99 Taurus Trunk Key

[bcsman]

Went to the Ford dealer and they said without disassembling the lock and observing the tumblers they can't just order a key for a particular lock assembly. No such number on the outside of the lock to get a key code from. Also they said with the VIN they could order a lock kit that would come disassembled and I would have to assemble the tumblers to match the ignition key.

Looks like a trip to our local auto junk yard to take one off one of their Taurus. Will have two separate keys, but we all used to have that a few years ago anyhow!

[tripletdaddy]

Poppy cock!
Maybe the 99 locks are different than my 95, but when I bought it used from a Ford dealer they failed to supply the rear glass/liftgate key (st. wagon). I called and said HEY, what gives? If I could come up with a special code that came with the original stuff you get when you by it new from the dealer, like an owners card, you could give that to the dealer, maybe a locksmith and they could cut the key from that. Downside for me was no card, code, nothing. I got lucky and figure out how to contact the original dealer who has the code for key!!! I was then able to get the key made. I'm not sure about the ignition key or cylinder.

However, what I was thinking, is your tumbler pins are able to move up, but not all of them are dropping down where they need to be when your key is fully in, so the cylinder is not able to turn. This is just like you blank key pushing the pins up too high. I think you have some stuck pins. It may be worth calling a locksmith if one is close to see if he could inexpensively fix it. Or, keep on soaking it. I do also think you can get a brand new lock from the aftermarket stores. A locksmith can also rekey or key it like your original. Isn't there a cover on the top of the cylinder that you could pry off? May be worth it. That's what a locksmith would do to fix what you have.

[bcsman]

tripletdaddy,
Thanks for all the good info! I don't see any such cover to pry off, but the lock itself is still connected to a part that attaches the assembly to the trunk lid. Don't see how they come apart, although they should. That is probably the only way to get to your cover.

I have an easier solution I think. A couple miles from my house is a huge auto salvage yard. Been there a few times already for some parts for this car. I'm sure I can get the whole trunk lock assembly--think I know how to remove now--for cheaper than a locksmith or new lock. Just have to be sure the key with the vehicle works the lock!! Only setback is there will be two keys to carry around, but we did that for many years before all the keys matched!

I think you are correct in your assumption about the tumblers. Pretty sure the key is going all the way in now, and her ignition key goes in and out very freely. However don't think the tumblers are moving or dropping. When you insert the key in the door you can feel and hear a little resistance as the tumblers get moved. Don't really hear or feel that on this lock, just pretty much straight in. Will keep soaking this one, but in the meantime will get one at the salvage yard so she has something. If I get the original one working she can go back to one key instead of two!!

Brian

[Mac2002]

Sounds like you are up to where I am with my 99 Taurus trunk lock. Sometimes the key works, sometimes not. Penetrating spray seems to help for a while, but you've already taken care of that. I seem to get more success the next time I need to open it if I really slam the trunk when closing it.

[bcsman]

Mac2002,
Unfortunately you're beyond where I am!! I have not been able to get the key to work once yet. In fact I'm not positive it is even the correct key. My daughter-in-law bought the car used and who knows what key works in the trunk!! Still soaking in kerosene for a few days and will keep trying!

Brian

[GPFred]

I had a similar issue with my 98 Taurus. I ended up taking the lock out of the truck deck, and sprayed the crap out of it with electrical contact cleaner. It was amazing the amount of soot, dirt, and crap that came out. Then I went after it with the wd-40. It took awhile to work at it with the key to break the tumblers loose to operate the lock. It will break loose, just keep at it. If I recall I had to switch back and forth beween the contact cleaner and wd-40. Once it broke loose, I cleaned it again real well with the contact cleaner, let it dry out and then re-lubricated it with graphite. I haven't had a problem with it since, that was 2 years ago. I did the same thing with my door locks without taking them out of the door and no problems with either the lock seizing or the interior light problem coming back. That electrical contact cleaner works wonders. Good luck.

[tripletdaddy]

Could someone confirm for bcsman what key or keys operate the trunk lock? Does just one key do doors, ignition and trunk for a 99? I know for the 95 and earlier station wagon, a second key was needed to open the liftgate, the glass hatch on the gate and the glovebox. However, it was like the old Ford key system where it has a round head and its cross section is opposite that of the door/ign key so they can't go in the wrong lock.

Bcsman, is there anyway to figure out if you even have the original or a replacement lock? You'd think if you can identify it as a Ford lock, it would be the original one, but that's not a guarrantee. Any chance of asking the previous owner?

[tripletdaddy]

I guess fordfool answered the question that there is only one key, though if the most likely key lock replaced he said is the ignition, than shouldn't the doors and trunk not work with the different ignition key? I thought the ignition and doors do work with the same key. So, does the trunk have a different lock and key?

[GPFred]

My 98 Taurus uses one key for ignition lock, doors, trunk, and glovebox, always has. If one changes out the ignition lock, it goes with out saying that the doors and trunk would remain on the old key. I've not heard of cars having two separate keys for a number of years. It was my understanding that most cars today only have one key for all locks on the car.

[bcsman]

Hey guys,
The ignition key works fine in both the door locks, so as has been said if anything was changed it would have been the trunk lock. Still not working but I have to get some contact cleaner to try. I'm sure it is a Ford lock and probably original, but not sure. The car was bought from a guy who purchases donated cars and fixes them up to sell so pretty impossible to ask the previous owner about it!!

It seems as tho the tumblers are froze 'cuz when I push the key in there isn't much resistance. When I use the key on a door you can feel the key push against the tumblers. Just needs some more loving care I guess!!

Brian