1998 Ford Contour Ignition switch

PKMGENT

MEMBER
1998 FORD CONTOUR

Electrical problem
1998 Ford Contour 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 150.00 miles

I WISH TO FIT A NEW IGINTION SWITCH ASAP TO THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE SIR,
HOW HARD IS IT GOING TO BE TO DO THIS?
I do have the right part in my hand right now.
Thanks.

7 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
Thanks for the donation

Just to clarify the question, are you replacing the actual ignition switch or just the ignition lock cylinder (where key inserts)? As this part is commonly mistaken for the switch, I just want to make sure we are on the same page before I post you the replacement procedures for the component.

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 1:19 PM

PKMGENT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I have bought the entire Ignition Switch Assembly for $50.00. From Pep-Boys. As the Key kept getting jamed all the time both going In & Out. I had no idea that the Key Unit could be replaced on its own? Anyway I will just replace the entire item now that I have it sir.

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 1:28 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
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Replacement procedures are below.. just let me know if you need further assistance.

REMOVAL:
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the 2 upper steering column cover screws and remove the cover.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the steering wheel for this procedure.

Remove the 3 lower steering column cover retaining screws and remove the cover.
Disconnect the electrical harness connector at the ignition switch.
Depress the locking tabs and remove the ignition switch.

((( Removing the three screws and remove the lower column cover )))

((( Ignition switch assembly )))

INSTALLATION:
Place the new ignition switch into position and push into place making sure that the switch is held securely.
Reconnect the electrical harness connector to the ignition switch.
Reinstall the lower steering column cover and its retaining screws.
Reinstall the upper steering column cover and its retaining screws.
Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Check for proper ignition switch operation.

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 1:34 PM

PKMGENT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank You Sir,
For the Diagram.
I am a little bit confused about just HOW the Diagram Shows where the Streering Column is situated ! O Dear Now I find that I ONLY have the Key Unit (after opening the box Idiot Paul). So this changes the entire game I guess?

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 2:21 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Okay. Does your old switch function at all? Does it turn to all positions?

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 2:42 PM

PKMGENT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The key simply jams and will either not come out oir not go back in. So its really trashed right now anyway. Thanks for your attention in this matter sir.
Paul

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 4:13 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Okay replacement procedures are as follows:

REMOVAL:
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
Turn the ignition lock to the accessory position.
Insert a 0.125 (3.17mm) wire pin or small drift punch in the hole at the top of the cylinder housing and depress the retaining pin while pulling out the lock cylinder

((( Releasing the lock cylinder retaining pin )))

INSTALLATION:
Turn the new lock cylinder to accessory position and while pressing the retaining pin in, insert the lock cylinder into the housing.
Turn the key to the OFF position the release the retaining pin.
Try the lock cylinder operation in all positions.
Reinstall the steering column covers.
Reconnect the negative battery cable.

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 4:53 PM