So I just bought a 1970 Cougar xr7 and the guy I bought it from says it has a column lock. To remove or turn the key I need to stick my finger in a hole on the underside of the column right next to the steering wheel. It takes some work as there is a little ridge inside the column that I have to push to unlock the key. Is there supposed to be a handle there? And if so, anybody know where I could find one?
That is not the factory way to remove the key. There is a lock rod that goes from the shifter to the bottom of the steering column under the car. For an automatic the car must be in PARK to remove the key. For a manual transmission as I recall the car must be in reverse, although I could be wrong on the gear. Perhaps you are missing the lockout rod and that is why you must poke around inside the column to remove the key.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
If Randy is correct and your Cougar is missing it’s lock out rod. You can temporarily rotate the steering column lock out lever (that’s located on the column just above the rag-joint / steering box connection) to the full un-locked position and creatively secure the lever with perhaps a small bungee cord. Wont be attractive… but will get ya by in the sort term.
Not sure about other years but you’re right about manual needing to be in reverse as far as my 71 is concerned
I think you’re right about the lockout rod, I will try to find one. Thanks so much!
if you have the correct FMX I have one. You will need to look at the shifter arm on the transmission for the provision for the lock out rod. If somebody swapped in a 1969 FMX it will not have the provision. If that is the case permanently fix the lock out feature in the column.