2004 Sport Trac steering wheel locked up - SOLVED!

[429CJ-3X2]

Wife parked the '04 ST in a level parking lot with the front wheels turned just slightly. When she tried to restart it, the wheel was locked and the key wouldn't turn. After I got there, I found the key would sometimes turn just a little - possibly not even to the 1st detente - and I was able to straighten the front wheels. I think I straightened the wheels without the key turned. Trying to move the shifter doesn't help. How do I get the truck started and back home?

Sucks even more since it was right at 50 degrees today, and we'll have a high in the teens tomorrow. Even colder Sunday and Monday.

 

[oklagp1200r]

AAA

 

[dvdswan]

Even though it was on a level lot, the wheel being turn ever slightly, it is still possible to have the steering lock bind the same as if the vehicle was on a hill.

As far as the key binding, you may have a worn lock cylinder or key.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

I have to pull the steering wheel to one side to get my '02 ST to start sometimes because of how I park it at home. Wheels are almost straight, but the left front is up just a little which puts more pressure on it.

Tried 2 keys yesterday, with the same results. One was just cut a year ago in August, and doesn't get used much.
Had a '79 Ranchero that would start without a key if mine was the last one used. If the wife used her key, then I'd have a use a key to start it the next time. '78(?) LTD II wagon did the same.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

As I sit in my 02 ST waiting for a tow truck for the '04, another 1st Gen Sport Trac pulled into the parking lot and left shortly afterward. Pretty dark green one.

So the key turns just far enough to unlock the steering, but no farther. At that point, it feels like it would if I was using the wrong key. I have a spare steering column in my basement. The key turns freely to all positions in that one, so the issue with my truck should be entirely mechanical.
I don't like having it towed, but it's not going to be warm enough to work on it til Wed, and I don't want to leave it here that long. Fortunately, it's in a large, easily accessible lot that isn't busy.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Had the truck towed home. Key would turn just enough to unlock the steering wheel, but no farther. I read in another thread that someone had the same thing happen and decided to hook a chain to it. As they started moving, he turned the key and started his vehicle. When the tow truck slid under mine, the ST moved forward a few inches. I wanted to try to start it then, but waited until he unhooked in my driveway. As the tow truck was moving forward after unhooking, I reached in and started the ST like normal. As I was waiting for the tow truck, I realized the parking lot does have a slight slope to it - just enough for drainage. Now I'm wondering if the truck was still barely moving when my wife shifted into park yesterday, causing a bind in the shifter. Apparently just a bump in the right direction would have eliminated the bind.

 

[dvdswan]

Glad to hear it was simple.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

I'm 99.99999% sure that this problem was a total 1 time fluke, but my wife is apparently even more certain than that. Normally, I'd have gone for several short test drives, shutting it off only at home, just to make sure, but 1) I haven't felt well the past few days with a head cold and headache that's manageable as long as I'm perfectly still, or sleeping, which I've done a lot of. 2) it's too freaking cold to be outside unless it's absolutely necessary.
She drove it to church last night, which was fine. It's a mile from home and not a bad place to let it sit if necessary. I was worried when she was almost 30 minutes later than usual getting home. Then today, with a high of 10 degrees F and a windchill of -10, she drove it to the chiropractor, and took our oldest grandkids, almost 10, and 7, with her, and made second stop - while I was sleeping! I don't have a problem with her taking the truck, but potentially putting the grandkids at risk is something I wouldn't have done just yet! I did use it to take our granddaughter to dance class after that, but only shut it off to get gas after I dropped her off. Fortunately, it's started without any issues 8 times now.