OEM 2000 Ford Windstar Ignition Lock Cylinder

2000 Ford Windstar Ignition Lock Cylinder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Non-Functional Ignition Lock Cylinder on 2000 Ford Windstar?

  A: When serving or repairing non-functional steering column lock cylinders you must use safety glasses to work on air bag vehicles and handle air bag modules for steering column deployment risk mitigation. The air bag module must be carried with the air bag and trim cover facing away from your body but you must never set it down to rest with the trim cover exposed. Wash your hands with soap and water after deployment to clean sodium hydroxide residue that could irritate your skin. Probing the connectors of an air bag module is dangerous because it can trigger accidental deployment which warrants immediate replacement of damaged or discolored air bag replacement modules. Examining sensor orientation in the vehicle and checking for damage to both mounting brackets and wiring pigtails will lead to replacement of any compromised supplemental restraint components regardless of air bag activation. All repairs need a completed back up power depletion process which starts with removing the battery ground cable and waits at least one minute while steering the vehicle directly forward. The first step requires removing the steering wheel assembly before unwinding the cap from the ignition switch cylinder. The lock cylinder repair depends on two main steps: first discard the faulty lock cylinder before following the lock repair package instructions (F85Z-11582-AA) to construct a custom lock cylinder with matching vehicle key code. A 1/8-inch diameter drill bit facilitates locking pin removal from the ignition switch lock cylinder before drilling through the center of the key slot using a 3/8-inch drill bit until the lock cylinder releases from its position. Separate the ignition switch lock cylinder while cleaning away the drill shavings from the steering column before taking out the bearing retainer and the bearing and gear which demand complete inspection for damage. The installation requires using a new lock cylinder and opposite order reinstallation steps followed by ignition switch cylinder operation verification.