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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