2012 Ford Explorer ignition lock reset

[Origin Deleveaux]

Emergency, can someone please help with this issue.

I mistakenly left my heads lights on for about 10 minutes or so. Shortly thereafter my vehicle started shutting down once the engine was off. A notification was posted on the Sync screen stating that " System off to save battery , Please turn ignition off Or start"

I got the battery tested and it was reading ok. Yesterday the light was inversely left on for 4 mins. When I attempted to start the vehicle the ignition was locked.

I removed the battery got it charged up however that didn't solve the issue. Everything is working fine except that the ignition is locked and wont start.

Questions:
Is there a special code to resit the system
Have any one experience a similar problem and how was it resolve.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
That Battery Saver program will shut down all lights except the parking lights. I get that same message multiple times a year because I don't drive enough. I just put the charger on it and it'sd good to go again. Even without charging the battery I have been able to go weeks without any issues. As far as the ignition locking up, I don't recall that ever being posted on here before and I've been here almost 9 years. You should have received an alarm when you exited the vehicle with the headlights ON and the key out of the ignition.
For those with an IA key there is a backup slot in the console for the fob but the Manual doesn't seem to address what to do with an IKT type of key which I'm guessing you have. I don't see why a low battery condition should lock the ignition. Have you tried using a second key? Perhaps the current key's battery is weak.

Peter

 

[Origin Deleveaux]

Welcome to the Forum.
That Battery Saver program will shut down all lights except the parking lights. I get that same message multiple times a year because I don't drive enough. I just put the charger on it and it'sd good to go again. Even without charging the battery I have been able to go weeks without any issues. As far as the ignition locking up, I don't recall that ever being posted on here before and I've been here almost 9 years. You should have received an alarm when you exited the vehicle with the headlights ON and the key out of the ignition.
For those with an IA key there is a backup slot in the console for the fob but the Manual doesn't seem to address what to do with an IKT type of key which I'm guessing you have. I don't see why a low battery condition should lock the ignition. Have you tried using a second key? Perhaps the current key's battery is weak.

Peter

Thank you for your response Peter. Yes I tried another key unfortunately that didn't resolve my issue. My radio and other features are all working again after I recharged my battery. What I forgot to mention is that my steering wheel is not locked even though it should be in park
but the key wont turn the ignition.

 

[peterk9]

As far as I know, the ignition switch is a mechanical item so I don't see the other issue you had, affecting it. I could be wrong and stand to be corrected. Hopefully another member may have an idea/solution short of taking the switch out.
There is a Brake Shift Interlock, page 282, that will allow you to move the shifter out of Park and into Neutral. I don't know after reading that section if it may affect the ignition since the first part talks about having the ignition set to ON. Also, it doesn't mention if the shifter can be put back into Park. NOt sure about the steering wheel not being locked. I believe in later Explorers that was deleted but not in the 2012 as far as I know since it is mentioned in the Manual.

Peter