keys won't turn off car for primitive

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=310x620

Oh my.

sam sarrha  Donating Member  (1000+ posts) Sat Apr-22-06 01:32 PM
Original message

my key broke.. wont turn off, wont start, wont lock, pull key out anywhere
   
anybody have any suggestions how to avoid taking this to the dealer..!! it is a 1993 ford escort wagon. it has been VERY reliable since we bought it new. great gas mileage

the key didnt break off it just makes slushy noises and turns limply back and forth with the dash lights on...

this happened to my old 57 Karmen Gia, i got a universal key unit and put it on the dash.. but i cant find that anywhere..

can i yank out the tumbler and use a screw driver to start it and turn it off.

i figure i can grind down the tumbler and just drop it in the hole when i leave the car so no one will see its easy to take,... that is if anyone would want it..

Desperate in Tennessee....thanks

MemphisTiger  (1000+ posts) Thu May-18-06 02:58 PM
Response to Original message

1. DO NOT attempt to mess with the tumblers
   
It may something as simple as needing a new key cut. Sometimes the actual key teeth get worn down and don't work right. Try going somewhere to get a new key cut and see if it works. If that doesn't do the trick, you may have to go to a mechanic to get the tumblers replaced, which can be a few hundred dollars depending on the car. Good luck

This was about two years ago; one wonders if the primitive is still dealing with the problem, and if he is, perhaps someone here can enlighten him.

My problem is, I've read the original post four times now, and am still not sure what the problem is.  It's obvious there's a problem, but the primitive seems to be describing more than one problem; if the key broke, for example, how is one able to pull it out "anywhere"?

I dunno.  Maybe I'm dense today.

[Randy]

The DUmmie had 2 problems going on.
1) The lock cylinder was worn out so the key could be removed at any position. Replace the cylinder.
2) Either the ignition switch, the actuator rod or the end of the cylinder is off. Repair or replace the affected part.

I'm not sure on the system used on an Escort. The traditional cylinder/switch assembly uses a key cylinder up on the column that either with a cam or a gear pulls a rod that runs down to a switch mounted on the column under the dash. AKA the mysterious bunch of wires portrayed on TV when they hotwire a car :rolleyes:

With the advent of airbags they consolidated it all to the top of the column and made it a 1 piece unit. ( some as far as including even the turn signal, cruise and wiper controls too )
If so then you just replace a cylinder/switch unit and be done with it. It's not a simple homeowner type repair. It can be done but you have to be tooled up to take off the wheel and tear down the column. Then you have to know what you're doing screwing with the airbag system.

That could be fun to watch tho as some DUmmie blows an airbag off in their face ****ing with their ignition switch.

[Gwitness]

heh...I change out Ford Lock cylinders on the average of 1 a week.....takes about 10 minutes....if you know what your doing.