2013 ford explorer key will not turn

Asked by Sandy Nov 12, 2015 at 07:18 PM about the 2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Key will not turn. Tried moving steering
wheel.

3 Answers

221,615

Are you turning the vehicle off with tension on the steering wheel? Let it be in a free state when turning off the vehicle. If not the problem you may need a new key lock cylinder.

73,540

If you park on an incline, however slight, the rolling forward or backward will place a strain on the lock. Try engaging the emergency brake before the key is turned off and shift lever placed in park.

1 people found this helpful.

Ignition key would not turn. Outside temperature 21 degrees below zero. Ignition key would not turn. I had parked on uneven ground and left my steering wheel was in a left turn when I shut the engine down; steering column locked and removed the ignition key. Next day my ignition key would not turn, outside temperature 18 degrees below zero. I jacked the front of the vehicle so that the two front tires were off the ground to relieve any preload (tention) on the steering wheel lock. I heated the ignition switch with the key removed for 10 minutes with an electric hair dryer. I then inserted the ignition key and the ignition key turn without out any problems. Next time I park I will make sure my steering wheel and front wheels are straight and not turn to either side. The best thing I did was jack the car up to relieve the preload on the steering wheel lock.

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