Difficult to insert key.

[Anna's 2002]

My 02 XLS has developed a problem over the last week. It is extremely hard to insert the key into the ignition. It works fine on the doors and back so I don't think it's the key. I tried a little tri-flow in the cylinder and that didn't help. Anyone have this problem before?

 

[sethmorgan]

I have the same problem - 2002 XLT. I just have to jam it in.

 

[trucku]

ME TOO.

Just started a few weeks ago. I was getting a extra key cut when the lock smith noticed it and said that he thinks on my model the ignition carries a plastic piece inside. He said if that the case its probably broken and then the ignition cylinder slides down bit and key is hard to put in. He wasn't sure if the Fords Ignitions had that piece, but say its a problem he sees a lot.

I am going to put some oil in it.


Locksmith said that its not fixable. He suggested getting dealer to replace it.

 

[Anna's 2002]

Another fine ford product. My dealer suggested a locksmith. A new cylinder lock assembly apparently comes disassembled from the factory and has to be assembled by a locksmith. I called a few in my area and they couldn't give me an estimate of time or parts until they tear into it. I really don't like to do business that way.

 

[sethmorgan]

AllData lists the Ignition Lock Cylinder at $82.27 (part no 4L3Z11582BB), with a skill level of "B" (Moderate: Automotive enthusiast, someone with above average mechanical skills) to replace. Add to the price the cost of keying the lock to get an idea of how much it would cost. Looks like it would take less than an hour to replace. I think that's strange that the dealer referred you to a locksmith. I bought a lockable center console for a Jeep once, and the dealer provided the matching lock core and installed the core into the console for me.

BTW, RockAuto lists the part at $41.79.

 

[sethmorgan]

BTW, RockAuto lists the part at $41.79.

The RockAuto part looks like it may be the ignition switch, not the locking cylinder.

 

[Thelt]

Mine did this shortly before the whole assembly came out when I pulled the key out. Luckily I could just stick it all back in there and get it to crank. The dealer put a new one in for me for around $100. It does have some plastic parts that can break.

 

[carguy828]

I had the same problem. Could only have it replaced at the dealer because of the PATS system. It was a few years ago now, but I think it was between $150 - $300. I was able to keep the keys I had, they just had to replace the cylinder.

 

[rocket2ya]

wow i have the exact same problem. i just bought my 02 mountaineer a month or so ago and began to notice this problem. i just wiggle it around until it goes in.

 

[pa944red]

There is a plastic piece that is depressed by the key when you insert it into the cylinder that breaks/wears and creates a lot of resistance.

In a pinch I removed the cylinder and placed an 1/16-1/8" rubber oring on the end of the cylinder that engages the actual ignition switch. What this appeared to do was keep the plastic piece depressed all the time, so now the keys goes in and out with no problem. The only down side is, now that the cylinder can not move in and out and the plastic piece is not allowed to move. This lack of movement makes the "key in the ignition" chime sound whenever you open the drivers door. But the up side is, I could start the truck

On my truck I removed the PATS ring from the ignition and checked to see how far from the ring the key could be before the ring did not recognize the key and that was more then a few inches. So I ordered a new cylinder with a regular key and use that one to start the truck, but I have to have the original key on the keyring so the PATS ring picks it up.

Hope that helps. And of course YMMV.

Tom