nuetral saftey switch

[gebus]

a few spelling mistakes but, who the hell cares?
Any way, the "nutral safty switch" as i have heard it called, (basically, it makes it so you actually need the key to start it)...i don't need a key,

I was wondering, (i know it's in the steering column) so it's a really hard fix, i was wondering if it would be easier to just change the whole steering column, case and all, as opposed to getting a puller and pulling out the culumn,
my buddy's buying an 86 ford F150 xlt, and he said that if i wanted i could have the steering culumn to replace my old one, (he only wants the truck for the engine)

Which would be easier, fixing the switch, or replacing the whole shaft??

(oh its a 81 Custom F-100 and the shaft will fit

[protege]

I'd guess fixing the switch wold be easier. Either replace it, or It may be out of adjustment.
If you don't need a key to start it then its probably not the switch, but rathere the ignition switch has just plum wore out. I've seen it happen before. The neutral safety switch is to keep your car from starting in drive/reverse etc.

[gebus]

And how would i go about doing that? i have a manual, would that help, and also, will i have to buy a whole new ignition switch, and if so where could i get one?

[82_camaro_owner]

advanced auto has them for under 10 bucks, youd need a screw driver and 1 small alan wrench to replace it. its real simple no manual even needed, the new switch comes with all the direction you need

[gebus]

is there anywhere that i could go and order one like on the internet?
Because i typed in advancedauto.com and it says all the store locations in the us and im in Thunder Bay Ontario Canada

[gebus]

This would add on to the last one, never mind about the ignition switch, i found one at jegs.com , but i need a power steering pump, and a windshield washer fluid pump, i was wondering if anyone knows a price for these, Newer, just before i decide to go out to the local scrao yard, newer is better (to me anyway)

[82_camaro_owner]

if you buy a pump you'll have to find somebody with the correct tools to remove the pulley and resivor (i know i mispelt it but im tired) and replace them with precision so your belts are lined up. a pump is around 80 bucks or so. windshield washer pumps are cheap 10-15 bucks and easy to replace if its not built into the motor itself if it is you hafta buy a new motor and everything

[KA9MOT]

Ummm Guys? Ummmm.........The neutral safety switch has absolutely nothing to do with the key. That would be the lock.

The neutral safety switch on a Ford truck is located on the transmission and only allows the truck to start in neutral or park.

The ignition switch is located on top of the steering column and if the engine starts as it should and the only problem is that you don't need a key it is because the lock is broken or somebody removed the tumblers because they did not have the key for whatever reason. To change the switch you drop the column, remove the plastic covers, and two screws/bolts hold it in place. It has a rod running from the lock to it and a bunch of wires. You can't miss it.

By the way, It takes about ten minutes to change out the column. 1 bolt on the shaft, 4 through the firewall and 2 in the bottom of the dash. The bolt on the shaft is removed and then you take your hand and push the steering shaft toward the box to remove it, the other way to replace it. Have a friend make sure the wheel is not upside down when you replace the shaft.

See, all we have to do is stop and think.

[KA9MOT]

Oh......and before you replace the washer pump.......pull the line from the nozzle and see if it squirts water out of it. Allot of times the nozzles get clogged up because they have really little small tiny holes <--------redundancy

[KA9MOT]

Oh and........your local auto parts store will usually loan or rent you the tool to change the pulley. If not, find another auto parts store because they don't deserve your money. And don't try to hammer the pulley off. You'll just mess it up.

Also be very careful of the reservoir as it is plastic and can break. Never pry against it. Do your self a favor and get new lines too as they are cheap and are probably worn also. Don't forget to flush the system either.

[protege]

Originally posted by gebus
is there anywhere that i could go and order one like on the internet?
Because i typed in advancedauto.com and it says all the store locations in the us and im in Thunder Bay Ontario Canada
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