ignition key won't turn
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 37
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From: Murphy, TX
ignition key won't turn
My girlfriend has an '01 Escape. I pulled it into the garage to change a front turn signal bulb. Sadly, the ignition key doesn't seem willing to turn now and the car is stuck in the garage. Thought the steering might be in a bind so turned the steering wheel hard in both directions while attempting to turn the key, no luck. Are ignition lock cylinders common failures on these vehicles? If so, is it the sort of thing a locksmith can deal with? Is there something else (PATS? other stuff?) I should be looking at? Thanks for the help!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 42,594
Likes: 3,124
From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
My 02 Escape had the problem like yours. I found that if the tilt steering column is in the “full down” position that the key would not turn. All I needed to do is raise the column up the slightest bit and the key would turn. It never has stuck again.
Last edited by 5_labsownus; Sep 29, 2007 at 08:18 PM.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 37
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From: Murphy, TX
Thanks, I owe an update. After much repositioning and wiggling of the wheel, WD-40, and alternating swearing and prayer, I called a mobile locksmith. New lock cylinder (matched to our existing keys) and key, reprogramming of the new key and our existing two done in my garage so no towing hassle - $200. The old keys were pretty well worn, the car does have 154 mi on it now. The locksmith was able to confirm that this is a very common failure.
Last edited by frozentexan; Oct 7, 2007 at 11:16 AM.
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