Hi All.my Son Has A 1997 Ford Ranger.the Ignition Switch Has Been Working Fine Until Last Night.it Will Not Even Start To Turn.we Tried Moving The Wheel And Shifter But It Will Not Budge.so How Can I Get The Switch Out If The Key Will Not Turn? Anyone Else Have This Happen? If So What Did You Do To Fix It?any Help Would Be Great.
Art

 

I had this happen years ago on my Econoline van. What had happened was the ignition lock cylinder wore out. The tumblers actually dropped out at the back of the lock cylinder. I had to drill the ignition out, then removed it the same way as if it had a key.
I don't know what a dealer would charge for a lock cylinder, but I do know that you can get one from a u-pull yard for around $20 w/ a key.
Here's a link for how to remove the lock cylinder.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

 

From the '97 Ford Manual:

Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder (Ranger) - Lock Cylinder Non-Functional

Removal

NOTE: The following procedure applies to vehicles in which the ignition lock is inoperative and the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582) cannot be rotated due to a lost or broken key, unknown key number, or a cap that has been damaged or broken to the extent that the ignition switch lock cylinder cannot be rotated.

Disconnect battery ground cable.

Using channel lock or vise grip pliers, twist cap until it separates from the ignition switch lock cylinder.

Remove lower shroud as outlined in this section under shroud removal.

*****-punch pin and drill out with 1/8-inch bit. Do not drill deeper than 13mm (1/2 inch). Put a piece of masking tape 13mm (1/2 inch) from tip on bit. Take care not to damage housing.

Using a 3/8-inch diameter drill, drill down middle of ignition lock key slot approximately 44mm (1-3/4 inch) until ignition switch lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder and drill shavings from lock cylinder housing.

Remove column lock gear retainer, steering column lock housing bearing (3E700) and steering column lock gear (3E717). Thoroughly clean all drill shavings and other foreign materials from lock cylinder housing.

Carefully inspect lock cylinder housing for damage from the above operation. If damage is apparent, lock cylinder housing must be replaced.

Installation

Replace lock cylinder housing, if damaged.

Install steering column lock gear, steering column lock housing bearing and column lock gear retainer.

Install trim and electrical parts.

Install new ignition switch lock cylinder as described in this section.

NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to relearn the strategy.

Connect battery ground cable.

Check operation of lock cylinder.

 

Thanks For The Info.i'll Try To Get It Out Tonight.
Art