my car broke! [sm=boohoo.gif]

It started off being the battery slowly dying.. so I headed over to Batteries Plus, but as I went to turn off the ignition, it broke. The key moves all around and I can even pull it out while the car is running.

I ended up going to a Ford dealership, and one of the technician guys told me its the "nylon ignition switch rods" inside the steering column which broke and need to be replaced.
He also said it takes like 3 hours or more to replace, and it'll cost me about 410 dollars.

Does anyone know much about this? The cost of these "rods"? How difficult is it to take apart the steering column? If I can save my money and do it myself I'm game.

 

Just to clarify what I'm speaking of.. (from what the Ford dealer mechanic told me)

Some sort of rod(s), which connect the ignition switch barrel, to the ignition switch box, location further under the steering column. That's what broke...
Although I don't understand why any car manufacturer would assemble such a highly used car part, using Nylon rods.. and being mechanical in the first place.

Is there any sort of way to convert it to be completely electrical? just a thought. [sm=dontgetit.gif]

(or maybe they're seriously trying to rip me off... )

 

you should be able to buy a new ignition and istall it yourself. call your local parts store and see what they have

 

on the newer models with those damn air bags they've got you over a barrell when it comes to fixing the ignition switch although you should check at some other local shops to get a second opinion. unless you really know what you're doing, I would not advise messing around those damn air bags in the steering wheel.[:@]

 

Just for a quick update to let everyone know how it went.

It is now fixed! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]
I ended up taking it to a small 3 or 4 person operated garage right near my house. From what I can tell, they're very honest and do good work. The only real complaint I have is that they kept my car for 2 days, but I guess it's acceptable since they were short-handed 1 person.

Part Cost = $18.50
Totat Cost = $148
Total time without car = 2 days.
Ford dealership Cost = ~ $400

 

there was a recall on all that ignition crap......i had mine all replaced just had to pay labor it was $65 bucks.

 

should had payed nothing for a recall[:@] ford has replaced mine twice for free

 

No, I don't believe there ever was..
Checking on the NHTSA Recall website
there is no such recall similar to the problem I experienced.

 

sounds like you may have found a good independent shop there to avoid having to pay through the nose at the dealer. I would make friends with them!!!

 

I have the same problem, but it doesn't effect starting my car or anything. I can pull the key out while it's still on. Sometimes, I can even start my car without the key in. THe little black part moves around outside from the insides. It's not really a major priority for me now though.