Just got a "new" 1989 F-150. It's got a manual transmission, and tilt-wheel steering. The ignition switch needs lots of jiggling to start the truck, especially when the steering wheel is in a high position. I'd like to look at the switch, clean it and/or replace it. I'm pretty sure the problem is the switch or the way the switch grabs that slider (and not the clutch safety switch or the solenoid). I'd like to fix it before it stops working all together.
How do I get the steel upper shroud off of the steering column? On my '84 Ranger this was all plastic and conisted of two pieces which were screwed together. On the '89 it seems to be one piece, and metal. It looks like if I pulled the steering wheel, I might be able to reach in and unbolt the ignition switch, then slide the whole deal off? (I'd still need to remove the knob for the flashers, does it unscrew or pull off?). Is this even the right approach?
Deja found some folks with the same question, but no answers. Also an indication that the chilton's book doesn't address this. What is the preferred shop manual for this truck. I normally go with the factory manual, but several people have told me that the Ford manual for this era is pretty lame. (My '84 has a decent Ford manual, but not really better than the Chilton's, and all of the emissions and driveability stuff is in a separate manual)
Thanks,
Bob Fourney