1994 Taurus Ignition Problems

[karaz]

Ok, on Friday Night, hubby took Taurus to Meijer. He has one of those keys you get at the hardware store. AT any rate, he could not get the key out. He ended up breaking it off ,and we used side cutters to turn the ignition and drive the car home. He got the broken key out, but now my key will not go in al lthe way. We know there is nothing broken off in there, why is this happeneing? I imagine I need to replace the ignition itsself, how hard is this? And where do I get the ignition?

[Jeckler]

Actually, it's the lock cylinder you want, not the ignition switch. I found that out when I had to replace mine, (the cylinder). I kind of looked at the guy funny for a minute when he brought the actual switch out.
Anyway, if you can still get the cylinder to turn, you're in luck. You need a drill bit, straightened coat hanger or some other stiff piece of metal about 3 inches long.
Turn the key to the run position. Under the column you'll see a hole near the lock cylinder. Insert your tool of choice and press it in a little, and pull the lock cylinder out at the same time. You may have to do some maneuvering around the plastic covers.
To insert the new lock cylinder, make sure it's in the run position (they usually come that way and have explicite instructions not to move it), insert it all the way into the column (you may have to wiggle the key slightly) and remove the key. Done!
The problem you have now is that one key opens the doors, while another starts the car. Depending on where you buy your replacement lock cylinder, they may be able to re-key it back to your original key. Autozone/Pep Boys/Advance probably won't be able to, but a Ford dealer or a locksmith probably can.
Good luck.
If you can't insert the old, broken key, you'll need a locksmith's help.