key wont turn...
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1
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From: Patoka IL
key wont turn...
i have a 2wd nothing special about it ranger and when i stick the key in it just wont turn. I can take the key out and stick it back in and it just wont turn. The wheel is locked but I dont know if that has anything to do with it... any help would be appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,221
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From: Homer, Alaska
Sometimes the wheel being locked put pressure on the lock making it difficult to turn. Try wiggling the steering wheel while you try turning the lock. If that doesn't work, try pulling the key out and turning it over. Sometimes the key is not exactly cut on both sides. Only one side of the key actually sets the tumblers in the lock. If neither of these work (assuming you are not using the wrong key for that vehicle), you may have something broken or lodged in the lock. You also might try some graphite key lube in the lock. Don't use oil! Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
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From: Springfield, IL USA
This might be obvious and you may have tried it but here goes. Try rocking the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key. Sometimes the tumblers in the steering wheel lock get worn and rocking it may allow you to turn the key.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Jiggle the steering wheel while strying to start/turn the key. I know on some vehicle if the wheel is turned sharp that the wheel locks and makes the key difficult to turn. Play with the wheel that it is in between stop clockwise and counter clockwise.
Also make sure the tranny is in park and not stuck on the ledge before the shifter drops into the park position.
Just a thought.
Also make sure the tranny is in park and not stuck on the ledge before the shifter drops into the park position.
Just a thought.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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You don't say how old it is, but on my 93 it did that, the switch was jiggly, and it wouldn't turn sometimes, a new ignition switch is available for probably under 15 bucks at the parts store, fairly easy to install if you have the repair book, you'll have seperate keys for the ignition and doors
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15
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i have the opposite problem!
with my truck (and the 91 f-150 my dad had) you can pull the key out of the ignition with the engine running! i don't know why it does that, anybody have any ideas?
i like it like that, tho, i can stop at the wawa (a 7-11 like store) and leave my truck running and locked, so it stays nice inside it while i run inside. expect for that one time i left it running and locked the key inside in the ignition...
i like it like that, tho, i can stop at the wawa (a 7-11 like store) and leave my truck running and locked, so it stays nice inside it while i run inside. expect for that one time i left it running and locked the key inside in the ignition...
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
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From: Springfield, IL USA
BlueOvalAngel,
Most likely your ignition switch tumblers are so worn that you can remove the key without interrupting the ignition system. You could replace the ignition switch if you want to correct it.
Most likely your ignition switch tumblers are so worn that you can remove the key without interrupting the ignition system. You could replace the ignition switch if you want to correct it.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 72
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From: Buffalo Ny
BlueOvalAngel,
Most of the 80's Frod ignitions are like that. I remember my Dad bought a brand new 1980 F250 and within 6 months it was like that. My 87 does it but I agree this is a feature not a problem.
Kevin
Most of the 80's Frod ignitions are like that. I remember my Dad bought a brand new 1980 F250 and within 6 months it was like that. My 87 does it but I agree this is a feature not a problem.
Kevin
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
In addition to everything else mentioned, with the key in the ignition, wiggle the ignition switch vigorously while trying to start it. If something like lock ease does not remedy the problem, replace the switch ASAP to avoid having it stay in the crank mode sometime down the road 
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