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Ignition locking problem
Trinis
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Sorry if this is a bit vague, but I have a car problem for any mechanically inclined folks out there. The ignition on my girlfriend's car locked up tonight while she stopped at a gas station on the way home. She had to have it towed back here. The key would not turn at all, not even to the on position. The car (an automatic) was in park with wheels pointed straight ahead. No problems removing or inserting the key, and the key does not appear to be damaged in any way. This was not the normal anti-theft wheel/ignition lock.
This happened once before (about two years ago). A mechanic took the ignition apart and "sprayed some stuff in there." I'm thinking WD-40 or some kind of lube. I don't know enough to trust myself taking an ignition apart, but even a smallish car repair bill would be hard on us. The car is a '98 Plymouth Breeze. Anyone have some advice?
This happened once before (about two years ago). A mechanic took the ignition apart and "sprayed some stuff in there." I'm thinking WD-40 or some kind of lube. I don't know enough to trust myself taking an ignition apart, but even a smallish car repair bill would be hard on us. The car is a '98 Plymouth Breeze. Anyone have some advice?
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Other than that, I'd google some instructions on your car and take the assembly apart before having it towed to a repair shop. Worst case is that it shows up to the shop sans steering column. Best case is that you fix it yourself for nothing.
If it's not the steering lock, you can get a locksmith to come out and replace it for you. this will be far cheaper than the $400 I got dinged by ford to replace mine.
Disclaimer: I'm a locksmith.
Just a note on DIY work on steering columns, if the car has an airbag, be very careful. Accidental triggering of an airbag while your head is right next to the steering wheel and at an odd angle can result in a broken neck. Also, almost every auto ignition is lubricated with grease. Never use WD40 or graphite, if you want to give it a spray with something use a silicon based lubricant or similar (Inox, SuperLube [spray, not grease] and EzyGlide are three suggestions, not sure if they're available near you).
The steering column lock pin can jam with the wheel in odd positions, rocking the steering wheel back and forth may help release it (as wmelon was suggesting). If it does release you'll hear a small clunk, then you should be fine.
If that doesn't work, it's most likely a problem with the lock itself, the key for the Breeze is a pretty hardy design, a lot of manufacturers use similar because it wears very well. Most likely a wafer has broken, in which case you're going to need to take the cylinder and housing to a locksmith or buy a new one, then take the new one to a locksmith to have it keyed to suit your current key.
To get the lock housing off the steering column, you'll have to remove the cowling from the column, then look for the big ol' block of diecast that's clamped to the column by a curved plate with two shear-off bolts and undo the shear-off bolts. Take a dremel and cut a slot in them and then use a screwdriver or use a hammer and centrepunch to drive them around and around until you undo them enough to get a grip on them with a pair of pliers or similar.
If it's not the steering column pin, it's going to be messy and there's not a great deal you can do about it yourself.
Steam
Also, disconnect your battery before doing anything. Just good safety.
Fantastication - thanks for the instructions, but I don't trust myself to mess with a car in that way. All I can do is change tires and oil. We'll just take it to a pro and bite the bullet on cost. With the $40 part it isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
Sounds like the problem I had. Apparently super common and Ford would never admit to it but if you ask any tow truck driver they've all picked up at least 1 Focus with this issue.
Dealership rapes on the replacement, so getting a locksmith out is best to fix it.
Is it a Ford, like a Focus or Explorer?
Hey, you know what's up. Same deal here.
If you go to the dealer, they will charge an arm and a leg and replace it with the same model ignition cylinder with a plastic clip that holds the tumblers in place.