ignition locked

[klookybrown]

Hi fellow strokers,

I've had battery issues lately. I've replaced one and was going to replace the second this weekend. With the new battery installed I still need to jump it the passed couple of days- The odd thing my ignition won't turn on at times but usually does. Today, however, it's locked and nothing we tried helped to turn the ignition on. I unhooked the batteries tried a different key etc.

I know coincidences happen so I don't want to assume it is an issue with the batteryh (or even alarm system) but it's only happening this week with the battery issues. Any and all help appreciated.

I was also digging around under the ignition and found this wire (see attached file.) I slid it back in where it went but didn't seem to help turn on the ignition.

Thanks,

Will

P.S. Triple AAA won't tow my truck from the back because they say it's a 4x4. I told them it's not IN 4 wheel drive but they won't do it. What gives?

[jesilvas]

AAA has a computer that tells them what they can and can't do.
I can't stand them.

Anyway, maybe the wheel is locked?

That wire is probably the door dinger for when the key is in and the door is open.

[klookybrown]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

AAA has a computer that tells them what they can and can't do.
I can't stand them.

Anyway, maybe the wheel is locked?

That wire is probably the door dinger for when the key is in and the door is open.

Ah, ya maybe I think you're right about the buzzer. It seemed to grip out on and off when I was feeding it back in.

The wheel shouldn't be locked. It's on level ground and I was able to drive to that spot without issue- Hard concrete. We pushed it back and forth (in park of course) and hit both sides of the wheels. So odd. I'm going to try the 'magic' dry graphite lube and see what happens. The steering wheel is locked but it wasn't at first. I kept turning it so much trying to move the ignition that it locked since I turned it too much. So, actually ya, steering wheel is locked now.

[atvrider93]

so what you're saying is the ignition cylinder won't turn? sounds like a problem with the steering wheel lock. AAA should send a rollback to tow it.

[klookybrown]

Originally Posted by atvrider93

so what you're saying is the ignition cylinder won't turn? sounds like a problem with the steering wheel lock. AAA should send a rollback to tow it.

Yes, the cylinder won't turn. I never had problems before. I suppose a huge coinkydink.

Triple said they won't tow it because it's a 4 wheel drive. I told them they can tow it from behind since it's not in 4 wheel drive mode. They insist it can harm the transmission - Even though in park and the rear would be lifted by the tow truck. Thoughts?

[7.3550Duty]

Well this happened to me last summer, its actually your ignition switch, they have a tendency going out, all you gotta do is take out your old one, take it to your local ford dealer. Buy a new one and hopefully they will have a guy there that can re key it to match your original key like my ford dealer was able to do and put it back into place. Took more time to pay for the part then it actually does to replace the ignition switch. super easy

[klookybrown]

Originally Posted by 7.3550Duty

Well this happened to me last summer, its actually your ignition switch, they have a tendency going out, all you gotta do is take out your old one, take it to your local ford dealer. Buy a new one and hopefully they will have a guy there that can re key it to match your original key like my ford dealer was able to do and put it back into place. Took more time to pay for the part then it actually does to replace the ignition switch. super easy

I can't get it off! eh, I'm buying the manual tomorrow (ya, never needed it before...) so I guess I'll jump on that idea. I took off the bottom cover but couldn't get the top cover off because of the ignition switch key guard.

I've done a quick fix with my old acura where you could take off the ignition and clean/sand the contacts. It worked great, twice, on the acura. Maybe i'll give that a quick try onsite as well.

Thanks for posting this. I'm still amazed that this happened right when my batteries were going out. Quite odd.

[STROKED_NY_023]

Shouldnt need to take the top cover off. There is a pin just below the ignition cylinder. Tap that pin up and the cylinder will slide right out...

Sent from my Galaxy S2 while my wife is yelling at me for being on my phone...

[atvrider93]

Originally Posted by klookybrown

Yes, the cylinder won't turn. I never had problems before. I suppose a huge coinkydink.

Triple said they won't tow it because it's a 4 wheel drive. I told them they can tow it from behind since it's not in 4 wheel drive mode. They insist it can harm the transmission - Even though in park and the rear would be lifted by the tow truck. Thoughts?

They should send a rollback, that's what they normally do for these trucks. However it shouldn't hurt it at all to lift from the back because your hubs should spin freely

Sent from my DROID BIONIC against my will

[jesilvas]

Originally Posted by atvrider93

They should send a rollback, that's what they normally do for these trucks. However it shouldn't hurt it at all to lift from the back because your hubs should spin freely

Sent from my DROID BIONIC against my will

He's saying they won't. They are dumb and use a computer and the comp says no 4wd. He knows it will work.
What he SHOULD say is that it's only a 2wd truck and needs a tow, that's all.