2000 Windstar - Key won't turn

[Drosiewh]

Over the last few weeks I have encountered problems with my key not even turning in the ignition. Usually after about 15 minutes of turning the wheel and pressing the brake, the key will finally turn. Yesterday, the vehichle left me stranded. No luck with my key or my husbands key. We tried everything.

Has anyone encountered this problem? Does anyone have a fix? My van is sitting at a remote location and I don't feel like paying for a tow. Thanks.

[Millermagic]

I remember when we got the Taurus for the grandmother in 01 we had similar problems. I'm sure you have already tried this, but violently turn the steering wheel side to side against the lock while trying to turn the key.

Once you do get it working, when you park drive ahead and back once or twice without your hands on the wheel so it does what it wants. That way, when you turn it off, the lack of power steering won't force the wheels up agianst the lock and you can then avoid the problem.

[PopI]

Our '00 Windstar had similar key problems. Sometimes a problem, sometimes not. When it was a problem... 30 minutes later it worked just fine. This was right around 62,000 miles.

A short while later, our transmission fell to pieces. $3,200 for replacement... and now it's been 14 months since then but replacement transmission still isn't functioning like it should (but it's still under warranty for now).

I suggest you sell this thing while you still can. Seriously.

[wiswind]

One thing that WILL prevent you from turning the key is the Brake On / Off (BOO) switch.
This switch is located up under the dash, on the brake pedal shaft.
One common failure is that one of the wires breaks off......and this could be what is in the process of happening.
Also, the switch can just go bad.
The replacement switch is not expensive.....and is easy to replace yourself.
I have pictures of this switch in the pictures that the link in my signature takes you to.

Now.....
The way to tell if this is the problem......or to get the key to turn when this switch fails,.......With the key OFF (that is where you are when this happens), shift the transmission into Neutral, and press firmly on the brake pedal (to prevent the vehicle from moving).
Then turn the key and start the vehicle as normal.
If you can turn the key with the transmission in Neutral, but not in Park, the BOO switch is bad.

PLEASE NOTE. WHEN THE BOO SWITCH IS BAD, YOU HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS.

[LeSabre97mint]

Westwin

If I recall, the brake switch keeps the shifter from moving out of park without the brake being pressed. I don't believe the switch has anything to do with the ignition not turning.

Dan

[DRW1000]

I have had this same problem but I have never been stranded by it. My thought is that it was a mechanical problem and I have solved it by turning the wheel a few times for whaatever small movement it will go.