98 Ford Explorer Help

I have a nephew in Rochester attending college he is deaf so all communication is by email.

Problem is he went to start his 98 explorer and would not start. He had it towed by AAA back to his dorm. AAA tried to start and the key would not turn AAA told him it was in lockdown. What does this mean lockdown? He tried to move the steering wheel and couldn't. I know in the Chevy blazers if battery is dead and you have key in ignition you can't get it out until battery is charged or replacement battery. He even tried to move the steering hard both ways to release the key but no go. Any suggestions again AAA said car is in lockdown!!!
I have an email to him waiting for more info I will post when i get it.
thanks

hello john,you could try to jump if you have'nt.make sure we have a good/charged battery & make sure the connections are clean/tight.make sure its all the way in park.you can try lubing the key & put it into cylinder a couple of times.if he parked with the wheels turned all the way it maybe just to much pressure on column.if so you can try to lift front end to remove pressure.im sure you'll get more info of what else to ck/do.Good Luck

I'm not aware of any mechanism in the steering column or key cylinder switch that would prevent the key from being removed. The steering wheel lock though can cause the key cylinder switch to not turn from the "Off" position to the "Run" or "Start" positions. I suspect that is probably what the towing service meant by lockdown, but you should be able to really crank on the steering wheel to get the steering wheel off of one of the lock positions to turn the key.

It's a bit unclear to me if the problem, as you understand it, is that the key won't turn to allow the vehicle to start, or if the key cannot be removed.

Is there a chance the wrong key was inserted into the key cylinder?

When trying to turn the steering wheel, does it feel jammed, or will it turn a few degrees?

-Rod

The key can be removed, just can't turn. I just mentioned about the chevy blazers doing this sorry for the confusion. I still haven't heard from him so I still haven't got an update. I will try to ask about moving the steering wheel to some extent. Also if the battery has a good charge. Jacking the front end up to get the 2 front tires is a good idea if all leads to the steering wheel locked with too much tension.

thanks for the replys and ideas

Well he got the car working. I don't understand but he took a hammer to the ignition and with the key in he tapped it lightly and it released the ignition so he could turn the key. I think the ignition got hung up. I told him to get some of the dry graphite and squirt into the key slot..

thanks to all for the replies!!!!!

Thanks for the follow up. You should also warn him not to put the graphite coated key in the pocket of his white pants. :)

-Rod