RodGod
New Member
- Joined
- February 12, 2022
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Vancouver, B.C.
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Explorer XLT, V6-4.0
Due to unfortunate events with my crazy family (who's family isnt crazy) my Xplorer is parked with a 356$ loss on my end for tow and mechanic. Any advice is greatly appreciated from this lovely forum.
long story short, my brother grabs the key trying to rip it out of the ignition, keep in mind i just pulled over, foot on brake, car in Drive gear, he pulls the key trying to rip out, so i grabbed his hand/ key to stop him. he eventually got the key out so i was forced to throw it in Park. After we had exchanged some unpleasant threats and words he gave the keys back and now the key wont turn. It goes in but wont turn no matter what i Do, the shifter was stuck in park and wouldn't budge either. A mechanic removed the casing behind the steering wheel and was able to release the shifter, so it works fine. but the key does not turn no matter what.
here's what he did try:
-poking the release button under the tumbler and turning it over (not good with terminology, tumbler meaning the part the key goes into)
-stuck a flathead in the hole just on the outer edge of the key slot as to not damage anything inside and tried assisting the key turn
-bunch of prying and crying and jiggling of the key in every possible way and direction WHILE turning the wheel etc etc..
-WD40 in the key slot
he tells me to call the dealership and get a new key as I only have the one, if that doesnt work he may need to drill into it and/or replace the tumbler.im wondering if anyone has any advice on what I should do and if i should try something else before i go dump hundreds more into it. I'm praying someone from this amazing community has a helpful tip or fix... even some advice to save me some money at this point helps. I appreciate everyone of you thanks for your time!
TL;DR - Key was forced and ripped out while i was stopped in Drive, foot on brake. had to force it into Park. Shifter eventually released and is normal, key goes in but wont turn whatsoever, tried the release switch and every possible jiggle and vibration i could paired with steering wheel motions. i need advice before i go get a new key and/or have to replace something!
long story short, my brother grabs the key trying to rip it out of the ignition, keep in mind i just pulled over, foot on brake, car in Drive gear, he pulls the key trying to rip out, so i grabbed his hand/ key to stop him. he eventually got the key out so i was forced to throw it in Park. After we had exchanged some unpleasant threats and words he gave the keys back and now the key wont turn. It goes in but wont turn no matter what i Do, the shifter was stuck in park and wouldn't budge either. A mechanic removed the casing behind the steering wheel and was able to release the shifter, so it works fine. but the key does not turn no matter what.
here's what he did try:
-poking the release button under the tumbler and turning it over (not good with terminology, tumbler meaning the part the key goes into)
-stuck a flathead in the hole just on the outer edge of the key slot as to not damage anything inside and tried assisting the key turn
-bunch of prying and crying and jiggling of the key in every possible way and direction WHILE turning the wheel etc etc..
-WD40 in the key slot
he tells me to call the dealership and get a new key as I only have the one, if that doesnt work he may need to drill into it and/or replace the tumbler.im wondering if anyone has any advice on what I should do and if i should try something else before i go dump hundreds more into it. I'm praying someone from this amazing community has a helpful tip or fix... even some advice to save me some money at this point helps. I appreciate everyone of you thanks for your time!
TL;DR - Key was forced and ripped out while i was stopped in Drive, foot on brake. had to force it into Park. Shifter eventually released and is normal, key goes in but wont turn whatsoever, tried the release switch and every possible jiggle and vibration i could paired with steering wheel motions. i need advice before i go get a new key and/or have to replace something!
