Can't start my car

[MapleLeafMerc]

Dead ignition switch, or something like it? I don't know. Can anyone help?

The symptoms are:

key (both copies) cannot turn the ignition switch

warning chime starts when driver door is opened, without key in ignition

the wheel feels like it would if you shut the car off in gear

batt is good

we tried:

dis/re-connecting the pos terminal on the batt

I looked at every fuse under the steering wheel

muscling the wheel left and right/ while turning the key/while someone gently rocked the car/while trying to move the shifter didn't work

I have a Diablo chip. Did this *expletive deleted* chip kill my car? I'm such an untechie I don't even know where the chip is, so I can pull the damn thing out and see if that's the trouble.

Thanks for your help.

Larry

[Bradley G]

Sounds like lock cylinder is bad, do you still have warranty ?road side assistance

[MapleLeafMerc]

I am still under warranty (except the chip!). I had it towed to a shop near my home, thanks to CAA. I am hoping the shop can find the chip and see if it starts. The CAA driver thought it might be the fault of the ignition lock tumblers.

[merc406]

I believe someone here had that prob about a year and a half ago, you may find it in the search.

[Murader03]

Larry, The chip should have had nothing to do with not being able to rotate the key in the ignition switch. Sounds like a bad tumbler as stated above. Even if the chip did somehow affect the start, you would still be able to turn the ignition switch! I can attest to the fact that the engine will not turn over with a different EEC (another different coded box) installed.

[67435animal]

Larry, it sure sounds like the lock cylinder to me. Did you experience other difficulties turning the key before this happened? You might try squirting a little lubricant into the lock and then try it again. Whatever you do, don't force it. Hopefully, you still have warranty with roadside assistance.

Bob

[MapleLeafMerc]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It was in fact the ignition cylinder. The dealer drilled out the old one and tapped for new one. Covered by the warranty and Ford roadside picked up the tow. :D

[gonzo50]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It was in fact the ignition cylinder. The dealer drilled out the old one and tapped for new one. Covered by the warranty and Ford roadside picked up the tow. :D
I like these "Happy" endings. :beer: