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Joined: Jan 2004
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OP
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Looking for some help. Went to start my 2000 Contour and the key wont budge. The steering wheel isn't locked, I moved it around a bit while trying to turn the key and no go. Dealership says maybe it's a bad ignition cylinder? We haven't been able to locate the spare key yet. Could it be a problem with the key? It's been pretty cold here (10-20 degrees F), could it be related to the cold?
Next step is to have it towed to the dealership or my mechanic to have it fixed. Wonder if a lock smith would come to the house and deal with the problem or not. Probably not.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 770
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 770 |
I had a locksmith come to my office once to repair a broken cylinder in my steering column. Charged me about 70 bucks but worth it. Was on a Chrysler car I used to own, had a Saginaw steering column so it was no big deal. Hopefully you are using the correct key?? 
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Joined: Jan 2004
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OP
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Thanks for the reply! LOL. Yes it is the right key. :-)
Wondered if the key eventually would wear and then it wouldn't work any more. We are still looking for the spare key.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 63
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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If it's an ATX, make sure it's all the way into park. I had that happen once.
Britt Boyette
Break Like the Wind Racing
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,408
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2002
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Originally posted by mountainqueen:
Looking for some help. Went to start my 2000 Contour and the key wont budge. The steering wheel isn't locked, I moved it around a bit while trying to turn the key and no go. Dealership says maybe it's a bad ignition cylinder? We haven't been able to locate the spare key yet. Could it be a problem with the key? It's been pretty cold here (10-20 degrees F), could it be related to the cold?
Next step is to have it towed to the dealership or my mechanic to have it fixed. Wonder if a lock smith would come to the house and deal with the problem or not. Probably not.
My daughter broke a key off in the ignition yesterday. Made me late for work.
Apparently the center of the lock cylinder goes in slightly when you turn the key. If it doesn't, the key won't turn. If it doesn't come back up. the key won't come out. I smacked that center part because it was stuck. Got the key stub out, works now but sticks for a second when you try to pull the key out. Have to pull the cylinder out when I have more time, something must be worn in it.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" -George Santayana
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,788
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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My 98 did something like that. Some lock lube has kept it in working order for at least 6 months so far.
Steve
98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car
89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles
94 SHO ATX - 190K
1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K.
ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,301
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2000
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Same thing happened to a friend. Turned out his key was worn just enough to not work anymore.
-Ken V.
1998.5 SE Praire Tan Zetec ATX
psycho_bass@hotmail.com
Roush springs Roush rear sway bar BAT struts 17" Millie Miglia HT3 and a ton of subtle asthetic mods
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4
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OP
Newbie
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Sorry for this horribly late closure. Well, thanks to 2X95SEs for the lock smith idea. I had one come to the house for $40, he sprayed some cleaner in the key slot and cleaned it out. It worked. Then he asked me if I had dropped the keys in the snow - of course I had. He said the snow/water got into the key slot and froze so I couldn't turn the key. Boy did I feel dumb but it was a heck of a lot cheaper than having the car towed. The lock smith was a great idea! Thanks a bunch!
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