ignition problem
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ignition problem
When trying to start my '97 Aerostar I am not able to turn my key to any positon. Normally I would turn the steering wheel to unlock the ignition but I am unable to turn the wheel enough to accomplish this. The steering wheel seems to be locked as well as the ignition. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 435
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
On my 92 3.0L I sometimes must turn the steering wheel slightly to the left/right to relieve pressure on the locking mechanism before I can turn the key. Sounds like you have tried this and still can't turn the key. Are you in park? Can you move the shift lever at all?
Ron
Ron
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by getoutthere
When trying to start my '97 Aerostar I am not able to turn my key to any positon. Normally I would turn the steering wheel to unlock the ignition but I am unable to turn the wheel enough to accomplish this. The steering wheel seems to be locked as well as the ignition. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
If this is not the problem, your ignition tumbler needs replacing. You can go to Ford and order an identical one (you may have to wait a few days) or you can get a replacement from an auto parts store.
There are two replacement procedures. One way is when you can still turn the ignition on, but you want to replace the tumbers. The other procedure is when the tumbers can not be moved, as in your case. If you want to do this procedure yourself, buy an Aerostar fix-it manual from your local auto parts store and follow the procedure explained. With the proper tools and minimal mechanical skills, it is about a half hour to an hour job.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Try turning the metal guide backward a bit while shoving the key in further. I had the same problem. The metal guide on the ouside had slipped and the slots on the guide and the tumbler were no longer aligned. When this happens, the key won't go in all the way and you can't turn the tumbler. You need to replace the ignition lock ASAP after this.
P.S. The metal guide I'm talking about is the shiny metal (sometimes black) with the slot for the key to go in. That can slip back and forth on the tumbler, even though it's not supposed to do that.
P.S. The metal guide I'm talking about is the shiny metal (sometimes black) with the slot for the key to go in. That can slip back and forth on the tumbler, even though it's not supposed to do that.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 1
From: Orland USA
I don't know if it is the same on these newer FORDs but when I had to get another Ign switch for a 66 Falcon I had, it had the double-sided key. Now I had to have two keys to get into the car. One to open the door and another to start it.
I was going to get the switch rekeyed and he aske me why. Because only side was used to unlock the lock.
To make a long story short.....He cut the Ign on one side of the key and the door on the other side. One key.....
So try turning the key over and see if it will unlock the wheel.
Also have someone try to turn the steering wheel back and forth while you try turning the key. I think that even with it locked you should be able to turn the key into the Accessory mode. If not a bad Switch.
I was going to get the switch rekeyed and he aske me why. Because only side was used to unlock the lock.
To make a long story short.....He cut the Ign on one side of the key and the door on the other side. One key.....
So try turning the key over and see if it will unlock the wheel.
Also have someone try to turn the steering wheel back and forth while you try turning the key. I think that even with it locked you should be able to turn the key into the Accessory mode. If not a bad Switch.
