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Johnman
03-09-2005, 07:48 PM
I went to get in my car today, and the key would insert but not turn. I jiggled the steering wheel of course, but this did no good. The steering wheel was no longer locked into position, and the car now thinks the key is in even when it is not, because the warning chimes sound when the door is open. The shifter IS locked, however and cannot be moved out of Park. It had to be towed to the dealership, where everyone is befuddled. Looks like they may have to replace the entire steering column. Anyone else had a problem like this?
jjaguda
03-09-2005, 07:56 PM
I had a similar problem with a 96 Crown Vic. Take the key out and the chime keeps on going. I took the steering column apart and found that the contact switch was broken. I don't recall exactly how it works, but it is in the key tumbler/assembly. Since the shifter lock is opperated electrically (I think?) it may be hooked to the same iginition switch contact that causes the chimes to keep ringing.

Since the igniition switch is cheap - its a good place to start - except that the column is a PITA to take apart.
jgc61sr2002
03-09-2005, 08:09 PM
I went to get in my car today, and the key would insert but not turn. I jiggled the steering wheel of course, but this did no good. The steering wheel was no longer locked into position, and the car now thinks the key is in even when it is not, because the warning chimes sound when the door is open. The shifter IS locked, however and cannot be moved out of Park. It had to be towed to the dealership, where everyone is befuddled. Looks like they may have to replace the entire steering column. Anyone else had a problem like this?


The steering wheel doesn't have a locking position. This was deleted with the PATS key system. IMO there is a problem with the key or the ignition lock.
Johnman
03-09-2005, 08:31 PM
The steering wheel doesn't have a locking position. This was deleted with the PATS key system. IMO there is a problem with the key or the ignition lock.
I guess I never noticed that it didn't lock-until now!
cruzer
03-09-2005, 09:20 PM
John, I had a similar problem and my dealer told me to check c/bs--I can't remember which one was the culprit--but he had a procedure for overriding the problem---d--- senility---can't remember--- the service man was Willy at North Hills L/M in North Richland Hills--hope this helps, Maury
DEFYANT
03-09-2005, 09:48 PM
I had the exact same problem with my ole 98 expedition. Had to have it towed to the dealer. They said the tumblers were messed up... Took them a day to fix it. I kept the same key.
RoyLPita
03-10-2005, 04:50 AM
Where I work we had ignition cylinder locks go bad, especially in Focuses in E150 vans.
2003 MIB
03-10-2005, 06:07 AM
It had to be towed to the dealership, where everyone is befuddled.
Bankston or Eagle?

I think she's jealous because you're spending more time with that other blue car...:)
Daily 03
03-10-2005, 06:17 PM
John,
I had a similar problem happen to me 120 Miles from home on a Saturday afternoon and the car only had 6000 miles on it. A Lock Smith fixed it so that I could get home with it. What happened is that the first notch on the key is very big and it made the first tumbler in the switch get hung up. Ford did replace the switch and I have not had any problem since.
Dale
Johnman
03-10-2005, 08:14 PM
Bankston or Eagle?

I think she's jealous because you're spending more time with that other blue car...:)
I took it to John Eagle, where I can get the best price- since I am also getting an oil change and state inspection. I learned today that they are ordering a new steering column from Dearborn (or wherever), so it I will have to wait over the weekend. So I will get three shiny new keys. In the meantime, I will continue my torrid affair with the blue Mini...