My ranger's ignition cylinder is stuck, Help!

[kolb02]

So I go start my 1997 ranger and the ignition cylinder is stuck and wont move at all. I tried moving the steering wheel and nothing. The key is not stuck in there, I can pull it out. This is a manual also so its not the tranny holding it up. Its been kind of sticky lately. I want to just replace the cylinder. Is it hard to do?

 

[97RangerXLT]

Do you have another key? If so try it.

From what I have seen it isn't too hard to replace the cylinder and you can get a new one at most auto parts stores. The only downside is you will have a different key for the locks

AJ

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 while sitting in my underwear

 

[kolb02]

I do have a spare. I will try it.

 

[kolb02]

If I cant find a spare key what is my next option?

 

[adsm08]

Drill it out until it will turn without a key.

Or you can try spraying some lube in there before destroying it.

 

[kolb02]

Drill it out where? I just went home and tried some graphite and banging it with a small hammer. No luck.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Well if the second key didn't work...

ADMS has the next step. get a drill bit that is as wide as the key, and drill it down the hole where you put the key in. you might put a stop on the bit so you don't drill any deeper than the key goes in. once the tumblers are all drilled out, it should just turn. then you can start and run it without the key and remove the cylinder easier when you get a new one.

AJ

 

[adsm08]

I usually just punch a 1/4"-3/8" bit in until I destroy the retaining detent and then pop the sucker out. This is a very common issue on the early Focuses, Foci, Focusis, you know, that little car that replaced the Escort.

 

[kolb02]

Thanks guys! I got it unstuck after heating it with a heat gun and tapping on the lock itself. Now I'm going down to get a new cylinder.

 

[Andy D]

Just curious, I can set a lock cylinder to the key on my old BMWs. You can re-key many house hold locks too. Can you set a new cylinder on a Ranger?

 

[black_demon69]

Just curious, I can set a lock cylinder to the key on my old BMWs. You can re-key many house hold locks too. Can you set a new cylinder on a Ranger?

yes they can be rekeyed

old key + old lock cyl + rekey by locksmith= new cyl with the same key as before...