At the end of last season, the ignition switch lock failed such that I couldn't turn the ignition key either to start the car or turn on accesories. I had to hot wire the car to get it ome. It had always been a little sticky at times and sometimes took a lot of fiddling to get it to work. I ordered a new switch with lock and key and installed it. I didn't use the car after that but now I am doing some work on it. The new lock is acting the sane way and I fear it is going to fail completely again. Has anyone experienced this problem? Also I have lubricated the lock with graphite.
Graphite is an electrical conductor. I might not be a good ignition switch lubricant.
I understand that but the switch is self contained and graphite from the lock would not enter it. I have always been told not to put oil in a lock.
Did you replace the entire switch assembly or just the center tumbler part?
I replaced the switch assembly and the lock. Once it failed , there was no way of separating the two without doing damage.
I have an update. The switch failed again this season. Fabulous Fords has sent me a new switch assembly and lock, free of charge.
I had the same thing happen with an aftermarket switch that replaced the stock switch in a 61 Unibody. Got it from Carpenter. It laterally fell apart on the electric side. They did replace it at no cost but getting from the middle of AZ to AL with wire hanging down was fun!