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Kuwait, Kuwait City
1 Level
749 Review
64 Karma

Review on πŸ”‘ Enhanced Motorcraft SW6383 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder for Optimal Performance and Security by Dave Johnson

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Good replacement for a Ford ignition switch, some assembly trick

I bought an "unbranded" switch at a local auto parts store for about half the price that fit and worked but I couldn't replace it the balls (to keep my original key) from the OEM switch. The plugs fit into the key slots, but the internal design was wrong and prevented the key change switch from working. I was able to replace my old key with this Motorcraft spare (made in Mexico, not the USA). Replacing the key is fairly easy if you take the old plugs out of the cup, they are numbered (from 1 to 5). . When you remove them from your old cylinder, make note of the number and location of each plug, and then transfer that "code" to your new cylinder. I couldn't read the numbers on some of my old brass bullets, but I was able to compare the sizes to the new bullets and find the right ones. Comes with new steel balls; I wanted to reuse my old brass parts but couldn't turn the switch after putting everything back together; not sure why. Part of this lock assembly uses a spring and ball bearing as a "detent" (like a stop) when you turn a switch, allowing the key to be removed from the lock. To assemble a new lock you will need to balance the ball bearing on the spring and then add a third piece to press the ball bearing into place. THIS IS A BEAR as the ball bearing won't stay on the spring; he just rolls. Try adding some grease or assembly lube (sticky) to keep it in place. If you lose a ball bearing, two are included. If you lose BOTH, it's a 1/8" ball bearing, which you can find at some hardware stores or online. A good buy if you want to keep your old key.

Pros
  • Special
Cons
  • Hard to tell