Ignition Cylinder Problem (or, what happened here?)
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Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Ignition Cylinder Problem (or, what happened here?)
Hey guys, long time no drop by. Something happened to my 99 F150 this afternoon:
Went to start up, key in ignition, the whole key mechanism moved like there was absolotely no spring resistance. Hmm.
Removed the key - that's strange, everything is now powered up (radio, instrument cluster, power windows work, wipers, etc,.), with NO KEY PRESENT.
Put the key back in, still no key turn resistance, will not engage the starter. With the key in the cylinder, the mechanism moves freely, as if whatever it engages when you go to fire it up, is missing. Remove the key, mechanism will not move, but still has power.
Not sure what I would have done to make it go fubar on me. Called local dealership, who got me a tow, late in the day, will pick it up tomorrow AM.
Does anyone have any idea what happened here? Over the phone, the service rep at local Ford dealership thought it was a broken ignition cylinder, have to be replaced, cylinder keyed to match my key. To the tune of about $270 + the tow (ouch).
Went to start up, key in ignition, the whole key mechanism moved like there was absolotely no spring resistance. Hmm.
Removed the key - that's strange, everything is now powered up (radio, instrument cluster, power windows work, wipers, etc,.), with NO KEY PRESENT.
Put the key back in, still no key turn resistance, will not engage the starter. With the key in the cylinder, the mechanism moves freely, as if whatever it engages when you go to fire it up, is missing. Remove the key, mechanism will not move, but still has power.
Not sure what I would have done to make it go fubar on me. Called local dealership, who got me a tow, late in the day, will pick it up tomorrow AM.
Does anyone have any idea what happened here? Over the phone, the service rep at local Ford dealership thought it was a broken ignition cylinder, have to be replaced, cylinder keyed to match my key. To the tune of about $270 + the tow (ouch).
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,205
Likes: 3
From: Along Lake Erie
Ouch!
I would agree it sounds like an ignition cylinder, but I would call around... You might be able to get a locksmith to do the job for less. They'll need to re-key the cylinder, then swap it out. I don't think you need to reprogram the PATS for it since you're not changing the key programming...
-Joe
I would agree it sounds like an ignition cylinder, but I would call around... You might be able to get a locksmith to do the job for less. They'll need to re-key the cylinder, then swap it out. I don't think you need to reprogram the PATS for it since you're not changing the key programming...
-Joe