweller (Reply #11)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:44 PM

Apr 2023

Do a quick search for steering column link - here's one:
https://www.amazon.com/Intermediate-Universal-Expedition-8L1Z-3B676-8L1Z3B676A/dp/B07VFZ7K5J/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35OQB7A4F6FTL&keywords=steering%2Bcolumn%2Blink&qid=1681249331&sprefix=steering%2Bcolumn%2Blink%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-3&th=1

There is a bolt on each end, one end connects to the steering box, the other the steering column. Just take out the one bolt and slide the joint (the part that bends) off. The wheels will straighten right out as soon as the truck is pulled. easy peasy

RKP5637

(67,112 posts)

23. Excellent suggestion!!! n/t

Reply to taxi (Reply #7)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:57 PM

Apr 2023

Response to dweller (Original post)

Beachnutt This message was self-deleted by its author.

Beachnutt

(8,770 posts)

10. Youtube

Reply to dweller (Original post)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:36 PM

Apr 2023

dweller

(26,725 posts)

12. Got my grandson doing that

Reply to Beachnutt (Reply #10)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 05:38 PM

Apr 2023

This truck is a summer restoration project for us , I just have to get it moved from here

✌🏻

Mopar151

(10,303 posts)

24. Remove the steering wheel!

Reply to dweller (Reply #12)

Tue Apr 11, 2023, 06:57 PM

Apr 2023

The locking plate is behind it. Push the plate in a bit, and pry the lock ring out of its groove. Once you pull the plate out, you should be able to slip the steering wheel back on, and steer!