Today my 2007 F250 6.0 diesel 4x4 won't start. I mean, the starter won't turn over, because I can't even turn the ignition switch. I insert the key, the same key I've always used with this truck, and the whole ignition switch unit just seems frozen. It won't even wiggle. I have had vehicles in the past (including this one) where this problem would arise momentarily, but I'd wiggle the steering wheel a few times and the switch mechanism would get unstuck and turn. But today the steering wheel and the switch both seem locked up.

The steering column has a switch to enable you to tilt the column at different angles, I tried adjusting that to no avail. My late lamented '89 F250 7.3 IDI had a button on the left side of the steering column you had to push to unlock the ignition switch, but this truck has no such gizmo (that I know of!).

I do currently have the truck in 4 wheel low, but of course it's a push button shift for the transfer case that won't shift until the truck is running.

My initial impulse was to put a vise grip on the switch and lean on it, but I sure don't want to bust anything. I have thought of jacking and blocking the front of the truck to see if that allows me to wiggle the steering wheel in hopes that will break the switch loose.

Any suggestions?

 

Any damage to key tried a spare worn perhaps

Had an old mustang depending how it parked I had to occasionally rock the steer wheel back and forth while turning the key
you probably tried it but thought I would mention it

Maybe be spray lube working the key in out
rack the key up and down in verticals line with tumblers if it’s worn

 

Thanks. When I said wiggle the steering wheel, I was talking about rocking it back and forth (as much as it would turn, which wasn't much then, and is zero now). I do have a spare key hidden in a key locker box. I'll dig that out tomorrow and try it. Maybe with some lube.

 

If you partially turned the steering wheel when shutting off the key, there may be significant pressure on the lock. Your wiggle may not be enough to release the pressure and allow the key assembly turn.

What I would do in this situation is have someone use the starter jumper connection at the passenger-side inner firewall to spin the engine over, which would provide some power steering effort from the power steering pump and may allow you to relieve enough pressure to turn the key. While the engine is spinning, move the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key at the same time.

 

Update: I got the spare key out of the magnetic key locker. I sprayed said key with silicone lube, inserted it in the switch, withdrew it, wiggled it around and pressed it different directions to try to get some lube distributed and massage various points of the lock mechanism. Then I wiggled the steering wheel. I guess I had a couple degrees of rotation, and I jerked it back and forth (CW/CCW) repeatedly, fairly vigorously.

I was about to give up when, suddenly, the switch decided to turn, and I was able to start the truck. After I drove it for a bit and parked it, I tried starting it again several times and the switch and steering wheel now seem to be behaving themselves.

I hope this little episode was just a glitch and not a harbinger of things to come. I will remember the jumper connector trick suggested by Jack (thanks) if this happens again.

 

The ignition key assembly had to be replaced in an old 7.3 truck I had. In my case you didn't need a key for anything just turn the ignition w/o a key and all worked. I would suggest maybe replacing the ignition lock.