drove to class today, noticed that when i started my car, the key turned really loosely and freely. Got to campus, parked, turned the key back.... nothing happened. Took it home, pulled fuel pump fuse, drove to Advance and bought a new lock cylinder, drilled old one out to remove (key decided not to go back in), still not working. it will move freely into the start, start, and not turn off. Talked to guys at advance about the rod and switch that connect to the cylinder. anyone have any experience with this, or other advice? going to try and get things settled tomorrow. thanks! 1996 4.0 explorer xlt

 

and also, if i was to need to jury rig a DIY shut off switch in case i cant things to co-operate, does anyone know which wire/combination of wires i would need to hook up to a switch out of the ignition harness? thanks

 

I don't have experience with this, but will ask a couple of questions to get things started. Does your 1996 have PATS that needs to be programmed to the new key? Maybe more importantly, was the old key PATS? It does sound like you still have a mechanical issue, but PATS could make two items that will make this troubleshooting a challenge.

Now that you have a new key cylinder switch are you saying the engine will start but will not shut off with the key? If so, this would rule out PATS as being an issue, but would cause your second post to confuse me.

-Rod

 

Nope no PATS. that started in 98 i believe

 

Okay. So with the new key cylinder you're able to start the vehicle but the key cylinder switch won't shut off the engine? Can you remove the steering column shroud and watch the movement of the ignition rod?

-Rod

 

Im currently in the process of that. seeing as its a tilt wheel steering column, is it possible that rod broke at the joint in it? or is it not jointed?

 

My recall is the joint is further towards the firewall than the ignition switch and activation rod goes.

-Rod

 

Maybe these will help. I've placed the Ign Switch connector pin-out and wiring diagrams in a temporary folder. Also is the exploded Parts diagram for the steering column. These are posted temporarily so view/save/print or whatever but they'll be gone in a week or so.

96 Explorer Info