Replacing gear shift handle on column

Might have to disassemble the steering column and covers to access the ignition switch and replace. In some vehicles you will need to remove the driver airbag and steering wheel.

Make sure you follow safety procedures when doing so, specially when handling the airbag.

Its a simple fix - you just need to put your right hand underneath the dash, under the ignition switch with the stuck key, and feel around for the stiff transmission-shift-lock cable, and just giggle it about a bit. Try all directions, don't be aggressive with it; and eventually you will be able to turn the key to the LOCK position. Good luck

I took the cover off the steering column by removing 4 screws. (I had to remove the dash by removing 2 screws behind the Hood release and yanking the cover off. This is how you gain access to the two forward most bolts on the steering column cover.) From hear you should see the shift interlock on the top right of the sterring column. Pull the white lever to release the key lock. Turn the key to lock and remove your key.
I would then purchase a new interlock and replace it.

I had a similar problem several years ago with my 1993 Dodge intrepid. None of the instruments on the dash would work. When this would happen the transmission would not shift past second gear. My heater blower was Not running all the time. What I found was the wiring harness to the ignition switch did not have enough slack in it. This was causing the ignition switch plug to randomly lose contact with the ignition switch. The first thing you need to do is remove the steering column covers. Put the tilt steering all the way up. Look under the steering column cover. There are 2 phillips head screws and 3 recessed T-10 torx tip screws that hold the 2 halves of the cover together and to the steering column. Remove all 5 screws. The handle used to tilt the steering wheel also has to be removed. You will need a T-30 torx tip to remove it. Now carefully remove the bottom half of the cover. The ignition switch wiring harness is under the steering column. I just reached in under the column and gently pulled on the harness until it had a little slack when I left go. Make sure the ignition switch plug is plugged in all the way. You might even want to unplug it and plug it back in several times just in case a slight film of corrosion has accumulated on any of the electrical terminals. This will help clean it off. You could also look inside the plug to make sure none of the terminals are bent or pushed part way out the back. I hope this solves your problem. Mine has not reoccurred in the 8 years since I did this.

SECTION 211-05: Steering Column Switches 1998 Expedition/Navigator Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Procedure revision date: 02/11/2000 Multifunction Switch Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301).

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582).
   1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Insert a punch through the hole in the lower steering column shroud and push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.

1. Twist the tilt wheel handle and shank (3F609) and remove.

1. NOTE: Move gear selector to lowest position to access steering column opening cover.
   Release the four clips and remove the steering column opening cover.

1. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
   1. Remove the three screws.
   1. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
   1. Remove the upper steering column shroud.

1. Remove the multi function switch.
   1. Remove the two screws.
   1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
   1. Remove the multi function switch.

Installation

1. NOTE: When the battery (10655) is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 mi) or more to relearn the strategy.
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.

The steering column needs to be dropped to get at it.

Put blocks behind your tires, your car could shift out of park while repairing.

First remove the dash cover below the steering column. Carefully remove the metal clip for the transmission gear shift indicator, and note it's position. Then remove the two bolts from the metal bracket holding the column in place. It should float freely now.

The ignition switch is on top of the column, on the left side. There should be a metal rod and a whole bunch of wires running to it. There are two screws holding the bracket to the column.

Be careful with that rod, if it falls out of the column, it is almost impossible to put back!

I don't know what a new ignition switch comes with, but there should be some instructions for wiring.

Good luck!

Removal & Installation

1. Disable the SIR system.



Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) center trim panel by releasing the retaining fasteners

1. Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) center trim panel (1) by pulling out on the trim panel in order to release the retaining fasteners (2).
   
2. Disconnect the electrical connectors on the Instrument Panel (I/P) center trim panel (1).
   

Remove the steering column opening filler assembly, with clip, & bumper

3. Remove the steering column opening filler assembly (1) by pulling away the clips (2).
4. Disconnect the electrical connector for the trunk release.




Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) left side trim panel

1. Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) left side trim panel (1).
   
2. Tilt the steering wheel up.
   
3. Disconnect the I/P dimmer switch and, if equipped, the fog lamp switch.
   

Remove the 4 bezel screws (2) & the Instrument Panel (I/P) cluster bezel assembly (1)

1. Tilt the steering wheel down.
   
2. Remove the 4 instrument panel cluster bezel screws.
   
3. Remove the instrument panel cluster bezel.
   

Remove the steering column trim covers: steering column upper cover assembly, steering column left cover assembly, & steering column right cover assembly

Remove the steering column trim covers:

• Remove the 3 cover screws (4).
  
