I had to pick up a friend of mine this morning because when she went out to her car, she couldn't get the key to turn the switch. This was on an '01 Explorer, but I was hoping somebody would have an idea on how to free the switch up since its in the Ford family. The steering wheel is locked, and she said she "jiggled it" while trying to turn the key with no results. I've seen the key and its not bent or damaged - she even used the spare key to no avail. She said the switch has given her no problems at all till this morning. Any ideas? Thanks a bunch...
see if you can gently finesse the key in. If the key goes in a little, try to gently turn the key as you rock the steering wheel from its stops on the lock. It may be that when the key was removed the key switch just jammed and needs to be freed. Try using you finger, press on the key switch and try moving it around with you finger tip, if the tubler jammed this might free it up.
Don't call for a tow to get the switch changed unti you feel you have done everything you can do to try and free it yourself without damaging anything.
Well, I tried putting pressure on the key in different positions and turning - no dice. I tried turning the wheel in different positions and turning - no dice. I tried moving around the gearstick and wheel at the same time and turning the key - no dice. Finally in desperation, I got a hammer and gently pecked on the ignition switch. After about the 7th lick a fragment of metal fell out of the switch and it turned right over. We drove it straight to the dealership before cutting it back off. We were able to turn the switch everytime at the dealership with the steering wheel in different positions (and having it locked and unlocked) and the switch seemed fine. We must've cranked it 20 times with no problem. The only thing I can figure is a sliver of metal got it jammed somehow and the hammer knocked it out. She's going to drive it awhile and see if it gives her anymore trouble. Thanks to all for reading this.
Original advice - gently finesse. Actual solution - gently pecked with a hammer .
Congratulations on an ingenious solution.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 110,000km 97 Contour LX v6 atx 125,000km stock CD on LS, cass on LX spoiler, tinted windows on LS only 4 wheel discs on LX only All other available options on both
