1997 Pre-PATS ignition key weirdness (or is it me...)

[ELeBlanc]

So seems like this has been happening more and more. I get in the car and the key does not turn easily... I play with it and eventually it starts...

A few weeks ago I noticed that every time it refuses to turn, if I take it out and turn it around and put it back in it always starts easily.... Huh... I've owned 97s for 4 years. Keys look symmetrical. I assumed they were... Now I'm not sure... This recent experience seems to indicate that even though they look symmetrical they are not...

So people with the answer, let me know...

 

[410Fortune]

sounds like your ignition tumbler is worn out
You can buy a new key and tumber at the parts store
Since you are 97 pre PATS its cheap and easy to replace
Your key wont match the door locks anymore

 

[toypaseo]

Maybe your key is getting too worn? Do you have an original key you can make a copy of?

I still have an original key, so when my copy starts to not turn easily, I go get another copy from the original. Ignition turns as normal after that. I do have a replacement tumbler though for when it's time to replace it...

 

[ELeBlanc]

Several keys all act the same way.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Give the tumbler assembly a shot of WD-40 and see
if that helps.

 

[SoHK_alumni]

Both the keys and lock wear and at some point, start giving problems.

The.good news, the lock cylinder is both inexpensive and very easy to replace.

Better news is new door locks are even less expensive and can be bought un-keyed so its easy to match new door locks to the new ignition key.

 

[Turdle]

You can buy a new ignition lock kit and make it work with old keys. Check my thread here. post 13 has the goodies.

How to: - Ignition Lock broken, How to fix lock to use original keys

 

[Gary Crist]

One question. The old Ford keys only used one side to work.
If one had 2 Fords, one could grind the ign. for 1 one on one
side and grind the other car's ign. one the other side. A notch
let you know what side was what car.

Do the newer locks work the same way? If so, can one grind ign
on one side and locks on the other?