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1998 Mercury Marquis Ignition key switch

Tiny
RETIRED AND BROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS
The key will not release the switch to turn to start. It will not move at all. The steering wheel is not binding. The transmission is in park and will not come out of park. Wriggling the steering wheel and /or the shift lever has no affect and standing on the brake pedal does not help. The car was fine with no hitches in the switch and no indication that there might be a problem. Trying an alternate key that is seldom used did no good. Please help.
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Sunday, September 29th, 2013 AT 4:09 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Have you tried lightly tapping on the key hole opening with a hammer and trying to turn the key?
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Sunday, September 29th, 2013 AT 4:42 PM
Tiny
RETIRED AND BROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The car is parked 5 miles away at our church. I have been thinking this over and come to the conclusion that the lock plates (pins) are stuck. I am going to spray inside the key slot with Gunk Liquid Wrench and see if it will free the lock. I will also tap it with a hammer as you have suggested. Thank you for that advise. If this does not work I will let you know. Again, I thank you. God bless you.
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 6:06 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
I have broke loose a lot of them like that if it doesn't work then try tapping on the key with the key in the cylinder. The cylinder is going to have to b replaced but if we can get it to turn it will b easier to replace.
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
RETIRED AND BROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I got into the lock and was pressing on the cylinder release when it broke free. I was able to remove the cylinder but cannot see anything wrong with it other than having some looseness at the end that shifts the pin to release the gear shift. Holding it in my hand I have found that when it is in the position to allow the key to be removed, if I press on the cylinder retainer I cannot turn the key. I cannot see how the cylinder could shift in its housing to cause this effect, but I am going to try to get a new one. Thanks for your help and God bless you.
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
The tumblars wear and the filings from the worn tumblars bind the cylinder up.
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
RETIRED AND BROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have obtained a new lock from a Lincoln-Mercury dealer and am going to key it and install it today. It should solve the problem. I appreciate all the help and advise from Saturntech9 and your organization. If I have any further difficulties I will call again. Thank you for all your help and God bless you all. Blc
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Your welcome for the help that's what were here for. Also get some powdered graphite to lube the new cylinder up before you install. Also make sure there a no brass tumblar filings in the hole where you install the cylinder. If there is clean those out before installing the new one.
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 AT 8:07 AM

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