Starter Tumblers

This is my first post and I am happy to have found a place where I can bring questions related to auto repairs to those that are much more knowledgeable than I am. I am not mechanically inclined, but try to tackle any repairs that I can.

When I got into my 2000 Windstar this morning, I put the key into the ignition switch and was unable to turn the key. Yesterday, the key did not slide into the ignition switch as smoothly as normal, but I did not have any problems turning the key and starting the car. This morning, the key would not turn. I have ruled out the theft system because the wheel will turn. I called Ford and they told me they had a problem with the tumblers in the switch, and that the repair would be $300.00 plus tax. I have thirteen Thanksgiving dinners to deliver tonight, I need to get my van going. Plus, I do not want to pay Ford $300.00 for something they know is wrong. Is there an alternative, or at least a quick fix so that I can get the van moving and get these dinners out on time tonight? Thanks for any advise, I look forward to learning alot from this forum.

you might try a little WD 40 in the lock. other then that try jiggling it around. it happens to my car.

This is my first post and I am happy to have found a place where I can bring questions related to auto repairs to those that are much more knowledgeable than I am. I am not mechanically inclined, but try to tackle any repairs that I can.

When I got into my 2000 Windstar this morning, I put the key into the ignition switch and was unable to turn the key. Yesterday, the key did not slide into the ignition switch as smoothly as normal, but I did not have any problems turning the key and starting the car. This morning, the key would not turn. I have ruled out the theft system because the wheel will turn. I called Ford and they told me they had a problem with the tumblers in the switch, and that the repair would be $300.00 plus tax. I have thirteen Thanksgiving dinners to deliver tonight, I need to get my van going. Plus, I do not want to pay Ford $300.00 for something they know is wrong. Is there an alternative, or at least a quick fix so that I can get the van moving and get these dinners out on time tonight? Thanks for any advise, I look forward to learning alot from this forum.

Hello

Do I understand you correctly that you can turn your steering wheel but you can't turn your key? If this is correct, your steering wheel should be locked if the key is in lock position. There may be something broken in the steering collume.

Post back and we'll try to to get the gravy and such to where it needs to be.

Regards

Dan

I had key tumbler issues, a garage charged me $80 and put in some cheap part that when bad in 2 years (different key needed). You can buy a similar off brand part at a parts place for like $35. It is pretty easy to put in.
I was trying to do things right and ordered a motorcraft lock cylinder from rock auto and got a whole kit where I fit the tumblers to the orginal key and assembled the cylinder. scary at first, but I was back to a common key for door and ignition.
You just put key in run position, push a allen wrench/small rod thru a hole is colum cover, push a pin in, pull cylinder and its out. taks a light and some trials to get the rod in right spot. I am so pissed a garage charge me $30 labor for 5min job. It's all in knowing how.

I had key tumbler issues, a garage charged me $80 and put in some cheap part that when bad in 2 years (different key needed). You can buy a similar off brand part at a parts place for like $35. It is pretty easy to put in.
I was trying to do things right and ordered a motorcraft lock cylinder from rock auto and got a whole kit where I fit the tumblers to the orginal key and assembled the cylinder. scary at first, but I was back to a common key for door and ignition.
You just put key in run position, push a allen wrench/small rod thru a hole is colum cover, push a pin in, pull cylinder and its out. taks a light and some trials to get the rod in right spot. I am so pissed a garage charge me $30 labor for 5min job. It's all in knowing how.

Hello

I replaced the Lock cylinder on a 93 Taurus. When you get the new cylinder, there are three (or more) to choose from. On Ford keys the front half is for the ignition, and the back half is used for the doors and such. I just had to get my new key cut with the back half to match my doors.

Yes it is that easy as the poster said above to replace a ignition lock cylinder. That is if you have the key, and the key can still turn the cylinder.

Regards

Dan

Hello

Do I understand you correctly that you can turn your steering wheel but you can't turn your key? If this is correct, your steering wheel should be locked if the key is in lock position. There may be something broken in the steering collume.

Post back and we'll try to to get the gravy and such to where it needs to be.

Regards

Dan

Yeah, the steering wheel would turn, not to cut the wheels all the way left or right. It was locked, but I could jiggle it enough that the key should have turned the ignition switch. I tried to WD-40, it did not budge, so I am giving it some time to see if it will free up the tumblers. If I need to order the tumblers, is it the entire ignition assembly, or can I just order tumblers and set them fro my key?

Thanks for the feedback!

I had key tumbler issues, a garage charged me $80 and put in some cheap part that when bad in 2 years (different key needed). You can buy a similar off brand part at a parts place for like $35. It is pretty easy to put in.
I was trying to do things right and ordered a motorcraft lock cylinder from rock auto and got a whole kit where I fit the tumblers to the orginal key and assembled the cylinder. scary at first, but I was back to a common key for door and ignition.
You just put key in run position, push a allen wrench/small rod thru a hole is colum cover, push a pin in, pull cylinder and its out. taks a light and some trials to get the rod in right spot. I am so pissed a garage charge me $30 labor for 5min job. It's all in knowing how.

I can't turn the key to the on position. Would I still be able to pull the tumbler assembly?

I can't turn the key to the on position. Would I still be able to pull the tumbler assembly?

I doubt it, did you try different keys? Depending on your desperation, maybe force it with some channel locks. I don't know if you could tear anything up other than the tumbler your going to remove. Pretty risky.

If I remeber right, removing the plastic covers to get better access to the place you push a pin in wasn't impossible. Or am i thinking of when I had to replace turn signal assembly.

I can't turn the key to the on position. Would I still be able to pull the tumbler assembly?

Well according to your post above, your steering wheel wasn't unlocked, however, like you said, it wasn't preventing your key from turning your lock cylinder.

No, you can not remove the cylinder if you can't turn the key. This is to prevent anyone from just removing the cylinder without the key.

If it's the lock cylinder, yes you just need to get the cylinder. They are between 30.00 to 60.00. (it's been a while since I've needed one).

Do you have anyone near you that could try to help you with this? Sometimes just a second pair of eyes can see something simple that you may of missed or have prematurlly ruled out.

I hope things work out for you.

Regards

Dan

Im not sure if your still having trouble with your ignition but if it gets locked up to where your key gets stuck and doesnt turn the ignition just get a flathead screwdriver and a hammer and give the cylinder some light taps to loosen the stuck tumbler. This should work and let you turn the key. And than just buy the cylinder part of the ignition with the new tumblers and take it in to a locksmith to install it for you. Thats the cheapest way of doing it unless of course you want to do it yourself.