Ignition key problem, need HELP fast.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 273
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From: New Mexico
Ignition key problem, need HELP fast.
All, I am in need of help quickly for an Ignition key problem with my 1991 Explorer.
Last night after a 14 hr workday, the wife informs me that our die-hard 1991 explorer is stranded at the local Smith’s grocery store. It seems as though the tumblers of the ignition have imploded and I am unable to insert the key the last 1/8 inch or so into the ignition. Consequently with a ford you must have the key completely inserted and the ignition turned to the run position to remove the ignition/locking mechanism. I thought of using a slide hammer to “Pop” the lock to get the explorer home, but I did not want to damage any internal components within the steering column. Any thoughts or past experiences will help greatly. Thank you to all who post a reply. Jeff in NM…OUT
Last night after a 14 hr workday, the wife informs me that our die-hard 1991 explorer is stranded at the local Smith’s grocery store. It seems as though the tumblers of the ignition have imploded and I am unable to insert the key the last 1/8 inch or so into the ignition. Consequently with a ford you must have the key completely inserted and the ignition turned to the run position to remove the ignition/locking mechanism. I thought of using a slide hammer to “Pop” the lock to get the explorer home, but I did not want to damage any internal components within the steering column. Any thoughts or past experiences will help greatly. Thank you to all who post a reply. Jeff in NM…OUT
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 886
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From: Cincinnati
Before you beat it up, squirt in some automatic transmission fluid. I've had some tumblers that won't work anymore and a healthy shot of lube fixed them up. Why tranny fluid, just seems to work well in cold weather.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 576
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From: Cameron, OK
I have a 91 Explorer that does that sometimes too... first make sure the outer part of the ignition switch hasn't slipped around seperate from the inner part... it will cause a mis-alignment and you can't get the key in... or out sometimes... mine does it a lot, I just hold the key in the ignition as far as it will go and rock the outer part back and forth a bit till it goes in... if this isn't the problem and you still can't get the key in I have had success with a drill... Sounds violent I know... but if you start out small.. just a 1/4 inch or so and work you way up it will eventually just fall apart, then you can unlock it using a scewdriver and turn the ignition "on" to remove it and insert the new one. I've done it on a B2 and it worked fine. Just sucks if you get an aftermarket ignition cause now you have to carry 2 keys for it. I think you can get one that uses the original key somehow, maybe through a dealer?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 273
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From: New Mexico
Johnboy_BoomerSooner..
Thanks for the tip on the drill, It worked. As for the miles, I only have 128K on mine. I purchased it new in Feb. 91 and I have no regrets. (I hope mine makes it to 200+...) Thanks again for everyons help...Jeff in NM...OUT
Thanks for the tip on the drill, It worked. As for the miles, I only have 128K on mine. I purchased it new in Feb. 91 and I have no regrets. (I hope mine makes it to 200+...) Thanks again for everyons help...Jeff in NM...OUT
