New Explorer owner and Ignition key won't turn!!

[Rtb2z]

We bought a used 2002 Explorer a couple of months ago and everything was working fine. We have been using our other car primarily for the last 6 weeks. It got real cold a couple of weeks ago and I tried to start the Explorer but it wouldn't turn over-- they key would turn in the ignition that it wouldn't start. I had to go out of town and I just got back. Weather has been a little warmer so I thought I'd give it a jump from the other car.

The doors unlocked using the key fob. I put the key in the ignition and it wouldn't turn. At all! I turned the steering wheel and the key wouldn't turn. I worked on the shifter and tried the key nothing.

Then I noticed a little red light blinking occasionally. It said "theft". I thought that I had to reset it by opening the door with the key. I did that and tried to turn it in ignition. Nothing. The alarm came on and beeped for about 5 mins but still nothing. We don't have a lot of money for tows and dealerships.

Am I doing something wrong? The key has worked since we got it and I only have 1 that it came with. I am not a mechanic so if. You have Ideas, please write it as if it were for Dummies--cause it is!q
Thanks
Art

 

[MAS Tequila]

The 'theft ' light blinks until the truck starts. It's deactivated by the chip in the key.

Sometimes my 2000 will do the same thing. I rock the steering wheel back and forth rather vigorously. It usually take a time or two to work.

I had the same thing happen with a brand new Mustang.

MT

 

[5whiskey]

Sometimes my 2000 will do the same thing. I rock the steering wheel back and forth rather vigorously. It usually take a time or two to work.

Same here. There was one time I honestly thought the key cylinder had failed and locked up. I finally did the above enough to get it to start. Went to the store and bought some graphite to put in the lock and it's worked well ever since.

 

[Chevy33]

What 5Wiskey said

It is possible you pulled the key from your pocket and some lint was on the key when you inserted it. Use the liquid graphite then put the key in and out a few times.