I have a 2003 F 250 Supercab 4X4 gas V-8 which was running fine. Moved truck. Turned off. Left keys in ignition. Few minutes later, got back in truck to move it again and engine wouldn't start (dashboard lit up) and now I can't even pull key out of ignition! The hood won't open up. What would cause this to happen?

 

hahaha...you'd be screwed if I believed you.

 

This happened yesterday. I've never had problems with this truck. It is towing a horse trailer. I was making some tight turns in tall grass. I thought because I had left the keys in the ignition that perhaps it affected the security system somehow and shut down the truck or that the steering column had locked up. (Steering wheel is not locked up-it turns fine. I checked the connections to the horse trailer, thinking maybe something had come loose and caused a problem. Everything looks fine. The power windows & radio work. When I turn on the key, the dash says check gages, they all look fine. Engine won't start, and I can't get the key out of the ignition. The truck was running fine before, battery is fine, it has 1/3 tank of gas. There is probably some simple solution, but I don't know what it is.

 

Why is there a poll on your first post, which makes no sense anyway

 

put it in park...

 

This was my first post and I didn't know what the poll was for. My ignorance is certainly showing!

 

Automatic trans I'm assumig.

 

Yes, it is an automatic transmission.

 

Since these trucks don't have any "security system", maybe you can clue us in as to what aftermarket system is on it.

 

I don't think it has an aftermarket system on it, I just assumed it had an anti-theft system. My Jeep Grand Cherokee does and it will shut down.

 

The hood release has to be a coincidence. It is nothing but a mechanical cable. Get under the dash and figure out how to adjust that cable, or pull it further somehow.

The key thing sounds like something in the column. The truck is in Park you said, but the column still is latched. So the key won't come out, and you can turn the wheel. If the column was in park you would not be able to turn the steering wheel. That's what is keeping it from starting as well.

You might try to find the neutral position. The truck should start in neutral OR park.

Did you launch this thing off a cliff?

 

The truck is 15 miles from here and as soon as the Preakness is over this afternoon, I'm taking someone who is much more mechanically minded than me to look at it and see if he can solve the problem. Hopefully it is something simple. Will let you know when we get back!
Thankyou all for your comments and suggestions!

 

why not?

The wheel should be unlocked whenever the key is on... but maybe that is the GM in me showing through.

 

True. Got me on that part. But I still think the problem is in the column. The reason he cannot pull the key is because it will not turn to lock, and the reason it won't start is because it is in a gear select position. But I think it might start if he can wiggle the selector around and find neutral.

 

Boy, am I feeling stupid! The reason the key wouldn't come out was because I hadn't turned it back far enough. After reinserting it, the truck started right up. The reason the hood didn't open was because I pulled the wrong lever in the center rather than far off to the left. (It's hard to see in the dark and I'm used to my Jeep) My husband said that was the easiest problem he ever fixed! Well, I learned some new things today about my truck that I won't forget! It seems so obvious now. Anyway, I am sure thankful it wasn't some expensive major mechanical problem. I know alot more about horses than trucks! At least the problem is solved. Thanks to everyone for their help.