How to Change an Ignition Key Lock Cylinder for a 1994 Ford Ranger

You can replace the ignition key lock cylinder on a 1994 Ford Ranger separately from the ignition switch. Replacement of the lock cylinder is generally due to wear on the key or the tumblers. This causes difficulty in turning the ignition key on and off without maneuvering it around. If you've lost the key or the key won't turn in the lock cylinder, you'll have to remove the steering wheel

Instructions

Key Cylinder Removal Without a Key Available

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench. Wait one minute to allow the backup power supply in the airbag diagnostic monitor to fully discharge. Remove the tilt steering wheel lever by turning it counterclockwise. Place the truck in park. Remove the lower dash panel under the steering column using a socket and a ratchet. Remove the steering column collar by pressing on both the top and bottom and separating the two halves.

2

Remove the steering column shroud lower half by removing the screws up through the bottom of the shroud using a screwdriver. Pull the shroud down and to the rear to remove it.

3

Remove the steering wheel center airbag by removing the four nut-and-washer assemblies accessed through the rear of the steering wheel using a socket and a ratchet. Lift the airbag up a small amount and detach the airbag connector. Remove the airbag and lay it with the trim facing up outside the vehicle.

4

Remove the steering wheel nut using a socket and a ratchet. Look closely at the steering shaft where it passes through the wheel. Notice the alignment marks both on the steering wheel and the shaft. These must match when installing the steering wheel.

5

Install the steering wheel puller, making sure the screws from the puller to the steering wheel threaded holes are not too long. They should enter the steering wheel no more than a half inch or they will damage the clock spring.

6

Turn the tools center shaft clockwise with a wrench to remove the wheel. Lift off the wheel and feed the wires through the wheel. Turn the key to the On position. Insert the 1/8-inch diameter drill bit in the casting hole beneath the lock cylinder. Push up on the drill, thereby pushing the lock button into the lock cylinder. Pull the cylinder straight out. Disconnect the horn brush wiring connector.

Installation: Steering Wheel Removal Required

7

Lubricate the inside of the lock cylinder housing with light grease. Prepare the new lock cylinder by turning the key to the On position. Align the lock cylinder with the casting grooves and press the lock button up located on the bottom of the lock cylinder so it will slide in. Make sure that the tab on the rear of the lock cylinder aligns with the slot in the drive gear in the housing. Push the assembly all the way in as far as it will go until it is flush with the washer.

8

Rotate the key to the Off position and the lock button will engage the casting hole to lock it in place. Cycle the key to make sure it works properly. Connect the horn brush wire connector to the lock cylinder.

9

Install the lower steering column shroud. Install the steering column collar. Install the lower dash panel trim cover using a ratchet and a socket. Install the steering column tilt lever. Install the steering wheel by first threading the wires for the horn and airbag through the wheel. Align the marks on the wheel and steering shaft and push the wheel down over the shaft splines.

10

Install the steering wheel bolt and torque it to 33 foot-pounds. Attach the airbag wiring connector. Lay the airbag in place and install the four bolts through the rear of the steering wheel. Tighten them very lightly with a socket and a ratchet. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten it with a wrench.

Key Cylinder Removal When a Key is Available

11

Disconnect the negative cable on the battery using a wrench.

12

Remove the screws in the lower half of the steering column shroud using a screwdriver. Pull the shroud down and toward the rear to remove it.

13

Turn the ignition key to the "On" position. Insert the 1/8-inch diameter drill bit up through the hole in the casting beneath the key tumbler assembly. Push up on the drill bit to push the lock pin out of the hole in the casting thereby unlocking the tumbler mechanism. Pull the key tumbler straight out. Disconnect the horn brush wiring connector from the tumbler.

Installation When Steering Wheel Removal Is Not Required

14

Lubricate the inside of the lock cylinder housing with light grease. Turn the key to the On position. Align the lock cylinder with the casting grooves and press the lock button up located on the bottom of the lock cylinder so it will slide in. Push the assembly all the way in as far as it will go until it is flush with the washer.

15

Rotate the key to the Off position and the lock button will engage the casting hole to lock it in place. Cycle the key to make sure it works properly. Connect the horn brush wire connector to the lock cylinder.

16

Connect the horn brush electrical connector.

17

Cycle the key several times to check the operation. Install the lower steering column shroud.

18

Connect the negative battery cable and tighten with a wrench.