Ignition switch would not turn
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
Ignition switch would not turn
My 98 F-150 is still in great shape. The other morning stopped for coffee, came back out put key in but would not turn. Nothing binding, nothing stuck, just as if I had the wrong key! Tried my spare key, same thing. After about 15 minutes of trying everything, finally smacked the end of the key "lightly" with a hammer, finally got to turn. Has been fine since, but wonder if any body else has had this happen? The week before I did the broken exhaust manifold stud-gasket replace, on the left side, so I need a "repair break" for a awhile!
New User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6
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My 97 had the same problem. Turned out it is a "safety" feature that does not let you start the vehicle if there is a problem which causes BOTH break lights to fail. Such as a problem with the break light switch or the wiring harness under the dash which controls the break lights. To start the vehicle when this happens follow these steps: Insert Key/Push break and shift into neutral/turn key back into the "accessory" location/then forward to turn vehicle on. Sounds like you may have overriden this problem by forcing the key forward. However you may want to check to see if your breaklights are working. If they are both out then you will need to find the source of the problem. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
I know what you mean, but it wasn't "torque lock". It was odd, it was just like the key was from another Ford, went in fine, like the tumblers were not even being activated. I have a feeling there was probably a tumbler in the cylinder that was above the cylinder "sure" line. This would keep the cylinder from turning. The smack with the hammer may have dropped the tumblers back into correct alignment. I have a key on my ring for our sons Explorer, sometimes I get that in by mistake, now that I think about this that's maybe what I did to cause this. Thanks for the replies though!
Spotty..........
Spotty..........
