Key stuck in ignition and engine does not crank

Tiny
CAROSELLO
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 FORD F-150
  • 4.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 210,000 MILES
My key is stuck in the ignition. It turns freely as it should, but the engine also won’t crank. Battery turns on, but once I turn it to the crank position, lights go off and nothing happens. And even when I depress the button on the steering column to release the key, it won’t come out. WD-40 and PB Blaster have not helped wiggle it free.

Before this happened, I was able to start the truck just fine. Though I initially inserted my door key by mistake (could that have messed with the lock?). Also, I realized the first time I started the truck this morning, it was in gear (my e-brake is out of commission while I await a new cable, so I have to park it in gear for now to keep it from moving). There was a weird/bad sort of grinding noise, which stopped once I shifted into neutral. I only ran the truck for maybe 20 seconds before I realized I left something in the house and shut it off. That’s when I realized my key was stuck. And then I tried starting it again and the engine wouldn’t crank.

For what it’s worth, I’ve tried turning the steering wheel both ways to relieve pressure, and that didn’t change anything. My best guess is that somehow the lock is jammed and/or there’s something wrong with the ignition switch or starter.

From what I’ve read & watched on YouTube, it seems I’ll need to remove the steering wheel to access the pin to release the ignition switch. (My steering wheel does not tilt, so the pin is not externally accessible) And if that doesn’t resolve or illuminate the issue... I might need to call in a mechanic (I’m not that confident in my fixing abilities beyond a certain point)

Would love to hear any insight from folks with more knowledge/experience.
Sunday, November 28th, 2021 AT 12:05 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,517 POSTS
Hi,

Based on what you described, the first thing I would suggest is to confirm the battery terminals are clean and tight. Going from power to none when the key is turned is a common symptom. Here is a link that explains what happens:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If that checks good, I need you to do a simple load test on the battery to see if it is bad. Here is a link explaining how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Try these two things and let me know the results. Also, make sure the shift lever is fully in park. Otherwise, the key won't turn off the entire way.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Sunday, November 28th, 2021 AT 10:45 PM

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