Not sure what's the best forum to post in to, but here's my best shot.

I had a problem with my truck, a '93 Lightning, this weekend. I had it parked, and when I went to put my key in, it would go in, but not turn to crank. Took 15 minutes of jiggling and swearing until it finally turned and I could leave.
It's been 2 days and no problems then, until today. I just got home from work, turned the truck off, and couldn't get my key out. It wouldn't turn all the way to release, but just stay right near the crank-area. Well, stupid me just locks it in the truck, but in 4 hours when my wife gets home, I need to get it out. (Live in a bad neighborhood, no tinted windows, key is visible to the outside).

Any clues/ideas, without having to replace the whole $400 steering column?

 

A mobile locksmith could replace the ignition switch for less than $100. If they can't get to you right away, remove the battery or a wheel, or both!

 

Let me ask you a question. How many keys do you have on your keychain? If you got a ton of keys, take them off and put them on another ring or get a keyring where you can easily remove the ignition key from the rest.

My locksmith told me excessive weight on ignition keys puts a lot of money in his pockets. The weight of the swinging keys wears out the lock and can cause the kind of problem you're experiencing.

BTW, Raoul is right. Call or go to a locksmith. They can get the cylinder out in a couple of minutes.

 

Thanks for the advice. I do have about 18 keys right now, on 3 rings, all held together with a metal clasp. I wasn't aware that weight like that would damage it, and it does weigh a lot.

I'll try to jiggle with it more tonight. If not possible, I'll *find* and stop by a locksmith tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be too expensive, all my money is going to get this thing to pass MD inspection right now.

 

I have 10 keys, 2 remote button thingies, a Blockbuster barcode tag, a Food Lion barcode tag and a dogtag, on three rings. The rings are on a quick release D-Ring. It does weigh about a pound. I always take the key/remote off before driving. I am happy with the setup. I can't wear the D-ring on my beltloop when I'm with my wife cause she says it makes me look like a Redneck. So I don't do that. Instead, I wear a tee-shirt that says, 'I'm a Redneck'.

 

I had the same thing happen to me in my Dad's minivan. I tried everything - then I called AAA. The kid was a doll - he came down to the hospital ramp & said it was a common problem - he turned the chrome COLLAR - the key came rigt out! Seems the actual cylinder turned but the collar didn't & it kept the key from being withdrawn. When the key is in the ignition, see if it looks "crooked" to you. If so it may be that JUST the collar needs to be turned. It's worth a shot before you spend $ on a locksmith. Also don't forget AAA just in case - those guys have all sorts of tricks they've learned along the way! Good luck!

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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4 Reg Cab/LB
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

 

Good Luck Brian - let us know what happens!

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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4 Reg Cab/LB
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

 

That happened to me once. Keys got stuck in there, and I had to leave them in there for an hour or so. I came back, turned the truck on, kicked it into reverse, back into drive, turned it off, and the keys came out. I don't know if you have already tried this, but you might want to give it a shot.

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1999 super cab
white with tan bottom
4x2 automatic
4.6L v8
BFG AT TA KO 265/75
WAAG grillguard
2 KC daylighters
vampire remote start combo alarm
steelhorse nerf bars
Husky chrome toolbox
4 pioneer 3 way 6x8's
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wants: 2 chamber flowmaster dual exhaust
tan fender flares
american racing atlas
2" fabtech suspension leveling kit

 

Well, it's fixed now. After the guy made me feel like a fool :/ Last night I was messing with it, could get it to crank, etc. But apparantly after that I left it in Drive. Guy came over, put it in Park, and the key popped right out, thinking that I just left it in Drive the whole time. Had to talk him into replacing the cylinder, and had the new cylinder rekeyed for my existing keys. AAA covered $50 of the charge, and I paid $60 for the new cylinder. So I got to work today, 6 hours late

Now onto the next stressfull moment of hoping that the truck will pass MD inspection tomorrow

 

You're a much better man than I am. I would NEVER have admitted that!

 

Ahh, AAA, forgot all about them!
Had to take off work today to fix this problem, as shops around here wanted $75 to just REMOVE the key, not even fix the problem. About to give AAA a call.