Installing "radio" should have been icing on the cake! Found another problem! No accessory position! I did replaced busted original switch. Any1 else have a 72 comet with no accessory position? Or do I need to replace cheap replacement switch?
Just curious, are you trying to find it where new cars have it? On old cars you roll the switch back towrds the wheel for accessory.
The roll back position was std fare through the '90s & into '00s. Your switch, linkage or lock is defective.
Agreed with all of you. I,ll have to live with it. Freakin prior owner obviously lost key and tried ripping out without knowing how to. Hacked to hell trying to get out and failed.
So, I had this exact issue. What it ended up being was my switch was used so many times, with the ACC position being so rarely used, that it developed a "ridge" that kept the pin from sliding backward into ACC. Took about 30 seconds with a dremel tool to fix it.
I went through a lot of troubleshooting to find this, and it was a decade ago, but here's a photo of where the little spring loaded pin that rides along the top of the collar is. You can get in there and file that down and it'll fix it. The position is there, just your pin is stuck in the little divot created by years of not using it.
I hope it works for you too. Here's a better photo of what I meant. That pin rides along a groove (red) on the body of the cylinder and there was this little burr (yellow) stopping me from moving my key back. A little filing with a dremel and it was good to go. A little graphite helps too.
I had the same problem but mine was caused by old grease inside the switch getting hard and not allowing it to move counter clockwise. Took it apart, cleaned out the old hard grease and lubed up with some light oil.
I,ll take another better look later when i get home. Seems like dirt and crust causing lots of problem for you guys. Mine is brand new however. I,m thinking made in China parts not exact to spec.
The tumbler (lock) should NEVER have grease applied, attracts dirt and becomes sticky over time. Any grease found today was applied by former owner(s), not by Ford. Powdered graphite is what should be used, ask any locksmith.
I agree, grease shouldn't have been used. I bought the car when it was just 2 1/2 years old from a used car dealer. During the test drive the switch fell out of the column onto the floor. The sales guy was so embarrassed. LOL The lot replaced the switch. I know it was a new switch because ever since then the switch and doors have had different pattern keys.