Ignition Key won't turn.

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Jul 5, 2010 | 10:29 PM

Juniper

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Ignition Key won't turn.

01 F350 Crew Cab PSD Manual 4x4. Towed the boat to the launch today. My son told me he heard brake squeal when he parked the trailer. Definitely front brake noise. Got it home tonight, parked the boat, unplugged the trailer (while the lights where on, bad move). Moved truck to unload and shut it down. Hopped in to park the truck and couldn't turn the ignition key. Steering wheel was not locked. Turned the wheel some and it locked but no luck on the key. Checked every fuse (dash and hood). Disconnected battery for about 10 minutes. Tried spare key. No Joy. Looking for any ideas.

Thanks.

Jul 6, 2010 | 06:10 AM

seville009

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Can't tell if you mean that it is a manual 4x4 or manual transmission.

Either way, if you can get it in neutral, try that to unlock. Try pressing the brake too. I'm not a mechanic, but maybe the shift interlock (you need to have the brake pressed to shift) is screwed up and you need to hold the brake down.

Put the emergency brake on, and then take it off.

Good luck.

Jul 6, 2010 | 08:06 AM

Juniper

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Thanks for that. Manual Transmission. Tried all you suggested. Suspect the lock cylinder may have failed and the brakes are just coincidence. Still open for any suggestions.

Jul 6, 2010 | 08:10 AM

sdetweil

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From: Pflugerville, tx

got a spare key you haven't used much?

Sam

Jul 6, 2010 | 08:13 AM

Juniper

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Thanks Sam. Tried all my keys. 2 of 3 are seldom used.

Jul 6, 2010 | 09:22 PM

Juniper

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Turns out the Ignition Key Cylinder Lock ate itself. Couldn't get it out since I couldn't turn the key. Had it towed to the Mechanic. Not sure how he got it out. $130 total. Unfortunately I didn't have the luxury of time to get a cylinder coded to my key so now I have to deal with two keys. Left rear caliper ate itself and destroyed the caliper and rotor. Inner pad was gone. Outer pad and right side pads still had plenty of life left. Replaced rear rotors, left caliper and pads tonight. Will check out the front this weekend. About $200 in parts. Back on the road.