Ignition hard to turn

[StephenSanchez]

Guys,

Wondering if anyone has come across this and what the solution may be. Have a 2000 4.0 SOHC XLT and since I've had the truck the ignition has been difficult to turn- difficult in the sense that it feels like there's no lubrication and I have to turn the ignition pretty far until the electric makes contact and lately it's been over-cranking even when I try to delicately turn the key. Over cranking so much that I can hear the starter motor grinding. It only happens on cold starts. I got the truck used. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks

 

[SoNic67]

The key is actually "pushing" two plastic rods to the switch that is located at the base of the steering column (this is needed because adjustment feature of the steering). One of those have a metallic pin that breaks loose and does that. You can remain with the car running or not being able to start/stranded if you don't fix it.

This is video (similar Ford system) that I used on my Sable. It's a ***** to put that rod in, I had to grind it a little bit.
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZIIXkPkgLM
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byhC5hGZpMA

 

[StephenSanchez]

[MENTION=23458]Sonic[/MENTION] thanks for your reply. I thought that perhaps the guy that I bought it from, who wasn't the sharpest, put some WD40 into the ignition creating dust and buildup but it seems much more serious than that. How do you think this happened in the first place?

 

[SoNic67]

The part that takes the key is not electrical, just a tumbler with a small gear.
I think is just the age and usage. My Sable is from '96. Funny, it happened after my son got to drive it... maybe the rush to turn the ignition matters?

I know that mine failed in front of my driveway, with engine running. I had to disconnect the battery.