Steering Locked Up....
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It's suppose to lock when you turn the wheel with no key - it's for towing and any car I've been in has that. Sometimes it locks in a way that is difficult to get it to unlock - but I've always been able to get it to unlock by holding the wheel either way and playing with the key. Just playing with it should unlock it unless something is broken.
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
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If your key will not turn then chances are your key cylinder is shot. Read this: http://www.motorage.com/motorage/dat...13/article.pdf
There is an upgraded cylinder now that supposedly works better. Hope this helps.
-Matt
There is an upgraded cylinder now that supposedly works better. Hope this helps.
-Matt
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#8
#9
The ignition lock cylinders on Focii die regularly.
Put the key in the ignition and tap the end of it lightly a few times with a hammer.
If that gets it turning again make sure you don't turn it back to the lock position until you're ready to replace the lock cylinder.
Your local dealer probably has lock cylinders in stock for these. The cylinder has to be put together. It's easiest to take the new cylinder and a spare key to a locksmith and have them do it.
Put the key in the ignition and tap the end of it lightly a few times with a hammer.
If that gets it turning again make sure you don't turn it back to the lock position until you're ready to replace the lock cylinder.
Your local dealer probably has lock cylinders in stock for these. The cylinder has to be put together. It's easiest to take the new cylinder and a spare key to a locksmith and have them do it.
Last edited by Racerguy; 12-24-2005 at 10:56 AM.
#11
From my experience: If the steering is cranked to either extreme left or right end-point and then locked, it will be hard to unlock the steering due to mechanical load or pressure on the steering, Or if there is pressure on the steering due to it being locked while turning hard against a curb or something like that, it can be difficult to unlock also. The steering wheel should normally lock when you turn the steering wheel with the key out of the ignition switch, just as you described. It can lock in any position. If it has been locked with the steering under mechanical pressure, you will need to put pretty hard counter-pressure by turning the steering wheel in the same direction the wheels are already turned while at the same time using the key to unlock it to get it to finally unlock. Like I said, just my experience. Good luck.
Last edited by 9explorer8; 12-24-2005 at 02:18 PM.
#13
The steering wheel has been turned 180 deg. (upside down), and it locked in that position.
I tried turning the steering wheel as hard as I could (in same directions as the tires were pointing, to the left), while my wife tried to turn the key....no luck.
I do not think it's the key cylinder, the steering wheel is in a bind.
Monday I will call the Ford Dealership, and see what can be done....unless someone has a solution to this.
Thanks,
Bulldog...
I tried turning the steering wheel as hard as I could (in same directions as the tires were pointing, to the left), while my wife tried to turn the key....no luck.
I do not think it's the key cylinder, the steering wheel is in a bind.
Monday I will call the Ford Dealership, and see what can be done....unless someone has a solution to this.
Thanks,
Bulldog...
#14
Sounds like you have done all there is to do, as far as I know. I have had my Explorer steering lock up really hard when I was working on it and had to cut the wheels all the way left or right and took the keys out. I had to really struggle to get it to unlock, but I always managed to get it out. But something could be out of wack on your car that started all of this. Perhaps the dearler is the next best bet.
Good luck
JD
Good luck
JD
Last edited by 9explorer8; 12-24-2005 at 05:02 PM.
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