I'm new to this forum, iv'e got a 1995 Ranger with the 2.3 and 5 speed. most reliable vehicle i've ever owned. Heres the problem. The ignition switch doesnt need a key to start the truck, you just turn it ( although only the right keys fit the cylinder like they should) On " run" the cylinder practically falls out of the housing and on every other position is very loose. Now from what i understand there is a pin that is supposed to hold it in place with access to the pin from the bottom of the steering column. And it's not there. Maybe someone more familiar with these vehicles could tell me the layout of it and what i need?? This is the first ford i've owned and definitely different from my camaro's......
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John

 

You are correct in that the ignition cylinder can be pulled out by depressing a pin on the underside of the column. If you look on the lower shroud there is one hole that lines up with the retaining pin that holds in in there. The way it is supposed to work is a working key turns it to the "on" position and then you use a scratch awl and depress the pin. Then you simply pull out on the ignition and the whole plug comes out in your hand. If it can already almost come out, chances are you broke that retaining pin and need a new ignition cylinder plug. Any locksmith that does automotive can order you one and even re-key it to your existing key.

 

thanks for the info, the pin isn't there at all, the keys i have work fine in it, no other key fits it either, just like it supposed to, but it doesn't matter if a key is in there or not you can turn it and it starts,i'll see what i cant figure out tomorrow
thanks
john

 

Yeah, with that retainer pin gone the plug can move in and out and not engage the stops in the ignition housing. Worst case you need a plug and a housing. Plugs are cheap, maybe even as little as $20 at the dealership if I remember correctly.