Ignition Lock Cylinder

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ignition lock cylinder assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including removal of the steering column covers and disconnection of the electrical connectors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition lock cylinder assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition lock cylinder retaining pin (if not included with cylinder) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Ensure transmission is in Park position
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system discharge
5. Adjust steering column to lowest position and telescope fully out for maximum access
6. Ensure you have the original ignition key available for removal procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate the screws securing the lower steering column cover (typically 2-3 Phillips head screws on the underside). Remove these screws and gently pull the lower cover down and away from the column. Be careful of the clips on the rear edge of the cover.
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   With the lower cover removed, locate the screws holding the upper steering column cover (typically 2-3 screws accessible from below). Remove these screws, then separate the upper cover by releasing any retaining clips. Lift the upper cover up and away from the steering column.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access ignition lock cylinder area
   With both column covers removed, locate the ignition lock cylinder housing on the right side of the steering column. Identify the electrical connector for the ignition switch (located at the base of the lock cylinder assembly). Use a flashlight to clearly see the lock cylinder retaining pin access hole.
4. 4

   Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the ignition switch electrical connector and carefully pull it straight out from the switch housing. If connector is difficult to remove, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently assist with the release tab while pulling. Do not force the connector.
5. 5

   Position key for cylinder removal
   Insert the ignition key and turn it to the ON/RUN position (second position, not START). This retracts the lock cylinder retaining pin internally and allows removal. Verify the key turns smoothly to this position.
   ⚠The key MUST be in the ON/RUN position for cylinder removal. Attempting removal in any other position will damage the lock mechanism
6. 6

   Release lock cylinder retaining pin
   Locate the small access hole on the lock cylinder housing (typically on the underside or side of the housing). Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or pick tool into this hole to depress the retaining pin. You should feel the pin compress approximately 3-5mm. Maintain pressure on the retaining pin.
7. 7

   Remove ignition lock cylinder
   While maintaining pressure on the retaining pin with one hand, use your other hand to gently pull the lock cylinder straight out of the housing using the key as a handle. The cylinder should slide out smoothly with steady, even pressure. If it binds, verify the key is still in the ON/RUN position and the retaining pin is fully depressed.
8. 8

   Prepare new lock cylinder
   Remove the new lock cylinder from packaging. Insert the key into the new cylinder and turn to the ON/RUN position. Verify the new cylinder operates smoothly through all positions (LOCK, ACC, ON/RUN, START). Check that any included retaining pin is properly installed in the new cylinder.
9. 9

   Install new lock cylinder
   With the key in the ON/RUN position in the new cylinder, align the cylinder with the housing opening. Ensure the key is oriented correctly (key slot should match the original position). Slide the cylinder straight into the housing until you hear or feel the retaining pin click into place. The cylinder should be fully seated and flush with the housing.
10. 10

    Test lock cylinder operation
    Turn the key through all positions: LOCK, ACC, ON/RUN, and START (do not hold in START position without battery connected). Verify smooth operation and that the key returns properly from START position. Try removing the key in LOCK position to verify the lock mechanism is functioning. Reinsert key and leave in OFF position.
11. 11

    Reconnect ignition switch electrical connector
    Align the ignition switch electrical connector with the switch housing and push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place. Ensure no wires are pinched between the connector and column components.
12. 12

    Reinstall upper steering column cover
    Position the upper steering column cover over the column, ensuring all alignment tabs engage properly with the lower column housing. Press the cover into place to engage any retaining clips. Install the cover screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall lower steering column cover
    Align the lower steering column cover with the column and upper cover. Engage the rear clips first, then press the cover into position. Verify all clips are fully engaged. Install the cover screws and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and final testing
    Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten securely. Without starting the engine, turn the key to the ON/RUN position and verify all dash warning lights illuminate normally. Check that the steering wheel lock engages when the key is removed and disengages when the key is inserted and turned.

Reassembly

1. Verify all steering column covers are properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
2. Ensure no wires are pinched between covers or other components
3. Confirm all cover screws are installed and torqued to 12.0 Nm (9.0 lb-ft)
4. Test steering wheel tilt and telescope functions to ensure covers do not interfere with operation

Verification

• Turn ignition key through all positions (LOCK, ACC, ON/RUN, START) multiple times to verify smooth operation
• Verify key can be inserted and removed only in the LOCK position
• Start the engine and confirm normal operation with no dash warning lights related to ignition system
• Verify steering wheel lock engages when key is removed and disengages smoothly when key is turned
• Check that all electrical accessories (radio, power windows, etc.) operate normally in ACC and ON positions
• Confirm anti-theft system (if equipped) recognizes the new cylinder and allows normal vehicle operation

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