The ignition key on my 1988 Ford ranger will not turn. And, the key can be removed with out depressing the button.

I have tried jerking the wheel and spraying WD-40 into the lock cylinder but there was no change. I also have tried gently tapping the lock cylinder housing with a wrench.

I there someting else I should try?

My Hays manual say to turn the key to the run position to remove the lock cylinder. However, the key won't turn. Is there another removal method.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Three possibles come to mind.
1- Lobes on key have worn past the 'able to function' point, ie key worn out.
The key you are using, is it an original? If you have another key, have you tried it.
Might go to Ford dealer to get another key made from the master set up they have, not a duplicate of the one you already have.

Have you tried holding key differently? No, I'm not joking. After inserting key, try to hold deepest end in without lowering and lift up on back, or other such machinations. Don't force, if you get it to work, drive immediately for replacement parts/key, don't count on it working again.

2 & 3- Tumblers in lock cylinder worn out and/or lock mechanism worn out/broken.
Either of these means replacement of those parts, might consider doing both if you must do one.

Try other key(s) if you have any, or replacement master key, may have to call locksmith otherwise (Gets pricey quick).

 

most likely a worn out key.

 

I would think it was a worn out key also, I knew a guy that had a ton on keys on his key ring and he was wearing out keys and lock on his car, truck and airplane. He caught on after his airplane quit running in flight.
John

 

Like the other guys mentioned, it's probably a worn out key, but I wonder if the ignition switch could be binding? It's simple enough to check, just remove the upper plastic shroud from the steering column & remove the switch.

 

I would like to thank all the people that replied.

One of the tumblers dropped out. The lock cylinder had to drilled and replaced.