Help Needed Ignition Stuck!

[bigbrother44]

Okay, so it could be A LOT worse, but I need to fix this before I have to file an insurance claim to replace my truck when it gets stolen!!!

The key is stuck in the ignition in my 2002 Excursion PSD, and the ignition will only switch between the 3 (off), 4 (run) and 5 (start) positions. It will NOT rotate back to the 2 (lock) or 1 (accessory) positions. Which means I can start and drive the beast, but I can't take the key out after turning it off. Ford trucks have been the primary target around my town lately, and a good 7.3 PSD Excursion is hard to replace!

I've searched the forums here, and came up with explanations for late 80's trucks, and one for my series, but none of the pictures would display on Firefox or IE.

I bought a new ignition assembly from O'Reilly. I know that I'm lucky in that the ignition has to be in the 4 (run) position to pull it out. But before the locksmith appointment tomorrow to re-key the new ignition, and reprogram the ignition to recognize my keys, I want to make sure I'm on the right track. Seems that quite a few have had similar problems, so I'd hate to just throw parts at it. After all, I'm not the dealer!

Thanks in advance!

 

[DaveBen]

Yes the lock needs to be replaced. Something inside the lock is broken and jamming the key from rotating to the ACC position or the LOCK position. Changing the lock is better than replacing your truck anyday.

Dave

 

[bigbrother44]

Well, that would be the easy fix, and why would I want the easy fix?

I put the new lock/cylinder assembly in this morning, and it does the same thing, refusing to turn to the #2 or #1 positions. From the diagram I saw at the parts store, it looked like the lock assembly inserts into a harness that then signals what position the ignition switch is in? That doesn't seem like it would block the ignition from twisting.

Help?

 

[bigbrother44]

Well, I gave in and took the Ex to a dealer. Turned out to be a $10 bushing buried in a ton of labor.

 

[WD40]

How much does a a ton of labor cost these days? LOL Sorry to hear you couldn't fix it yourself.
Doug

 

[bigbrother44]

3 hours of labor, $90/hour. OUCH!

Then I thought about the fact that if it took them 3 hours, it would have taken me at least 9 hours. I didn't have 9 hours...