Hey guys I can pull my key out of the igniton at basically any time without any effort. This is bad because as I'm shutting the car off if I accidentally pull the key out to early it can be started because its not 'locked in place' yet. What can be done to fix this? If I need to get a whole new thing cylinder whatever its called do all of my keys have to be replaced? Thanks
I had the same problem, I ended up rekeying the whole car with new locks and cylinders. Dont remember what it cost.
Welcome to the club. I actually think it's pretty cool. It's nice to see how someone reacts when they ask for the keys and you give them the keys and the car's still running, like at the border bridge where they have to check my car's trunk. But yeah, if you want to replace it, the new cylinder is about $10 with 2 keys and is sold at Autozone. You can keep the same key for the doors and trunk.
This is funny. Mine does it too. The ears on mine were broken when I got the car so I machined some pins to mimic the pins that were there originally. This got the ears located correctly. But I thought my cylinder was jacked - how could all of ours fail like this? I priced a new cylinder a while back and it was like 40 bucks for a Ford unit. Rekeying cost me 20 bucks last time I had it done.
This problem is VERY common on all Ford products for some reason. My '94 T-Bird can't be started without the key, but I can pull them out after I start it with no problem and can turn the car off without the key. My Dad's F-150 is the same way. I don't have any problems with my Mustang though, which is probably due to the fact that it's only got 60k on it. Joe
I want to say that I paid like 150 from ford for a complete set of cylinders for doors, ignition, trunk, glovebox. It has been awhile since I bought them so not 100% sure on that.
I've switched a couple out before and can assure you it's no where near $40 for a new cylinder. It's been a while, wait.....................................................I just called O'Reileys, and it's $14.99 for the igntion lock cylinder and it's IN STOCK. Just keep the current key for the trunk, glove box, and doors.
Mine's like that too. I noticed it a year or two ago, by chance. Doesn't really bother me that it does that.
What was the dealer price? That was what I explicitly said I was talking about. I am cheap but try not to play games with locks. If an overseas made one look strudy, I might use it. Otherwise, I would use a Ford piece.
I guess I'll just live with it, my alarm should stop anyone from starting it like that anyway. Its just scary that they can start it so easily if I forget to go all the way back.
Isn't it funny how you can fix a problem like this for so cheap? Even the total rekey job sounds not too bad (someone mentioned $150). And to copy a key is like a buck at any key stand/shop. Now try that with any of the newer cars that have chips or integrated remote FOB's. It's over $100 just to copy a key, and it would have to be tons more for a total re-key. That's progress.
I hear ya man. My bud wanted a spare key when he got his 98GT several years ago. He was happy to pay like 80 bucks [on some sort of hook-up] to get the key.
DAMN. I actually thought I was the only one with this problem but now I feel relieved. Oh I can DEFINITLEY run the car without the key - I can rip the thing out while driving and I'm still good. Kinda cool, but not a good thing IMO - Glad its a cheapie to fix though - I'll have to add that to the list of projects currently screwing me in the butt on the interior - including a broken off headlight switch (plastic one), loose passenger door handle, No lo/mid/mid-high ac switches, new center console install, etc. etc.
You can keep the original keys only if you still have the code that Ford supposedly provided with the purchase of the car. At least that's what the dealership rep told me. Also, he made it sound like Ford won't have it either. I have not called yet though to verify his statement. Personally, I don't remember ever seeing the key code and I still have everything that I got when I purchased the car. I am still looking for that code. I am weighing my options but I can tell you this I won't be rekeying nothing. I will just have a different key for the ignition. Plus I have the door and alarm remote to open doors and the trunk. PM me if you find out something different. Peace Al
