Removal & Installation (All Models Except Villager - Without Key)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 20 other vehicles, including the 2001 Mercury Villager, 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, 2001 Lincoln Navigator, 2001 Ford Windstar, and 2001 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Removal and installation procedures for ignition lock cylinder without key are not available for Escape.

Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Disconnect battery negative cable. Wait one minute to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove steering wheel assembly. See STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG . Twist off cap from ignition switch cylinder. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds. Disconnect key warning switch electrical connector.
Use a 1/8" (3.18 mm) drill bit to drill out retaining pin. Use a 3/8" (9.5 mm) drill bit to drill down middle of ignition lock key slot until ignition switch lock cylinder breaks loose. Remove and discard ignition switch lock cylinder, and clean drill shavings from steering column.
Remove bearing retainer. Remove bearing and gear. On all models, install reverse removal procedure. Check for normal ignition switch lock cylinder operation.