• Remove the steering column upper cover assembly (1).
  
• Remove the steering column left cover assembly (2).
  
• Remove the steering column right cover assembly (3).
  

Removal of the ignition switch

1. Disconnect the ignition switch harness connector.

1. WARNING

The ignition switch must be in the run position during removal in order to avoid damage to the ignition switch.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the run position.
   
2. Remove the ignition switch screws.
   
3. Remove the ignition switch from the steering column.
   

To install:

1. Install the ignition switch and screws on to the steering column. Tighten the screws to 17 inch lbs. (2 Nm).
   
2. Connect the ignition switch harness connector.
   
3. Installation is the reverse of removal procedure.
   
4. Tighten the trim cover screws to 17 inch lbs. (2 Nm)
   
5. Tighten the 4 instrument panel cluster bezel screws to 19 inch lbs. (2 Nm)
   
6. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint System), arming the system.
   NOTE If the ignition switch is replaced and a learn procedure is not performed, the engine will crank but not start or will start and stall immediately.
   
   
7. Perform the vehicle theft deterrent system learn procedure.
   

Removal & Installation
NOTE This is an extremely difficult and lengthy procedure. You must remove the steering column from the vehicle and disassemble major portions of it. Because the column is collapsible in an accident, it is necessary that it be handled with care to avoid distortion of major parts. It must not be dropped, hammered on or even leaned on, or vitally important parts may deform. The procedure for replacing the ignition switch on tilt type columns is not included here because it involves substantial additional work and the use of several expensive special tools. Unless you are rather experienced, we recommend that the job be left to a competent professional mechanic.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the clamp bolt from the steering coupling at the lower end of the steering column shaft (located near the steering box, under the hood).
   
2. Disconnect the shift linkage from the shift tube lever at the lower end of the column.
   
3. Remove the steering wheel with a puller, as described above.
   
4. Remove the left sound insulator and lower column cover.
   
5. Remove the trim cap or lower trim panel from the instrument panel, depending on equipment.
   
6. Remove the steering column cover and toe-pan attaching screws. Remove the shift indicator needle from the shift bowl.
   
7. Securely support the column in position and remove the two nuts attaching the column to the underside of the instrument panel.
   
8. Lower the column carefully, being careful to retain any spacers that may have been used in order. Disconnect the wiring. Then, carefully remove the column from the inside of the vehicle.
   
9. Begin disassembling the column, removing the lock plate, canceling cam, and turn signal switch. See the "Turn Signal" Removal & Installation procedure above.
   
10. Remove the ignition lock and key warning switch as described below.
    
11. Remove the spring and bolt assembly, and the associated thrust washer. Then, remove the rack preload spring, switch rack, and actuator assembly.
    
12. Remove the upper shift lever spring. Then, remove the gear shift lever bowl.
    
13. Remove the shift bowl shroud and bowl lower bearing.
    
14. Unhook and remove the dimmer switch actuating rod. Remove the attaching nut and remove the dimmer switch.
    
15. Remove the attaching screw and stud and remove the ignition switch, disassembling the actuating rod from the hole in the sliding actuator.
    

Replacing the ignition switch

To install:

1. Move the ignition switch sliding actuator all the way to the left (ACC) position. Then, move it two detents (OFF-UNLOCK) position to the right.
   
2. Then, position the actuating rod hole in the sliding actuator, and install the ignition switch, stud, and mounting screw.
   
3. Install the dimmer switch with its attaching nut tightened only loosely. Then, depress the switch slightly until you can insert a 3/32 in. drill through the hole in the switch housing and slider. Force the switch upward to remove any lash and tighten the mounting screw with the switch in this position.
   
4. Put the shifter in NEUTRAL and install the shift lever.
   
5. Install the shift bowl shroud and bowl lower bearing.
   
6. Install the rack preload spring, switch rack, and actuator assembly. Install the spring and bolt assembly, and the associated thrust washer.
   
7. Install the ignition lock and key warning switch as described below.
   
8. Reinstall the column into the vehicle. Make sure when assembling the lower and upper dash covers that they can slide on the column. If the bracket which mounts the column to the dash has been removed, install the bolts in this order:
   
   • Left rear
     
   • Left front
     
   • Right front
     
   • Right rear
     

Tighten the bolts just snug to avoid distorting the column.

