*Update on key cylinder - Not good*

[sly]

yes. that top bracket is just two screws... it's no big deal.

[turbo2256b]

You might see some similar componets in my steering columb stupid thread.

[VicCrownVic]

I found my problem! Check this out alchemist, if you haven't already found your problem.

2 cents worth of plastic was the problem!
Undo the four 1/2 inch/13mm nuts that hold the steering column up and when you lower the steering column you might see this:


Unscrew the torx bolts with t30 torx driver, pop the shift cable off toward the fire wall and remove the shift tube and you might see something like this:


Notice how the plastic bushing is blocking that slot in the shift tube, that is where the lever below engages to allow the key to return to the lock position. Top of the column with the shift tube removed:


In my case my shift problem has nothing to do with the key problem. But now I understand why, just like you saw on yours, when you turn the key to the lock position the shifter would move.
Hope this helps, and thanks for giving me a reason to finally dig into this.

[gadget73]

so what did you have to do, rotate the bushing so the notch clears the lock pin?

[VicCrownVic]

Shift tube bushings, OEM part# F3TZ7L278A, Dorman part# 905-103.
So far I have found quite a few results for 50 pack of these bushings for $30 or more.
Or a pack of 2 for $5:

http://starkvilleford.ecrater.com/p/9503926/f3tz7l278a-transmission-shifter-bushings-pack-of

I'm not sure but that link might be for a Ford dealer in Starkville, MS, the contact and about links are blank.

[VicCrownVic]

so what did you have to do, rotate the bushing so the notch clears the lock pin?

In the pics of just the shift tube the bushing should be all the way to the right, against the ridge in the tube. This would put it closer to the firewall and back under the bracket when assembled. I should have thought to take a pic of where it should be.

Since the bottom lip wore off and it slid up the shift tube I flipped it so what was left of the other lip would keep if from sliding back up until I can get replacements.

[VicCrownVic]

It's hard to tell in the picture but the bushing was actually cracked and bent into the slot, so when I took the shift tube off it stayed right there.
The last couple days I had no problems with the key since the bushing finally cracked, allowing that lock lever to engage enough to allow the key to lock.

[alchemist]

Update- getting the bushings back to their originally designated locations was the key. Took out most of the slop and helped align the cylinder lock mechanism! Thanks Vic for your pics too. That may also have been part of my problem though not verified.

[alchemist]

Just got word from my son that the shift tube is messing up once again. I would suspect that the bushing has come out of its spot and is blocking the steering wheel lock mechanism (to then allow the key cylinder to turn to lock position). I'm gonna buy some new bushings this evening. My Ford dealer here has 'em for $4.50 a piece - he says they replace these things ALL the TIME. bad design by Ford, evidently.

[VicCrownVic]

Yeah mine is still not 100% the past few days it has been acting up again. The first few days (not sure how long) it worked perfect, so that bushing may have slipped out again. Every time it acts up I just shift out of park and back to park and the key comes out.

I need to get around to getting new bushings to see if that is the only problem I have or if there is more to it.

Glad the pictures helped, once I got in there it really cleared up some of the unknowns that I was unsure about, and gave me a better idea how it worked.

[alchemist]

Based on your previous post, I would say that is exactly what has happened. Once it gets a little warmer, I'll dig into mine. When that top bushing slips, it reaks hell and havoc on the mechanism. Bastard design!!

[VicCrownVic]

Replaced my bushings today, the old bushing had slid back out of place again, I left the key stuck in so that I could see the bushing moving when I turned the key and it wouldn't turn to the lock position. I have a video of it but it's a bit shaky, youtube did a decent job fixing the shaky video for me though and even automatically rotated it too.
You can take the old ones off without removing the shift tube from the steering column, but I recommend taking it off since I had to fish out a couple broken pieces of bushing. The shifter sure feels more firm with the new bushings now and the key comes out like it should.

[sly]

oh wow... those bushings are completely jacked.