Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Misc Tech => Topic started by: BobNorway on July 07, 2006, 03:25:44 AM

Title: Ignition key release
Post by: BobNorway on July 07, 2006, 03:25:44 AM
I'm tired of using two hands to remove my ignition key.
Anybody know how to disable the 'I won't give you your key until you push me' white button under the steering wheel?
A pain it the sitting muscle.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: Blackout on July 07, 2006, 04:42:12 AM
Duck Tape.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 07, 2006, 11:37:19 AM
Easy, and yoou don't have to wrap your coulmn with duct tape...

Remove the plastic trim shroud on the column. Press the button a couple of times and you'll notice it is in a "U" shape in the column. Just take a couple of wire ties and secure the linkage in the up position. Reinstall cover. Mine has been this way for several years...
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: Chuck W on July 07, 2006, 11:57:46 AM
I just use my left knee to release it as I take the key out.

Tom's idea sounds good though.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: sansabar on July 07, 2006, 12:01:36 PM
I'm glad someone asked this question.  A small thing but it has been one of my biggest gripes. I will soon eliminate the "two-hand shuffle".
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: CougarSE on July 07, 2006, 12:28:36 PM
I was actually thinking about adding it to my car.... It would tie in the hole, this 5 speed 3.8 conversion looks stock.
 
Anyhoo, if you take the column cover off, when you press the button you will see the u shaped rod move up and down.  Now you don't have to wire tie or do anything to it..  Just pull up on it till it pops out of the hole, then pull it to the side so it wont go back into the hole.  done.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: 1badcougar on July 07, 2006, 12:56:37 PM
When we had gotten our cougar, we didn't have the button assy because some one before us had removed the whole works. I have since replaced and s the original column. I'm not sure what all was missing to eliminate the button. I know this is not much help but by removing the whole button assy, you don't have to rig the button to stay up.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: Bob on July 07, 2006, 01:13:41 PM
What cars came with this? Mine doesn't have it..
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 07, 2006, 02:03:51 PM
Quote from: thunder306
What cars came with this? Mine doesn't have it..


I believe only the floor shift models had it orignally...
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: Nate on July 07, 2006, 02:58:41 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50
I believe only the floor shift models had it orignally...


your lucky bob, i hated it

my 88 sport didn't have it, but my 88 LX, xr7, and tc all did. think it was an option or came with something? also, my sport came pretty plane, only one power seat, no lit mirrors, or anything fancy besides power windows/locks/mirrors. like chuck said tho, i used to use my left knee to push it in and take the key out.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: BobNorway on July 07, 2006, 06:02:07 PM
Thanks guys,
Tomorrow the 'U' whatever is getting "adjusted".
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: softtouch on July 07, 2006, 07:36:03 PM
It's a safety thing. Allows a panic turn off of the ignition while moving. It keeps you from locking the steering wheel.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: BIGmeat15071 on July 08, 2006, 12:19:28 AM
Do any of you try to press that button when driving a different car, or is it just me?
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: Masejoer on July 08, 2006, 12:33:55 AM
I don't even remember doing it...but I know I do. Don't see what the problem is. Its like driving a stick - over time its no different than walking.
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: xr7cat on July 09, 2006, 01:45:34 AM
Quote from: BIGmeat15071
Do any of you try to press that button when driving a different car, or is it just me?


All the time, when I am in a friends car, they are all like "what you grabing at", it is the samething when you drive a clutch for a long time and get into an automatic.

I don't even notice it, my ranger has it not sure about the cat, but it would probly not bother me either way.

I think it is cool, espicaly if someone new drives your car, and try to take the key, a spend half-an-hour trying to get it out. I love that.

Oh well done with my rant.

Daniel
Title: Ignition key release
Post by: mjbtbrd on July 12, 2006, 11:57:57 AM
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/column.html

pics may help if you have not done it yet
Title: Thanks great link
Post by: BobNorway on July 13, 2006, 03:47:00 AM
Thanks great link.