Ignition Cylinder stuck!

[Jrgunn5150]

My 04 F350, the key ignition cylinder is jammed up tight, I can't get it to turn at all...

Locksmith's quoting me 250 just to get it out, another 200 for special "chipped" key that I'm reading on here I don't have?!?!?

My dad said I could drill the thing out, but is that literally how to do it? Just drill it out and replace the cylinder? What about my door locks? CCan they be rekeyed or will I have to carry two key's after this?

I really can't afford to pay 500 bucks to have this fixed and I can't start the truck to go anywhere

 

[JRJ04]

is your steering wheel locked? mine always jams up pretty good when my steering wheel is locked. If it is, turn the wheel to relieve some pressure off of the ignition and hold it and then try and turning the key.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

That used to work, but now it's just too far gone, i guess I should have changed it then.

 

[JRJ04]

i dont think you have to drill anything out. you should be able to remove the whole thing and replace it with a new one. Obviously, youll have to have the new one keyed to match, but i dont think you would need to drill anything.

Anyone else agree/disagree?

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Ordinarily, no, I wouldn't, because I would be able to turn it forward with the key and push the pin, but I can't get it to turn.

And I can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone I'm calling about whether or not the truck has PATS...I've read online no, but they are trying to sell me a PATS key and reprogram... It certainly looks just like the PATS key in my Mustang...

 

[DaveBen]

'04 trucks use a straight key, no PATS.

Dave

 

[Jrgunn5150]

'04 trucks use a straight key, no PATS.

Dave

So the key just looks the same, but doesn't have a transponder? Good deal because I have another key and switch here now my brother brought me.

Now, as for drilling, my dad say's, I can just drill a 1/2" hole in the cylinder and I can pull a lockbar or something out? Which will allow it to turn forward so I can press the pin? It's not really making sense to me, and I really don't wanna screw it up worse than I have to.

But, no PATS takes a load off my mind, and pisses me off at the same time at the local dealer's incompetence, or fraudulence, whichever the case may be.

 

[JRJ04]

'04 trucks use a straight key, no PATS.

Dave

yep, i think PATS started on the '08's and up. Someone else oughtta chime in about the drilling....i still dont think you need to

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Well, i got it out of there, two 18v litium ion battery packs and one 1/2 drill later.

Drilled a pilot hole just below the key slot, then opened it to 1/2, reached in with small screwdriver and removed a little bar that keeps the switch from being turned without the key. After that I was able to turn it forward with a screwdriver, press the button underneath to remove the switch, and replaced the switch.

Thank goodness I don't have PATS, jeez.

 

[Zmann ARGH]

lol ! nice work