2000 Ford Expedition ignition tumbler froze up

CLIFF_BUNCH

MEMBER
2000 FORD EXPEDITION
175,000 MILES

My ignition tumbler froze up. Destroyed it trying to turn it enough to release/replace it. Question is: can I hotwire it to get it to a shop? I am able to turn the ignition with a screw driver, but with the PATS theft system, I can't get it to start. I have tried holding the key under the steering column and all that. Looked at hotwiring from the coil (there are 8 individual coils on this vehicle) to the battery and across the starter solenoid. Is this possible? And how would I do it.
if I bought a new tumbler and keys, how would I program them? The ring the fit around the tumbler has come apart and the wires are separated. Does this need to be replaced?
thanks for your help, Cliff

1 Reply

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

Those broken wires are really a critical mistake. However, with a little luck (OK a lot of luck), we can try this:

You need the ring that goes around the key cylinder. If you could hold those wires into their respective places, while holding the key in the ring the computer would the think that the key is in the ignition switch. Then you could turn the switch with the screwdriver and the engine should start (if the PATS system is the cause of the no-start condition).
As you can see the luck part is depending on IF you can get a good enough connection while holding the wires in place.

Other than that, you'll have to repalce the ignition lock cylinder, ring w/wires attached and then reprogram the PATS to accept the key. You can get these parts from a salvage yard. But before that please let me know how this attempt goes. Hopefully I can come up with another solution by then.