My ignition is broken

[mrchaotica]

The other day when I went to start my truck, I felt (and heard) something break inside the ignition as I turned the key. The truck started and ran, but when I went to turn it off I discovered the lock turned freely between "run" and "off" (there was no longer any detent for "accessory") and the truck would not turn off. I had to intentionally stall it to kill the engine, and disconnect the battery to keep the electrical system from draining it.

The problem is NOT the lock cylinder, nor is it the electrical ignition switch. Rather, the problem is the mechanical part that the protruding part of the lock cylinder fits into.

1. What is that part called?

2. How do I fix it?

3. In the interim, is there a wire I can disconnect (more easily than the battery cable) to shut off the truck's electrical system?

Thanks for your help!

 

[rtg143]

Does the ignition switch have the rod connected to it? Heres' a blowup of the linkage. http://www.trademotion.com/parts/1996/FORD/RANGER/?siteid=214072&vehicleid=1138092&diagram=MD93820

 

[mrchaotica]

It's hard to see (there's only a 1/4" gap), but when I look up on the underside of the steering column and turn the key -- directly above a yellow electrical cable -- , I see what looks like a rod slide in and out. It looks like it's broken. (And by that I mean when I turn the lock it slides back and forth but I can see that the jagged end is not attached to anything. However, when I turn the lock to "start" I can feel it push against something springy, which I assume is the other end still attached to the switch.) I'm guessing it's the "actuator?"

By the way, that diagram didn't quite match what I have; my steering wheel doesn't tilt.

 

[rtg143]

Looks like you'll ahve to take it apart to see which part broke. The rod is pretty sturdy so it would be something from the back of the lock cylinder area. Here's the one for the non tilt. http://www.trademotion.com/parts/1996/FORD/RANGER/?siteid=214072&vehicleid=1138092&diagram=MD93800