How to Remove the Ignition From a 1980 Ford F350

Save in repair costs and stretch your F350 pickup maintenance budget by doing some of the work yourself. You can remove the ignition switch from a 1980 Ford F350 and, if necessary, replace it in a few minutes in your garage. The switch in your F350 is mounted on the steering column, out of view. Still, whether you own the F350 with the automatic or manual transmission, you can access the switch using a few common tools you might already have in your toolbox.

Instructions

1

Set the transmission to "Park" (automatic) or "Reverse" (manual). Make sure the ignition key is in the "Lock" position and remove the key.

2

Detach the negative cable from the battery using a wrench. This is the black cable on the post with the negative sign next to it.

3

Remove the shroud at the base of the steering column so that you get access to the bracket holding the steering column to the under-dashboard frame. Use a Phillips screwdriver.

4

Unfasten the two bolts on the bracket that holds the steering column to the under-dashboard frame using a ratchet, short ratchet extension and socket.

5

Lower carefully and support the steering column. Locate the switch on top of the column. This is the beige, rectangular box with an electrical connector and a bracket.

6

Unplug the electrical connector and unfasten the two bolts holding the switch to the steering column using the ratchet, short ratchet extension and socket.

7

Lift the ignition switch straight up to disengage the actuator rod from the switch and remove the switch from the vehicle. If you are reinstalling the same switch, make sure the switch stays in the "Lock" position during installation. New switches come already set in the "Lock" position with a plastic pin that you need to remove during installation.