Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Ignition key doesn't want to release

98 SE ATX

Wife called me this evening, said she was having trouble getting the key out of the ignition. I verified that the key didn't want to release from the lock cylinder in the normal OFF position. By slowly rotating the key a bit forward towards the RUN position, it released. I was able to duplicate this at least a dozen times. Of course, she said that she had tried this earlier and it hadn't worked.

Since this isn't good enough for her, any ideas on what has worn out? My guess is the lock cylinder is starting to show its age after 77K miles. Comments?

Steve

I had the SAME EXACT problem about 2 months ago. I am at 77,600 miles. Looks like we have the same amount of wear. Check the key to see it it hasnt been damaged too much either... I have this problem mostly with the one key that is worn the most. My other less-used keys dont have this problem. It was driving me crazy the couple times that it happened.

The spare key with very little wear also does it.

I guess I'll pull the lock cylinder out today and see it there is any visible wear.

Steve

There's a TSB on this problem.
Try a search of the archives.

AL

I had the same problem when I bought my car last year. I squirted a little graphite lock lubricant in there and then inserted the key in and out for like 50 times to work the lube into the tumblers. It fixed my problem ever since.

Maybe a long shot but my stuck key problem is solved by moving the transmission gear selector at the same time as moving the key.

As suggested by jmatzick above, key removal inhibit solenoid a possibility. Fed from F34 (hot at all times) and is energized when gearshift selector is in any position, except park.

Solenoid is on steering column.

The key removal inhibit solenoid is energized anytime the lever is NOT in PARK. FYI, if F34 were to blow, the solenoid would be de-energized and the key would be removable at any time.

I guess I'll pull the cylinder out and check it. I looked the TSB up (it's not in the archives, also FYI) that was mentioned and it recommends replacement of the cylinder. I checked with a dealer parts dept who said I need the complete lock set (doors, trucnk, and ignition) since I have a PATS system.

I'll see what the inspection reveals.

Thanks,

Steve

Alright, does anyone know how to get the cylinder out?

The service CD is silent and this one is different from all the other Fords I've worked on so far. I was used to the hole in the bottom of the housing that had the pin to be depressed, allowing the cylinder to be removed, but there is nothing like that on this car.

Any experience out there?

Steve

Re cd:
Service > Chassis > Steering Column Switches

p.s. I thought I said what you said, and expected you to deduce that pulling F34 would confirm or eliminate solenoid as source of problem.