Yes, another stuck key thread!!

[Orion13]

2000 Explorer XLT, the cylinder works fine outside the column. You can turn it freely and remove the key. The problem is that I can not remove the key when the cylinder is in the column. I removed the covers on the steering wheel and I noticed there is a white shaft that moves up and down the column when you turn the key. I then followed that shaft to the ignition switch under the column. I removed it and it is working fine but even with it gone I still can't turn the ignition back far enough to remove the key. I read in the forums that there is solenoid that releases the key so I checked all the fuses and double checked the one mentioned, Fuse 8.

Yes I have tried jiggling the shifter, leaning on the shifter, and moving the wheel around. I've tried every notch on the tilt steering selector. I've even unhooked the battery.

I've googled, and read anything I can get my hands on and I'm at a loss. I'm considering a complete tear down of the column to figure it out. Please, for the love of god, if anyone has an idea on how to fix this, let me know!! This makes 3 days of working on it now.

Orion13

 

[Turdle]

ok, this may be a long shot but it might not be shifting all the way back to Park--

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219144&highlight=bolt+floor

 

[koda2000]

I agree that it is related (somehow) to the shift lever not going all the way into PARK. it is very possible that this is being caused by loose shifter bolts. certainly it's the point to start looking.

 

[Orion13]

ok, this may be a long shot but it might not be shifting all the way back to Park--

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219144&highlight=bolt+floor

I had looked at that thread before but thought it all looked ok when I inspected it. I just now went out there and tried to tighten them down and was able to get maybe 1/8 of a turn on each one. Still can't get the keys out though.

Thanks for helping!

Orion13

 

[SoNic67]

Maybe the plastic actuator broke it's pin and doesn't let it move all the way back.
It happened on my Sable (same system) and I had to replace the plastic actuator with a new one from dealer ($19)- a whole ordeal. Those are the links that I used as model:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZIIXkPkgLM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byhC5hGZpMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-hv470KRHM

 

[Orion13]

I went to Ford yesterday and purchased the two pieces of the actuator. I tore into it last night only to find that both pieces were intact. When you pull on the piece that has the gear and post on it, the one the key cylinder actually attaches to, it clunks at about 1/2" before it pulls flush with the remaining column. This is the distance I need for it to move in order to pull the keys out. There has to be some mechanism that isn't disengaged to move it that last little bit. Hell if I can figure it out though.

Orion13

 

[Orion13]

Here guys, maybe this will help. https://www.dropbox.com/s/hozckbo47hey5wu/2014-04-23%2007.43.32.mov