Bronco STOLEN damaged ignition - what to do...

920 Views 17 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Gondal, Nov 5, 2020

JB96

Discussion Starter · Oct 15, 2020

My 1996 5.8L Bronco automatic transmission was stolen. The f***ing bastards broke the ignition area to where I'm having trouble recognizing how to approach it. The whole portion of the column where the key cylinder goes is broken off. Anybody know what parts I need to repair this?

Why did I not have an alarm installed? Feeling pretty dumb...

Thanks

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

jermil01

· #2 · Oct 15, 2020

Pictures?? Did they actually steal it or try to steal it? any other damage?? if they broke off the whole portion of the column, sounds like you need to source a new/used one..on the plus side there are plenty of vehicles, from Broncos to F150's through F350 that you could get a column from.

Definitely sounds like you should invest in an alarm.

Reactions: 1

JB96

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 15, 2020

Oh they stole it. Trashed the interior. But they did put tire shine on the tires. Shows you what kind of people they were.

I only got to see it for 5 minutes at the tow lot. I couldn't get it started so I'm going to have insurance tow it. I've literally done EVERY repair, tweak, diagnostic, etc. on this truck since I got it almost 5 years ago - gone through everything so to speak. This might be where I let insurance pay to have a professional fix it.

Basically what I saw was the cylinder shaft that the ignition tumbler goes into - completely broken and gone. So does the tumbler mount directly into the metal of the column?

Thanks for the reply.

jermil01

· #4 · Oct 15, 2020

well that sucks..especially the interior getting trashed..It going to be hard to tell without looking at it..you might be lucky and can simply replace the tumbler with a new one, or they may have very well jacked it up beyond repair..if that's the case, you can get a refurbed column on ebay for $350, plus $50 for the ride.doesn't seem too expensive to me..

sackman9975

· #5 · Oct 15, 2020

Yeah we need pics. We'll be able to help with figuring out what you'll need

packagerjr

· #6 · Oct 15, 2020

Sorry to hear. Hope the fixes are manageable.

TheWolf

· #7 · Oct 15, 2020

Hopefully you just need a new tumbler, unless the ignition actuator broke off from the force of a screwdriver. Hopefully the casing for the tumbler is not cracked or broken. That sucks. I hate thieves. I would love to catch one in the act.

GetBent4x4

· #8 · Oct 15, 2020

going to need a column i think. Viper - Car Alarms | Remote Starters | SmartStart | Window Film and Tint | Vehicle Security | Keyless Entry

mp_tx

· #9 · Oct 16, 2020

Kill switch. Engage.

Sorry to hear about the theft. I bought a 95 bronco from auction. City owned fleet vehicle, and they had lost the key. Did some research (here and elsewhere) and got it started with a fresh battery, 5 gallons of fresh gas, a big flat head screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench. Kind of scared me how easy it was to force the ignition with no key. Is it possible this is what you saw—damage to the ignition cylinder lock only? If so, it’s an easy fix and does not require a new column.

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pfun41

· #10 · Oct 16, 2020

JB96 said:
Oh they stole it. Trashed the interior. But they did put tire shine on the tires. Shows you what kind of people they were.

I only got to see it for 5 minutes at the tow lot. I couldn't get it started so I'm going to have insurance tow it. I've literally done EVERY repair, tweak, diagnostic, etc. on this truck since I got it almost 5 years ago - gone through everything so to speak. This might be where I let insurance pay to have a professional fix it.

Basically what I saw was the cylinder shaft that the ignition tumbler goes into - completely broken and gone. So does the tumbler mount directly into the metal of the column?

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah, the key cylinder assembly slides into a socket on the column, if you're lucky they just broke the cylinder assembly and you can replace it. If you're unlucky they broke the column.

MojoJojo

· #11 · Oct 16, 2020

I’m guessing a hammer on top of the key cylinder and busted the column housing, seen enough of them. I’m always armed, love living in a farming community and have a lab/shepherd mix... previously a Rottweiler l, a dog is a great theft deterrent.

Reactions: 1

miesk5

· #12 · Oct 16, 2020

Yo JB96,
Welcome and sorry that you were victimized!
Here's the 1996 Bronco/F-Series Workshop Manual (partial).
Use it to determine how to replace tge column @ 1996 Bronco/F-Series
Or
Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder, Lock Cylinder Non-Functional. NOTE: The following procedure applies to vehicles in which the ignition lock is inoperative and the lock cylinder cannot be rotated due to a lost or broken key, unknown key number, or a cap that has been damaged or broken to the extent that the lock cylinder cannot be rotated. @ 1996 Bronco/F-Series
●

Was speed control recall work, if equipped completed? Check @ Recalls Look-up by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number); or @ Welcome to Ford Owner | Official Ford Owner Site; or ... have VIN ready. While there, see most Ford dealer maintenance/repairs done @ any dealership nation-wide.
"Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE."
To confirm current status, use this guide by jowens1126 @ 93 & 94-96 Cruise Control Recalls Repair
Note that the 93 recall is different than the 94-96 recall.

