Topic Sponsor
1997 - 2003 Ford F150 General discussion on the Ford 1997 - 2003 F150 truck.

Ignition cylinder issues

Old 05-27-2015, 06:54 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
allinon72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,079
Received 521 Likes on 293 Posts

Default Ignition cylinder issues

Today I put my key in the cylinder and it is really stiff, and won't turn, like the cylinder isn't recognizing the key. About 1 in 20 times it goes in normal and starts the truck. Tried putting some silicon spray on the key to lube the ignition but it didn't help.

Question is what else can I try, and can I swap over a new ignition cylinder without having it be programmed by a dealer?
Old 05-27-2015, 10:16 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
the01kingranch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,281
Received 176 Likes on 139 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by allinon72
Today I put my key in the cylinder and it is really stiff, and won't turn, like the cylinder isn't recognizing the key. About 1 in 20 times it goes in normal and starts the truck. Tried putting some silicon spray on the key to lube the ignition but it didn't help. Question is what else can I try, and can I swap over a new ignition cylinder without having it be programmed by a dealer?
is your wheel turned. Next time it happens jiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key
Old 05-27-2015, 11:43 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
4x4dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: CO
Posts: 1,086
Received 65 Likes on 64 Posts

Default

try moving the shifter a little beyond park and then remove the key
Old 05-28-2015, 07:56 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
allinon72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,079
Received 521 Likes on 293 Posts

Default

Yeah I tried all those things...but the issue seems to be with the tumblers in the cylinder. The key isn't going in right.
Old 05-28-2015, 08:00 AM
  #5  
Bleeds blue
 
ncranchero's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 369
Received 136 Likes on 100 Posts

Default

How many keys do you have for the truck? If you have 2 you can program extras yourself. One key, you're off to Ford. BTW, graphite is the preferred lock lubricant. Pull your switch cylinder, clean it with electrical contact cleaner, lube iy up, put it back and it may work.

Last edited by ncranchero; 05-28-2015 at 08:02 AM.
Old 05-28-2015, 10:30 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
allinon72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 2,079
Received 521 Likes on 293 Posts

Default

Only have one key.
Old 05-28-2015, 12:34 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Raybz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Hometown, Illinois
Posts: 247
Received 30 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

Check with a locksmith.....When I bought my truck it only had one key. Locksmith erased all old keys, reprogrammed the one I had and made and programmed a new key charged me $75 Dealer wanted $125

ETA:
Locksmith did it in about 10 mins....Dealer said it would be all day to get it done


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Ignition cylinder issues



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:52 AM.