Ignition key does not turn
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Denton, TX
Ignition key does not turn
Okay... The ignition key on my wife's Expedition is not turning at all. 
You can insert it just fine and the chime comes on and the seat moves to the memory position etc. etc., but you can not turn the key at all.
The steering wheel is locked and the shifter is in P. 
I've tried wiggling the key and the steering wheel simultaneously, but so far not luck. Kind of hard to turn the steering wheel anyway.
I did some searching but didn't really come up with any threads with similar problem, hence this thread. Any links, info etc. is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
You can insert it just fine and the chime comes on and the seat moves to the memory position etc. etc., but you can not turn the key at all.
The steering wheel is locked and the shifter is in P. I've tried wiggling the key and the steering wheel simultaneously, but so far not luck. Kind of hard to turn the steering wheel anyway. I did some searching but didn't really come up with any threads with similar problem, hence this thread. Any links, info etc. is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Will the key unlock the door manually? If the key is worn out and will not work the ignition switch you can go to a dealer and using the vin number get a service key cut. Be prepared to prove that you own the truck with registration, picture ID. That key will allow you to get the vehicle steering unlocked. Tow it to the dealer and get a new pats key made and programed. Then get some spares made so that you always have a good key.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Denton, TX
Yes, the key works fine on the door lock cylinder, so I don't think it is due to it being worn. That is the only key we have, of course.
I've been yanking the wheel back and forth quite a lot, but still to no avail... I'm thinking the problem is probably on the ignition lock more than on the steering lock. :dunno:
I've been yanking the wheel back and forth quite a lot, but still to no avail... I'm thinking the problem is probably on the ignition lock more than on the steering lock. :dunno:
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Call around to the locksmiths in your area and see if one can "rake" the cylinder and get it to turn to the on position. Then he can remove the cylinder and change out the pins that are worn. He can re-pin the lock to match the original key.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Denton, TX
I just tried even tapping the end of the key with a hammer, but that didn't help. Still no movement on the key. 
I guess it is, as alloro already suggested, column disassembly time. I'm assuming the lock cylinder is worn enough for it not to work, then. Never replaced one, but I guess there's first time for everything...
I guess it is, as alloro already suggested, column disassembly time. I'm assuming the lock cylinder is worn enough for it not to work, then. Never replaced one, but I guess there's first time for everything...
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Denton, TX
I went to a locksmith to have a key made. First it didn't want to go in more than maybe half an inch, but eventually I was able to force it in. It didn't turn, however. I then took it out and tried the old key and it worked right away.
I then worked it back and forth quite a few times and most of the times it did work, but still got stuck a couple of times. I then drove it to the locksmith and the guy said it didn't feel too loose or defective and that it should be just taken out for cleaning and reassembly. They charge 35 bucks for it if I just bring it over, 80 something if they do it all.
I then thought that it should be easy to just whip it out of there, but not today... I tried all kinds of things, but it just wouldn't budge. I didn't want to break anything so I just left it and I guess I will take it in tomorrow.
I then worked it back and forth quite a few times and most of the times it did work, but still got stuck a couple of times. I then drove it to the locksmith and the guy said it didn't feel too loose or defective and that it should be just taken out for cleaning and reassembly. They charge 35 bucks for it if I just bring it over, 80 something if they do it all.
I then thought that it should be easy to just whip it out of there, but not today... I tried all kinds of things, but it just wouldn't budge. I didn't want to break anything so I just left it and I guess I will take it in tomorrow.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: 0,0,1
Sigh...did you ever spray the WD-40 into the lock cylinder as I suggested?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,318
Likes: 5,128
From: 0,0,1
Then I don't understand why the lock is being so stiff.
You don't have kids that might've stuck something in there, do you?
You don't have kids that might've stuck something in there, do you?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Denton, TX
Took the Expedition today again to the locksmith. They took the cylinder out and said the pins were somewhat messed up and even if they rebuilt the cylinder, it might have messed up again in the near future. So I had them replace it and now it works like a charm again.
Cost: 70 bucks w/tax. Not a bad deal, I think.
Cost: 70 bucks w/tax. Not a bad deal, I think.