Ignition key sticking

[e_c_mccollum]

Interesting question:

Have a 97 Ranger with automatic transmission that loves to keep the key. At first, ignition lock moves smoothly upon starting. Shifter moves fine. Problem is when stopping. Shifter does go all the way back to park, but ignition lock will not easily turn to initial position to remove key. Gets hung up. Ive heard this could be caused by a bad actuator arm. Ideas???

This problem has been intermittent, but I rather try to fix it before it goes pop when I really need my truck!!

 

[1990RangerinSK]

I haven't experienced your situation, but I've experienced the other side - put the key in to start the truck, and the key won't turn out of lock (not with this truck, but with other vehicles that I've had). The fix for that was to try to pull the steering wheel towards center. So, the question is this - is your steering wheel centered (wheels straight) when this happens?

 

[adsm08]

I haven't experienced your situation, but I've experienced the other side - put the key in to start the truck, and the key won't turn out of lock (not with this truck, but with other vehicles that I've had). The fix for that was to try to pull the steering wheel towards center. So, the question is this - is your steering wheel centered (wheels straight) when this happens?

Likely very different issues.

His issue is the safety lock that doesn't let the steering wheel lock engage unless the trans is in P is acting up.

The issue with the key not turning out of lock is that the pin for the steering lock gets hung up on the window of the wheel that locks it. Moving the steering wheel releases the tension and lets the key turn.