For any Bronco questions or to chat about it's planned modifications, it's better to post each seperately in Noobie Bronco Tech Questions. Flame free zone. This will get more attention and you can build up your post count to get into other sections such as Bronco and Ford Parts/Accessories (75 posts required to participate due to scammers who preyed on our members.).

To save you time and for better responses, please fill out your Bronco info with location, year, engine size, transmission type, transfer case type (manual or electric shift), locking hub type (automatic or manual) info & major mods such as a Lift, etc. .
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See Baba Looey's Favorite FSB Links (lots and lots of tech links), includes "how do I get the tailgate glass to...", etc.

96 Bronco Owner's Guide, Maintenance Schedules & Parts and Accessories by Ford @ Owner Manuals | fleet.ford.com

96 Bronco Dealer Brochure @ 1996 Ford Bronco Technical Info pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net ... scroll down

96 Bronco Quick Tips Brochure Excerpts & some Eddie Bauer options @ 1983 Ford Bronco 96 EB Bronco Brochures pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net

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JB96

Discussion Starter · #13 · Oct 28, 2020

Thanks for the feedback. I was able to get the truck home by jumping the starter solenoid. I have a "rebuilt" column from ebay (looks like they just put some paint on it - kind of odd given its not a visible part), and a new steering wheel (just for the top cover). Now it seems I have to order a new clock spring. Leaning toward a 25 year old OEM Ford to be more reliable than a new Dorman or other store brand. I have everything apart. Just need to swap all the parts over and get it back together. I feel like my truck has been molested for lack of a better word. They stole all my tools too, which was STUPID for me to have left them in there. Such is life. The repairs are not as hard as I thought. Should have it up and running by Sunday if all goes to plan. Thanks guys

Reactions: 1

Jimmy Dean

· #14 · Oct 28, 2020

JB96 said:
Thanks for the feedback. I was able to get the truck home by jumping the starter solenoid. I have a "rebuilt" column from ebay (looks like they just put some paint on it - kind of odd given its not a visible part), and a new steering wheel (just for the top cover). Now it seems I have to order a new clock spring. Leaning toward a 25 year old OEM Ford to be more reliable than a new Dorman or other store brand. I have everything apart. Just need to swap all the parts over and get it back together. I feel like my truck has been molested for lack of a better word. They stole all my tools too, which was STUPID for me to have left them in there. Such is life. The repairs are not as hard as I thought. Should have it up and running by Sunday if all goes to plan. Thanks guys

Sorry to hear about that man, some people just suck. Glad you got it home though and are going to be able to get her back up and running. Make sure you stick around here and join the community.

canuckistan97

· #15 · Oct 28, 2020

JB96 said:
Oh they stole it. Trashed the interior. But they did put tire shine on the tires. Shows you what kind of people they were.

I only got to see it for 5 minutes at the tow lot. I couldn't get it started so I'm going to have insurance tow it. I've literally done EVERY repair, tweak, diagnostic, etc. on this truck since I got it almost 5 years ago - gone through everything so to speak. This might be where I let insurance pay to have a professional fix it.

Basically what I saw was the cylinder shaft that the ignition tumbler goes into - completely broken and gone. So does the tumbler mount directly into the metal of the column?

Thanks for the reply.

How long was it stolen for?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JB96

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 28, 2020

3 days. They put less than 100 miles on it. Rifled through everything. Stole things of little value and left other stolen items from other people. I guess this is what druggies do. Oh and they shined the tires. Lunatics.

Reactions: 1

JB96

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 5, 2020

Well...by some miracle it's all back together again. I was so nervous I remote started it instead of using the key in case the airbag went off. The only issue is turn signals do not self-cancel anymore. I have a spare switch that I'll try before I did deeper. And the vent glass has a small arch at the bottom that the manufacturer claims is on purpose, but it leaves a 1/16" or so gap at the bottom. I guess I'll try a different window.

Thanks for the help everyone. It was a bit nerve wracking but I can still say that in the 4-1/2 years I've had it, not a soul has touched anything on it but me.

Gondal

· #18 · Nov 5, 2020

The scum who steal our transportation that we need to go to work and support our families should be hung outside of the court house for all to see. You won’t have many stolen after a couple few hangings

That is just my opinion

Hanging was punishment for stealing a mans horse in the old days

Reactions: 1

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