2002 Explorer Ignition Cylinder Question

[sethrichmond]

Hi All,

Came home from store today, shut down vehicle and went to remove key. Felt some resistance. After pulling a little, what looks to be the cap (or the top part) of the ignition cylinder pulled off. When I put a key in the ignition cylinder things move fine. I can turn the car on and off, etc. However, it takes a lot of jingling to get the key out of the ignition. I also don't know how to get this cap back on.

I read a prior post on here about the ignition cylinder. Says it's a relatively cheap part, but the dealership will charge 250+ to reprogram new keys, etc. Any ideas of what is going wrong, and what to expect from a repairman?

Thanks!

 

[luisgcasiquet]

I had same problem. I did not realized at the moment, but I took my X to dealer to solve a non starting problem when shift on Park position. They changed the dial, and I noticed indicator needle better positioned in the center of each letter (P R N D 3...) and an easier removal of ignition key, but not ideal though. I think both things were related. You can not remove your key in D for instance, so lever in P when not properly adjusted might give you a similar problem, I am speculating.