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Will not start. Loose ignition lock

Tiny
14LOTUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • V6
I have a 1997 Ford Taurus. Yesterday I went to start my car. Lights and radio came on but it won't turn over and start made no noises at all. My ignition lock cylinder was very loose when turning the key and when I tried to turn it off the lights stayed on. Tried replacing the lock cylinder today but it did not make a difference. Any idea of what it could be? Thank you.
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Friday, August 8th, 2014 AT 3:30 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fuse 8 inside car and checkbattery for condition including load test. If you have any fusible links on relay check those as well
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Saturday, August 9th, 2014 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Might be a bad switch as well
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Saturday, August 9th, 2014 AT 6:34 AM
Tiny
JUSTDON
  • MEMBER
  • 150 POSTS
Same thing happened to my 97 taurus. In my case, the plastic slide inside the column head broke. Lock cylinder does nothing. I had to un-bolt the ignition switch (under the steering column) and start the car by sliding the pin up. I was glad that it didn't lock my steering wheel.

May be your problem as well.
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+3
Friday, September 12th, 2014 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
MASAMICOWBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Justdon, what repair was needed? Or did you have to replace the whole steering column?
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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Hi,

I'm sorry, but that is a post from 2014 and there was never a resolution included. However, if you have the same vehicle with the same type of issue, I would be happy to help.

Let me know exactly what is happening.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
MASAMICOWBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Jacobsandnickolas, I'm having the same issue currently on a 2001 model Taurus. I'm just gonna replace the steering column (front section, not the section going through the fire wall) It's either the plastic ring as mentioned or the nylon plastic linkage that connects to the switch. I haven't stuck a screwdriver up the slot where the switch sits yet, but if it is loose then it's the linkage.

I can either just buy the new column for $100+/- (plus shipping) and install it myself or pay to have the issue diagnosed for $150, have the part bought and then pay the mechanic's going rate.

The column is pretty closed in with a metal casing and I'm not even going to begin to take it apart. I've seen the exploded diagram, it's pretty involved.

Thank you for getting back to me. I just did independent research.

Daddy DIY on YouTube, has a video on it.
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. What you plan to do is a good idea. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 9:29 PM

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