Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

How to remove key while engine is running

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 29, 2023 | 09:38 PM
  #1  
kameronth's Avatar
kameronth
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
How to remove key while engine is running

My 95 has the worn ignition tumbler that allows the key to come out while it’s running. Even though it’s a part failure, it’s probably my favorite feature. A poor man’s auto start where I can fire it up and lock the doors.

My new $200 “beater with a heater” 96 works correctly, so no luxury of starting and locking the doors without carrying a spare key. Does anyone know what piece it is that fails, and how to make my 96 do the same?
pic for fun of my 96 351. Still shines up under the hood with only 96k miles.

 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2023 | 09:46 PM
  #2  
AuroraGirl's Avatar
AuroraGirl
Lead Driver
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 805
its easier to carry two keys than to break the ignition tumblr to allow the key to be removed. theres a chance doing that makes it so the key isnt needed to turn it on
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2023 | 10:12 PM
  #3  
kameronth's Avatar
kameronth
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
Originally Posted by AuroraGirl
its easier to carry two keys than to break the ignition tumblr to allow the key to be removed. theres a chance doing that makes it so the key isnt needed to turn it on
That’s worth the risk to me. My 95 still needs the key to turn on.
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2023 | 10:19 PM
  #4  
AuroraGirl's Avatar
AuroraGirl
Lead Driver
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 805
Originally Posted by kameronth
That’s worth the risk to me. My 95 still needs the key to turn on.
Other than swapping the tumblr I am not sure. Can you send a picture of your 95's key and does your tumblr on the 95 have a metal or plastic part on the outside? The 96 should have a plastic one
 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2023 | 04:21 AM
  #5  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,569
Likes: 5,606
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
the pins in the key cylinder are wore out. that is why the key can be removed without it being on lock position.
the only way to do that on the 96 would be ot wear down the pins in the key cylinder.
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2023 | 08:16 AM
  #6  
manicmechanic007's Avatar
manicmechanic007
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,536
Likes: 2,664
From: Near Salt Lake City
Club FTE Silver Member

I agree
Give your grandkids a key and disconnect the battery
Put them in the truck for an hour or two and tell him to try it out
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2023 | 03:05 PM
  #7  
solanum's Avatar
solanum
Tuned
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 480
Likes: 141
From: NJ
Just take all the wafers & springs out. 2 minute job.

BTW, if you're like me and like to play around with the tumblers, grab a PATS tumbler. They're vastly simpler and easier to work on than ours. You don't have to be a locksmith, anybody with 3 brain cells can re-pin it in about 5 minutes. Although the plastic cover is different, everything else slides right in to most 1980 through ~2011 Ford light trucks.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
banshee_man_96
Excursion - King of SUVs
47
Nov 22, 2018 07:20 AM
RavageX
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Apr 4, 2013 01:35 PM
firemanp
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
May 3, 2006 06:53 AM
Peter Nikols
1997 - 2003 F150
1
Dec 4, 2003 05:20 PM
JudyK
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
14
Aug 2, 2003 11:49 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:03 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE