Lock Cylinder

[nye2k]

Hey guys, been watching this for years, but first post:

I went to start my 03 Ranger after filling her up and the ignition lock cylinder wouldn't turn. Steering locked, wheels pointed dead ahead. Jiggled the hell out of it... pulled hard on the steering wheel in every direction.... nothing.

Called a locksmith and he gave me the look... then the line, "Well... tomorrow my step brother might could come out and unlock that steering for $200, he's got some special hammer tool." (no joke)

After towing her home, i squirted some PB Blaster in the cylinder and let it sit, stuck a blank non-PATS key in and attempted to tap any stuck pins/wafers free... nothing.

I only had one key which is fairly warn from opening beer bottles, so i had the dealer cut me a new one from the VIN (Didn't program it yet - they wanted to charge an additional hour labor for that). Stuck that one in... nothing.

Is there anything else I can check/try before I drill out the lock cylinder?

 

[nye2k]

simple fix

After running through the motions one last time, I thought to scrape out the cylinder with an awl in case there was any build up on the pins... when to my surprise, i broke free a small shred of plastic somehow stuck in the tumbler.

I feel dumb, but it sure beats having to install unnecessary parts.

 

[a-5 freak]

Glad we could help