94 Escort problem

Recently i have purchased a escort 94 model, and have problems turning the key to start the engine. Time to time is does work 1st go, but sometimes i have to give the weel a bit of a turn before the key turns to start the engine, today its totally ceased up and will not turn at all, any sugestions?

Toe

Replace the key cylinder. You should have done it when it was giving you problems.
Good Luck.

I Have the same problem with my 95 - Take some WD-40 and spray the inside the ignition key hole... Juice it up good.. Make sure you place an old rag/towel below to catch the over flow... Run the key in and out a few time an try to turn it... This should work for a while.. Keep the can of WD-40 with you in case you need it again... Been doing this for over a year now.. Not worth the money they want for replacing the key cylinder. If it were that simple, I would have doen that, but as usual, its a "special" one... Ask any well known locksmith....

Just like the escorts transmittion... Go ask about a quote to rebuilt one of those... about 1500 - 2000 bucks and that if theres no other problems... I was lucky to have it fixed for $1150.00

Cheap car, but very expensive parts and repairs

I had the same problem once and was put to shame by my brother-in-law who turned the stering wheel a little, and pow! I was embaressed as he gentle turned the key to start.

Turning the key off with the wheel cranked to one side is like parking on a hill without the P-brake on. There is a torque load on the locking mechanism, which needs to be relieved before the key can be turned. If it gets forced, it will eventually fail and cause problems. If the key jams, the first thing to do is turn the wheel in the opposite direction from where the lock is holding it and gently turn the key. Hopefully, your lock cylinder/mechanism hasn't been damaged.