1. Install the switch connector to the ignition switch. Then, position the column in the body and support it there. Install the lockwashers and nuts for the coupling and tighten them. Then, loosely assemble the nuts fastening the mounting bracket for the column to the lower side of the instrument panel.
   
2. Position the lower cover to the firewall and ensure that the cover is lined up by starting the left lower screw. Then, install and tighten the right lower screw. Then, tighten the left lower screw. Finally, install and tighten the two screws that fit into the top of the cover.
   
3. Tighten first the screw for the left side of the cover clamp; then tighten the screw for the right side of the cover clamp. Finally, install and tighten the remaining cover screws.
   
4. Finally, tighten the nuts fastening the column to the underside of the dash. Reinstall the bolt for the steering coupling clamp.
   
5. Install the lock plate, canceling cam, and turn signal switch. See the "Turn Signal" Removal & Installation procedure in this section.
   
6. Connect the wiring.
   
7. Securely support the column in position and install the two nuts attaching the column to the underside of the instrument panel.
   
8. Install the shift indicator needle from the shift bowl. Install the steering column cover and toe-pan attaching screws.
   
9. Install the trim cap or lower trim panel to the instrument panel, depending on equipment.
   
10. Install the left sound insulator and lower column cover.
    
11. Install the steering wheel, as described above.
    
12. Connect the shift linkage to the shift tube lever at the lower end of the column.
    
13. Install the clamp bolt to the steering coupling at the lower end of the steering column shaft (located near the steering box, under the hood).
    
14. Connect the negative battery cable and check all column operations for free movement and smooth operation.
    

If your Ford Focus is not starting, and you know the battery and alternator are good, the problem could lie in the ignition system. The ignition switch is a whole cylinder inserted into the steering column that connects to the starter motor. When you change an ignition switch, you are also replacing the key.

1. Remove the dashboard panel below the steering column in your car; it should be screwed in place. Remove the steering column's upper cover by releasing its clips with a flat-head screwdriver.
   
2. Look for the audio control switch---a small device sticking out of the steering column that acts like a remote control. If one exists, release the switch's plastic locking tang with the screwdriver, and unplug the electrical connector to remove the switch.
   
3. Loosen the steering column by releasing the locking lever, and remove the steering column's lower cover by pulling out the screws with the screwdriver.
   
4. Use your ignition key to turn the switch to the left---the position that would activate the accessories but not start the car. Insert the screwdriver into the hole in the top of the cylinder to depress the detent spring, and pull out the cylinder with the key inside.
   
5. Insert the new key into the new ignition switch, and line up the switch inside the steering column so it's in the same place the old switch was in when you removed it. Make sure the detent locks into place; then turn the switch so it's in the "Off" position.
   
6. Replace all the covers and panels you removed to access the cylinder, along with the audio control switch, if applicable, in reverse order of
   

Things You'll Need:

• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Ignition switch and key

Tips & Warnings

• Older Ford Focus models may have a different method of removing and changing the ignition switch. Check an automotive guide for your particular year and model.
• Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before working on the ignition or any other electrical component of your car.

I hope helped with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.

what year?

1999 electrcial ign switch. Lock cylinder is different

211-05: Steering Column Switches 1999 Town Car Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Position the LH instrument panel insulator aside.
   1. Remove the pin-type retainers.
   1. Position the insulator.

1. Remove the LH instrument panel insulator.
   1. Disconnect the courtesy lamp.
   1. Remove the insulator.

1. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column opening cover.
   • Remove the screws.
   • Unhook the parking brake release handle and position aside.
   • Remove the cover.

1. Remove the five bolts to remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   1. Loosen the bolt.
   1. Disconnect the electrical connector.

1. NOTE: The ignition key should be in the OFF position.
   Remove the ignition switch.
   1. Remove the bolts.
   1. Remove the switch.

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SECTION 211-04: Steering Column 1999 Town Car Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder —Functional Lock Cylinder Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable; for additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582).
   1. Insert the ignition key and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Press the ignition switch lock cylinder release pin while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.

Ok,if you pull the cover off the steering column,you will see the electrical part of the ignition,it is the part the key cylinder is inserted in and the wires run down to a connector about halfway down the steering column.Just replace that piece and all should be fine.