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Key stuck in ignition?

Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
Have had the key get stuck a few times and know how to get it out. The pin in the shifter doesn't always slide in far enough and gets hung under the plastic tab. Rather than replace the shifter, why cannot one just glue some additional little plastic pieces to the tab, so the pin is always positioned to stay behind it and allow the solenoid to release the key?
If it fits into the shifter rod with little serrated edges and the plastic rod breaks allow the pin to slide out. Can't we just glue something on to help prevent the pin from coming out that far?
Thanks guys
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 12:43 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,268 POSTS
Hi,

Certainly, you can add something to prevent this from happening. Actually, I believe there is a roll pin that holds the shifter attached. A roll pin is designed to contract to enter a space and then expand to hold it in place. You could get one that is slightly longer and peen the ends to prevent them from falling out.

I attached a pic of a roll pin below. Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
TF43
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  • 93 POSTS
Certainly, a roll pin would suffice, if I can find one the length needed. I'll try some plastic at some point and save a few hundred bucks in ordering a new one for now.
Thanks for the response. I wasn't sure it would be suggested. Haven't seen anything on YouTube or others doing it. LOL
Thanks again,
Terry
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,268 POSTS
Hi Terry, you are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 93 POSTS
It's been a while, but I got around to placing some plastic pieces to the side of that existing tab to help retain the shift pin from sliding out and locking the key in place. It isn't the best in the world. Little sloppy perhaps, but workable. I used a clear plastic disc that comes with a pack of DVD's. Cut out some pieces of it, being it is about the same thickness and glued into place.
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
TF43
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  • 93 POSTS
Close up, course they are sideways, go figure.
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,268 POSTS
Hi,

It looks great and it works. That is what is most important. I'm glad you got it taken care of.

Thanks for the update and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 AT 8:55 PM

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