ranger ignition problem UPDATED!!

[Ryan_V]

So I just picked up my ranger that I bought!! Love the truck, but I'm having issues with the ignition. when I put the key in and try to turn it, it's like it's completely frozen. the wheel isn't locked in, so that's not it. It can take a couple minutes of fussing with it before it will actually turn, but then it turns normally....any ideas what this might be and how to remedy it?? If I need to replace the ignition, is that a difficult job?? It's a '96 Ranger Extended Cab STX

[deadeye]

Sounds like a bad lock cylinder to me. I have little experince with ford but I did just slap one in a on a taurus of the same vintage and it was a breeze.

I would wait for the ford guys to chime before you start tearing into it to make sure there isnt something weird to do with it.

[Ryan_V]

I just tried it again and the ignition is totally locked up, key won't turn at all....HELP!!!! what do I do?? I'm assuming the ignition has to come out. How do I get it out?? I don't think the steering wheel needs to come off, but I now have a shiny new red garage decoration!!!

when I put the key in, you can hear it doesn't "click" like usual when you put a key in an ignition.

Any help is appreciated.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Try tapping the lock cylinder with the key out with the handle end of a screw driver. Spraying some penetrating lude liberally can also help. Usually what happens is one of the tumblers will stick in the up position as the key goes through them. Tapping with the handle end of a screwdriver will 90% of the time get them to drop allowing the key to be turned.

if you look under the steering wheel there should be a hole in the lower plastic cover. You will be able to insert a tool about 1/8" in diameter through the hole to press in the pin that retains the lock cylinder into the column. The key needs to be in the run position for this to work. Once the retainer is pushed in the lock cylinder will pull out of the column.

[Ryan_V]

Thanks for the advice Air....I tried it, no luck. I tap...tap...tapped away and nothing. Squirted some penetrating oil in there, let it sit a while....nothing. What should I try next??

How does one get it out if the key won't turn forward??? I know I can get a replacement, but I need the old one out first!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

The instructions involve lots of drilling!

[shizzy]

what year Ranger and what shape is the key in?

I have had a few vehicles over the years that a worn out key will no longer work. do you have a spare key?

[Ryan_V]

The Ranger is a '96. The key seems o.k., but don't know what to look for. No spare, only the one key and key fob came with it.

[Ryan_V]

I've messed with it a little more. I tried it in the drivers door and that is also difficult to impossible to turn as well but seems to work better in the passenger door. I'm thinking the key is worn out??? I'm leaning twards calling a locksmith tomorrow to have them come out and have it re-keyed. any thoughts on that??

[Jeremy airjer W]

Thats not a bad idea to try a new key

You can bring proof of ownership to any ford dealer along with the vehicles vin number and have them cut a brand new key to fit your vehicle. It's a lot cheaper to try a new key than to have a locksmith "rekey" the vehicle.

[Ryan_V]

can ford do that with a '96?? I wasn't sure if that was possible or not. Thanks for the info.

another note....the key "kinda" worked yesterday, but then last night, nothing. I had made a spare yesterday, so I tried that and after a little fidgeting, got it to go, but the original still doesn't, and also won't open the door, that's why I'm thinking it's the key!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

They should be able to cut anything you need. The nice thing about going to the dealer is they will cut a fresh key, not one that is copied from your original. The ones copied from your original are only as good as the original.

[Big Buck Buster]

Probably going to be less expensive for you to go to CQ in town, and get a new lock cylinder.

I have had good success with tapping on the end of the key while it is in the cylinder, and turning at the same time.

If the original key works in the passenger side door just fine, I would think that the key is not the issue.

Spray some silicone spray lube in the outside drivers door lock cylinder, then try the original key in it again.

If you want any help, I would be happy to help you(no charge).

Let me know if I can help. You don't live that far from me, and can help you out, if you want.

[Ryan_V]

that would be awesome if you could help, I just called Ford and a '96 is too old to cut a key off the vin, so I'm about to call a locksmith

[Ryan_V]

Hey big buck, give me a call. I bought a new ignition and need help getting the other one out. It would be great if you'd lend a knowledgeble hand!!! 320-223-0501 thanks man, I appreciate it alot!!

[Scott K]

Ryan, if you havent gotten the old one out yet, if you can get the key to turn one more time, there is a hole on the bottom of the steering shroud, just take a small punch, or pick and push it in the hole when the key is in the run position, the tumbler should pull right out. The new one goes in the same way, turn the tumbler in the run position, slide it in, and push it a little, turn the key to off, all done.

[Ryan_V]

Gentlemen.....once again I owe a great big THANK YOU to my mechanic advisors here at FM!!! It is so great to have a forum to be able to work these things out myself. I was settled on calling a locksmith at an estimated $200-$250 to re-key it. Instead I spent $25 at O'rilley for a new ignition and installed it myself. Sure my doors don't match the key, but I can have them matched for about $40, if I can get them out (hint, future post!! )) For now though, I'm good with the key fob!!

thanks again geltlemen, I owe ya one!!

[Big Buck Buster]

Ryan,

Sorry I couldn't help you out today. I had to work.

Glad to see that you got it fixed.

[Ryan_V]

BIG BUCK... don't worry, I'm sure I'll need help getting the door locks out to bring them in to get matched up to the new ignition key!! hold tight!!