help!! I am desperately trying to figure out how to replace the broken linkage between the ignition switch and the key cylinder on a '97 Taurus. This a plastic 2-piece arm that is connected with a link to accomodate the tilt steering wheel. I am totally stymied as to how to remove and replace these pieces...any help is greatly appreciated.
I can't help out, but just wanted to mention that I gave up on mine from a '96 taurus. A shop guy guesstimated a pricey repair (>300) due to the labor of tearing apart the steering column and replacing the $2 part. I start my car by manually moving the starter switch that lives at the base of the column. It looks like I'm hotwiring it every time I drive, but hey, whatever gets me on the road. If you do like me, don't forget to place your key in the cylinder anyway to disable the steering lock. It would seriously suck to have that lock when you are driving.
Martijn
yeah, if it were my car that's what I would do also...but it's the wife's car so I'm determined to get this done. Looks as if I need to remove the steering column...ya gotta wonder what imbecile came up with this design!! Wish me luck...
Replacing the steering column is the way to go and it's not a real tough job. It's even easier if you can get a column from a wreckers with same color steering wheel. I've done it on a 96 with Column mounted shift. IIRC, it took me about 4 hours. If you need, I'm sure I can dig out some instructions.
Jimbo
Pull the column out, it's not a bad job, and bring it to your local dealership for repair. They do it for other repair shops. It's not expensive.
There is quite a bit of disassembly involved with this repair. You will need to remove the steering wheel (special tool purchase) and the key cylinder (special tool purchase) after that its a snap. Oh yeah . . . lots of parts to get back in the right place :-) Good Luck
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