Key comes out while engine running

[n4baf]

I have a 1993 Ford Explorer. I can pull my key out the ignition in any postion "park, reverse, drive" while the engine is running. I was told during an inspection that it should only come out in park. This is suppose to be a saftey feature on all vehicles. Anyone have a fix for this. Thanks

Brian

 

[thewishkah]

replace igntion switch. its like $30.

 

[LBarr2002]

My 91 does the same thing...but why do you want to fix it. It still locks if you turn it back with the key out right? So nobody can just jump in, turn the switch and go (I've seen a lot of F150's that don't need keys at all). I think its kinda handy. If you're running in a store you can get out, leave it running, take your keys and lock the doors...

 

[91ebexp]

I had a camaro that did the same thing...was the previous owner a girl with lots of keys or crap on her keyring?? That was the case in my vehicle.

If you leave it running and lock the doors, you come back to a cool or warm car. I can't say I would do that with the price of gas being so high though.

 

[j602]

Like wishkah said, you'll need a new lock cylinder. It's about $30 and takes about 5 minutes to put in.

 

[vervepipes]

3 of my last 4 vehicles were like that. it gets to be a bad and tiring joke when people take your key when you arent looking

 

[LBarr2002]

3 of my last 4 vehicles were like that. it gets to be a bad and tiring joke when people take your key when you arent looking

Yeah, that's true. Especially when they take your keys, turn the truck off, and don't realize that that locks your steering... Had that happen before!

 

[Lt.Jim]

I had the same problem recently. Eventually the reminder alarm would stay on even after the truck was shut off and the key removed. Very annoying! It's a quick and easy fix 5 to 10 mins in the driveway and no more problems. Well one problem now i have two keys for the truck instead of just one.

 

[Brian_B]

My 89 ranger did this once as well. I found out in an odd way. Dad offered to drive somewhere. I said: "sure" and slid into the passenger seat. He started it up and backed down the driveway. Then.....he got a funny look on his face. He didn't have the keys!

Replace the cylinder.

 

[PJC]

Well one problem now i have two keys for the truck instead of just one.

Is it possible to get it re-keyed to the existing key? Would Ford do that (and at what cost)?

 

[prozachappy]

My 94 does that but it has never really bothered me. In fact, it comes in handy sometimes...my rottie likes car rides so when it is HOT outside and I need to leave the A/C on for her while I run in to the store or something,...I just pull out the keys, leave it running, and lock the doors

 

[410Fortune]

the new lock cyl assembly will come with two new keys. Carquest has these suckers in stock. Easy to replace.

Your door key should be diff from your ign key anyways, isnt it?

I was sad when I had to do this to my 88, I had that original key forever!

 

[prozachappy]

door key and ignition are the same...at least on our 94 and our 01 they are

 

[Brian_B]

A locksmith can re-key a lock, but I don't know how much they charge. My ranger was just the ignition, so the swap was no problem there. I did have my door locks re-keyed when my X-wife took off with a set.

 

[Lt.Jim]

Yes they can be rekeyed but I just deal with two keys. If you put them on two rings you can leave the truck run and lock the doors just remember to take the door key with you.