My good old 2013 is having an issue lately with getting the key in and out of the steering column. Truck just recently hit 100K. It's been the best truck I've ever had regarding my landscape business since I started in 1999 and I've had plenty of Super Duties. She's been a trusted friend.

But basically, getting the key to be able to turn when starting, and especially getting the key out once the truck is turned off, has become a little tough. It will go in and out after several attempts but there's obviously an issue. My concern is if it gets worse over time and then one day I can't remove the key or be able to start the truck while somewhere away from home.

This truck rarely gets used any more. I've only used it twice so far this year. She's done me well so she gets to rest at home the majority of the time while the 2018 is out there working to pay the bills. But if we ever see any snow this winter, she will be working as hard as any truck out there.

Any ideas? If the ignition in the column has to replaced, is it a huge replacement or is it just the part where the key goes in?

Just trying to get an idea before taking it to a dealer and they try to replace everything down the block.

 

You can replace the ignition lock cylinder. Might check to see what the dealer will charge or a locksmith.

The same lock cylinder has been used in many Fords from 2004 and up. Appears you can "key the lock cylinder" with the replacement".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-For...oAAOSwJAxdzEpd

Again, might be easier and cheaper to get a locksmith to do it. Or, you might find a YouTube video on how to "key" the lock cylinder.

 

I would start with spraying a light oil in the key slot.
in your line of work , i imagine the lock cylinder can see a lot of debris .

 

I did. I was thinking the same thing. But it didn't help hardly at all.

There is a locksmith shop in another town near here that does a lot of the replacement keys for dealerships. They do key fob replacement much cheaper than the dealers do. So I'm hoping they can replace a cylinder.

Whatever happens, I'll report back how it turned out.

 

Near us, such replacements have bee done at locksmith orlando shop. They do fob replacements and the cost of replacement was much cheaper than the dealerships.

 

And i highly recommend LIMU Express locksmith too! Top ignition expert! This guys help me with my Explorer.