Key wouldn't turn....now won't start...HELP!

[JoyfulDiscontent]

Got into my explorer today and the key wouldn't turn. The wheel was not locked and made sure shifter was firmly in the Park position. No dice. I impatiently used a crescent wrench to help my cause. The ignition reluctantly gave way and popped. Now the key turns, but the starter isn't engaging. Dummy lights are on, but nothing else. Tried a jumpstart so that is ruled out. I'm guessing I broke some connection when I forced the key.
This is my work vehicle so I need to fix it ASAP.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Blee1099]

Well now that you possibly cracked the ignition, you probably made it worse for youself. If you can turn the key to the on position try jumping the starter solenoid on the drivers' side fender. If that doesn't work you may need a new ignition cylinder.

 

[JoyfulDiscontent]

Forgive the terminology but I'm harldy a seasoned mechanic.
I removed the driver's side panel and took off the plastic box which houses the contacts which are engaged by the rod which moves back and forth as the key is turned. It seems that when I forced the ignition forward, something happened that doesn't allow the rod to move far enough forward to engage the starter.

That being said, I am now able to manually push forward the pin that protrudes from that plastic box. Now the starter begins to turn over but won't start. Got a good charge on the battery and everything sounds healthy, just won't start. Any suggestions?

Given this information, should I still be trying to jump the starter solenoid?

 

[little x]

If the starter is turning over then there is no need to jump the solenoid.

 

[pittballa]

did you ever get your problem fixed and if so how did you do it because i am having the same problem for my 1999 explorer

 

[JoyfulDiscontent]

I never did actually fix the problem but I took apart the steering column and came up with a temporary fix to get the truck running. My problem was that something broke in or around the ignition cylinder that prevents a metal rod from engaging the ignition starter switch when my key was turned to the start postion.

All I did was disconnect my ignition starter switch from the metal rod and now I move the switch manually to the start postion. I still need the key in the ignition (due to antitheft requirements) and key must be turned to on position to move my shifter, but it works just fine. A little ghetto, but suits me for now.

Hope that helps