1992 E350 Ignition Lock removal

[drewb0y]

Well, apparently my friends children thought it would be fun to play with the keys to the RV. Now of course they are nowhere to be found. It is a 93 Dutchmen Class C built on a 1992 Ford E350 chassis.

Does anyone know how difficult it would be to actually remove the entire ignition switch assembly so I can take it to a locksmith and have a new key made? I have a repair manual ordered but it has not arrived yet.

If it's too much of a hassle to take out, would it be easier to just remove the whole steering column? (RV is currently parked about 60 miles out of town on a farm. Locksmith will cut a new key for it for $10 if I can take it in, versus the outrageous service call fee.)

Please include specific steps if you have them.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[subford]

New key ignition locks only cost about $10.00 and they come with two keys.

The following procedure applies to vehicles in which the ignition lock is inoperative and the lock cylinder cannot be rotated due to a lost or broken lock cylinder key, unknown key number, or a lock cylinder cap that has been damaged and/or broken to the extent that the lock cylinder cannot be rotated.

Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove steering wheel as outlined.
3. Using channel lock pliers or vise grip pliers, twist lock cylinder cap until it separates from the lock cylinder.
4. Using a 3/8-inch diameter drill, drill down middle of ignition lock key slot approximately 44mm (1-3/4 inch) until lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of lock cylinder. Remove lock cylinder and drill shavings from lock cylinder housing.
5. Remove retainer, washer, ignition switch and actuator. Thoroughly clean all drill shavings and other foreign materials from casting.
6. Carefully inspect lock cylinder housing for damage from the above operation. If damage is apparent, housing must be replaced.

Installation
1. Replace lock cylinder housing, if damaged.
2. Install actuator and ignition switch as outlined.
3. Install trim and electrical parts.
4. Install new ignition lock cylinder as outlined.
5. Install steering wheel as outlined.
6. Connect battery ground cable.
7. Check lock cylinder operation.

[drewb0y]

I did see the replacement Cylinders with keys, and my local autozone stocks them for about 20 bucks. The only issue I have with going that route is now I have no keys for the door locks. I was hoping to be able to take the whole unit out out so that when a new key is made, it would open both locks.

The only bad thing about removing the cylinder with the above instructions is the cylinder is destroyed and you are stuck with no door keys : (

I may have to go that route though. I was trying to avoid having separated door and ignition keys and having to replace or rekey the door locks as well.

Thanks for the info though, it is definitely a big help.

Sure wish Ford's database of keycodes went back more than 10 years

[Aguyfromcalg]

I had remove the steering column on a 90 F150 pick up many times. Disconnect the battery. Unbolt the bracket that holds the column to the underside of dash. Carefully drop the column and disconnect the wire connections. Open the hood and unbolt the steering column shaft from the input shaft of the power steering box. There might be a bracket or a cover at the firewall that has to be unbolted or removed. I may have forgotten a few steps since I have sold that truck years ago.
I believe it would be much better to pay for the locksmith to come out to your rv . Yes it is hard on the wallet but you will spare yourself the hassle of trying to yank out the column or breaking out and replacing the ignition lock.
Best of luck
Pat

[subford]

If the doors and the Ignition keys are the same then just take one of the door locks out and take it to the lock smith and have keys made for the doors and then you will have Ignition keys also.

The door locks are easy to take out and put back in.

[drewb0y]

I'll try the door lock route first. If that does not work I will just go the next easiest way and replace the cylinder. I'll have 2 keys but at least be able to operate both.

Thanks for all the help!

[jcthorne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewb0y I'll try the door lock route first. If that does not work I will just go the next easiest way and replace the cylinder. I'll have 2 keys but at least be able to operate both. Thanks for all the help!

Removing the door lock and having a key made for it will not fit the ignition. The door locks do not use the full set of tumblers as in the ignition. On purpose. Otherwise a person standing outside a locked vehicle could make a key for the ignition. Thats why you have to have the key to remove the ignition lock cylinder in one piece.

Find the keys or buy a new ignition lock and drill the old one out.

Bet you keep a spare key in your safe from now on....

[Donlock]

I am a locksmith. I would remove door lock and take it to the locksmith.He will cut a key for door . If he has a fill program he will be able to place 6 cut numbers in program and it should give all possible key cuts needed . He can cut key codes one on each side of blanks. Door has 1 to 6, cut 5and 6 are common to ignition. If i was close by I'd do it in a few mins. This is a 10 cut system I do them all time.
Don

[drewb0y]

Thanks all. Going to go the hard way and have the locksmith take a whack at it. I figured out the door lock thing right after I posted that.

Definitely will keep spares stashed away now. Would have before if it were under my control. This was my Grandparents motor home for going to the races with. Hasn't even been tagged or inspected since 2005. After his stroke years ago, they were unable to go anymore. Grandad passed away earlier this year at age 92, and Grandma is in assisted living now. Honestly I'm lucky I found the keys I had!

Before he died, he expressed an interest in keeping the MH in the family and available for any of us to use. I just took it upon myself to bring the beast back up to livable standards first and then road worthiness second.

Heck I even have to file for a lost title because no one knows where the paper work disappeared to!

As it is though, the engine runs and I managed to drive it 80 miles to my friends farm where it is now parked. Maybe I will document this project as I go and post it over in the vintage MH section.

[Donlock]

Some times the code is printed on a sheet with spec's on a door in a cupboard
or closet . have a look , it will be 3 numbers a letter and 3 numbers example 101D 501
first 3 code ign D section of code last 501 door code
Don

[drewb0y]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donlock Some times the code is printed on a sheet with spec's on a door in a cupboard or closet . have a look , it will be 3 numbers a letter and 3 numbers example 101D 501 first 3 code ign D section of code last 501 door code Don

Now that is some useful information. Ford guy was saying to look behind the glovebox. Duh, there is no glovebox in this case.

I will be going to do some other repairs tomorrow, and if I can't find a useful code, off comes the column and I'm taking it with me to a locksmith. I did scour all the manuals and documents i found to no avail.

[Donlock]

Don't take the colum, just take code he should be able to make a key for you.
If he can't, give me the code and i'll make a key and send it to you. he should be able to make akey from the code number, if not i'll send you the cuts for him to make the key. Don

[drewb0y]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donlock Don't take the colum, just take code he should be able to make a key for you. If he can't, give me the code and i'll make a key and send it to you. he should be able to make akey from the code number, if not i'll send you the cuts for him to make the key. Don

Thanks for all the help Donlock. Going out to take a look and do some other maintenance today. Will post back results this evening. Dropping fuel tank to replace fuel filler hose and maybe getting the generator running again, new plugs & wires filters & oil change.

[Aguyfromcalg]

When you are at your RV search it for a hidden key or look again for the one that was lost. Won't hurt to have one last check?