Question regarding wire on top of steering column

[neerod08]

I recently bought a 1991 f 150 and when you put the key in and turn it you have to then take the steering column off and reach up to the top of the column and push the wire down towards the motor which then in turn causes all the lights in the dash to come on and the you push a toggle to start it. My question is what exactally is this wire called and can i fix it without having to take the whole steering column apart? Any help is appreciated

 

[Fellro]

That is a linkage rod that goes from the ignition lock "pinion" that moves the "rack" that should be there to push/pull that rod. It unfortunately does require disassembly of the top of the column to get to it.

 

[neerod08]

Thank you for the info i am thinking about being lazy and just attacting something to get it to go into place because if you reach further up on the steering column you can feel it move when you turn the key it just doesn't totally engage downward so you have to push it. Oh well

 

[neerod08]

ended up just taking stuff apart a bit and adjusting the ignition switch(didnt have to take the whole column apart) seems whoever put it on did not adjust it correctly.

 

[raftereric]

If you do have more problems it is just as easy to replace the whole column; I had the same situation a year ago

 

[Fellro]

If it is only a simple switch adjustment/replacement, the switch is much easier to swap than the whole column...