55 ford accessory position
 

Morning guys .. a quick question ... on my ignition switch bezel there is an Accessory position , Is there really an accessory position .? I have changed the tumbler and key and key will not turn to the left , other than that the switch works fine .. is this the norm? thanks Fred

Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

The switch should have an Accessory position. It may be stuck or worn.
If for no other reason than listening to the radio without the ignition circuit being on... which can energize the ignition coil, points (and ballast resistor if 12v equipped)... causing them to get hot and possibly damaged. Some models of ignition conversion kits can also be fried by leaving the ignition on without the engine running.
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Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

My 55 was very difficult to turn the key left. Wiggle the key and try again.

Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

as don said it should (will) turn they can be stiff if not used.you may want to spray your favorite monkey juice into the key hole then let it sit allowing it to soak in.then commence to try applying light pressure as you try turning.

Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

You may have to remove the lock cylinder and investigate the ignition switch spider position inside there and make sure it can be turned either way from the Off position. The cylinder my not be engaging the spider correctly. There may also be a problem with the cylinder that doesn't allow it to move both ways off of the centered position. The clearances could be off inside there too.

Was this an NOS lock cylinder or a reproduction? An original should go either way but a reproduction may not if not properly made.

Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

The switch on my '55 got so worn that I've had the keys fall out of the switch when I hit a bump in the road, but on the original switch and replacement, it would always turn to the accessory position without difficulty.

Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

Put the key in and pull upward on the fob and turn left at the same time. It might turn that way. If so, two possibilities: the light gage metal keeper at the top of the tumbler cylinder may have worked loose, or the key itself is so worn that you may need to have a new key undercut so the tumblers will clear the keyhole.
In order to inspect the lock cylinder, remove the ignition switch (disconnect battery first). Put key in lock cylinder and turn until the button on top near the back falls, then pull out by the key fob. Be careful to observe the keeper on top as you pull out. If it is loose, the little springs inside the tumblers will pop out and you may loose some.
Prior to re-assembly, add a drop of 3-in-1 oil into the lock cylinder while the cylinder is upside down so the oil will flow into the tumblers. Then get a tube of lubriplate and smudge a bit of it on the backside of the lock where it engages with the switch actuator.

Re: 55 ford accessory position
 

If anyone needs or wants, I have some N.O.S. Aftermarket U.S.A. made Ignition Switches and Tumblers, and two (2) last N.O.S. ++ FOMOCO ++ Ignition Switches and Tumblers....
.... Their application is 1952 - 1959 Ford And Mercury, but the FOMOCO keys say
"F O R D"....

Always best to simply call me --- Craig --- 516 - 485 - 1935.... New York...