1991 F150 loses contact with the ignition switch in the steering column. Sometimes moving the tilting steering wheel up and down helps, but not always. Where is the contact in the steering column?

The bolts inside steering column came lose , common problem ! Loose Tilt Steering Repair 1991 GMC Suburban

the tilt will come loose sometime you have to dismantle it and tighten the screws down(it is in the steering column where the column tilts)

Ignition Switch - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
(see Figure 1)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the lower column trim panel, then remove the steering column-to-instrument panel fasteners and carefully lower the column for access to the switch.
3. Place the ignition switch in the OFF-LOCK position.
   

If the lock cylinder was removed on vehicles through 1991, the actuating rod should be pulled up until it stops, then moved down one detent; the switch is now in the Lock position.

Fig. 1: Adjusting the ignition switch

1. Remove the ignition switch-to-steering column retainers, then remove the assembly.
   

To install:

1. Before installing the ignition switch, place it in the OFF-LOCK position, then make sure that the lock cylinder and actuating rod are in the Locked position (1st detent from the top or 1st detent to the right of far left detent travel).

Most replacement switches are pinned in the OFF-LOCK position for installation purposes. If so, the pin MUST be removed after installation or damage may occur.

1. Install the activating rod into the ignition switch and assemble the switch onto the steering column. Once the switch is properly positioned, tighten the ignition switch-to-steering column retainers to 35 inch lbs. (4.0 Nm).
   

When installing the ignition switch, use only the specified screws since over length screws could impair the collapsibility of the column.

1. Raise the column into position and secure, then install any necessary trim plates.
2. Make sure the ignition is OFF , then connect the negative battery cable.

Ignition Lock Cylinder - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
(see Figure 1)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Matchmark and remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the turn signal switch from the column and allow it to hang from the wires (leaving them connected). For details, please refer to the procedure located earlier in this section.
4. For vehicles through 1991, place the lock cylinder in the Run position.
5. For 1992-93 vehicles, remove the buzzer switch assembly.
   

Fig. 1: Ignition cylinder replacement

1. Carefully remove the lock cylinder screw and the lock cylinder. If possible, use a magnetic tipped screwdriver on the screw in order to help prevent the possibility of dropping it.

CAUTION If the screw is dropped upon removal, it could fall into the steering column, requiring complete disassembly in order to retrieve the screw and prevent damage.
To install:

1. Align and install the lock cylinder set. On vehicles through 1991 it will be necessary to rotate the switch clockwise to align the cylinder key with the keyway in the housing.
2. Push the lock cylinder all the way in, then carefully install the retaining screw. Tighten the screw to 22 inch lbs. (2.5 Nm) on tilt columns or to 40 inch lbs. (4.5 Nm) on standard non-tilt columns.
3. If necessary, install the buzzer switch assembly.
4. Reposition and secure the turn signal switch assembly
5. Align and install the steering wheel.
6. Make sure the ignition is OFF , then connect the negative battery cable.

Keep us updated about your advance.

The "clock spring" is a slang term used to describe the round electrical contact below the steering wheel inside the steering column, that transfers the switch contacts in the steering wheel to the actual vehicle. Your problem is more than likely the bearing in the top half of the steering column. Disconnect the battery and remove the air bag and steering wheel nut, steering wheel, and electrical switches, then look at the mechanical bearings or bushings at the steering shaft and case unit, the problem should be visible at this point. Hope this helps, let me know.

Upper or lower column bearings probably worn.

HI, follow the steps below to help with this issue.



Step 1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal on the battery. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by unscrewing or unclipping them.

Step 2

Remove the steering wheel by lifting off the center cover, disconnecting the horn wire and removing the retaining nut and washer. Make a mark on the steering wheel spline and the wheel itself so you can line it back up precisely. Pull the steering wheel straight back to remove from the shaft.

Step 3

Take off windshield wiper and turn signal switches by pulling them off as you did the steering wheel and disconnect the wiring. Slide the spacer sleeve off of the steering column.

Step 4

Unscrew the ignition switch mounting screws. Pull out the ignition switch. Disconnect the wiring connector from back of the ignition switch. Simply loosen the tabs and pull it out.

Step 5

Insert your key into the ignition. Turn the ignition switch to the locked position. Depress the retaining pin with a small screwdriver and turn the key to the Off position to free the cylinder. Once it is free, turn the key to lock position and remove the key and key cylinder.

Step 6

Install your old key cylinder into the new ignition switch assembly. Make sure the contacts in the cylinder and assembly line up. Reattach wiring to ignition switch, slide it into place, screw in mounting screws and reassemble steering wheel and switches.

It may be the 'actuator'. It is a rod that connects the lock cylinder to the ignition switch on the tilt wheel units. It is made of aluminum and often breaks as things become worn.

if it was me I would go to a salvage yard and get another steering column drop it off at a lock with your key from the old one so they can match that key to the other ignition switch

You must take a screwdriver and push down on the tilt locking arm at the bottom of the column and lift up at the same time unlocking the teeth.