Okay... The ignition key on my wife's Expedition is not turning at all.

You can insert it just fine and the chime comes on and the seat moves to the memory position etc. etc., but you can not turn the key at all. The steering wheel is locked and the shifter is in P. I've tried wiggling the key and the steering wheel simultaneously, but so far not luck. Kind of hard to turn the steering wheel anyway.

I did some searching but didn't really come up with any threads with similar problem, hence this thread. Any links, info etc. is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Pull the steering wheel REAL HARD, first one way then the other while turning the key. If that doesn't work shoot a little WD-40 into the lock to see if that frees up the lock internals.

 

Will the key unlock the door manually? If the key is worn out and will not work the ignition switch you can go to a dealer and using the vin number get a service key cut. Be prepared to prove that you own the truck with registration, picture ID. That key will allow you to get the vehicle steering unlocked. Tow it to the dealer and get a new pats key made and programed. Then get some spares made so that you always have a good key.

 

Yes, the key works fine on the door lock cylinder, so I don't think it is due to it being worn. That is the only key we have, of course.

I've been yanking the wheel back and forth quite a lot, but still to no avail... I'm thinking the problem is probably on the ignition lock more than on the steering lock. :dunno:

 

Then it's column disassembly time. You can't even push up on the little button and pop the lock out because you need to be able to turn it for that to happen.

 

I have a Mustang that the same thing happened on. It ended up that the lock cylinder was worn.

 

Call around to the locksmiths in your area and see if one can "rake" the cylinder and get it to turn to the on position. Then he can remove the cylinder and change out the pins that are worn. He can re-pin the lock to match the original key.
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I just tried even tapping the end of the key with a hammer, but that didn't help. Still no movement on the key.

I guess it is, as alloro already suggested, column disassembly time. I'm assuming the lock cylinder is worn enough for it not to work, then. Never replaced one, but I guess there's first time for everything...

 

I went to a locksmith to have a key made. First it didn't want to go in more than maybe half an inch, but eventually I was able to force it in. It didn't turn, however. I then took it out and tried the old key and it worked right away.

I then worked it back and forth quite a few times and most of the times it did work, but still got stuck a couple of times. I then drove it to the locksmith and the guy said it didn't feel too loose or defective and that it should be just taken out for cleaning and reassembly. They charge 35 bucks for it if I just bring it over, 80 something if they do it all.

I then thought that it should be easy to just whip it out of there, but not today... I tried all kinds of things, but it just wouldn't budge. I didn't want to break anything so I just left it and I guess I will take it in tomorrow.

 

Sigh...did you ever spray the WD-40 into the lock cylinder as I suggested?

 

Yes, sir. Sure did. As did also the locksmith guy.

 

Then I don't understand why the lock is being so stiff.
You don't have kids that might've stuck something in there, do you?

 

If they would, then that would be it for their driving.

 

Took the Expedition today again to the locksmith. They took the cylinder out and said the pins were somewhat messed up and even if they rebuilt the cylinder, it might have messed up again in the near future. So I had them replace it and now it works like a charm again.

Cost: 70 bucks w/tax. Not a bad deal, I think.

 

Not bad at all. It sounds like you found an honest locksmith that didn't take advantage of you.