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

221,115

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.

73,390

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.

Your Answer:

Explorer

Looking for a Used Explorer in your area?

CarGurus has 63,345 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $725.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2013 Ford Explorer

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,860
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,200 Great Deals out of 135,034 listings starting at $900
Used Ford Expedition
821 Great Deals out of 23,996 listings starting at $950
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,658 Great Deals out of 51,692 listings starting at $950
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,107 Great Deals out of 21,888 listings starting at $1,000
Used Dodge Durango
840 Great Deals out of 22,293 listings starting at $1,880
Used Toyota Highlander
1,392 Great Deals out of 19,090 listings starting at $1,000
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,234 Great Deals out of 18,627 listings starting at $1,300
Used Honda Pilot
1,010 Great Deals out of 30,081 listings starting at $1,100
Used Ford Edge
1,606 Great Deals out of 41,821 listings starting at $650
Used Chevrolet Traverse
901 Great Deals out of 17,530 listings starting at $750
Used GMC Acadia
1,075 Great Deals out of 15,335 listings starting at $1,300
Used Ford Escape
2,422 Great Deals out of 46,189 listings starting at $750
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,171 Great Deals out of 131,505 listings starting at $1,000
Used GMC Yukon
668 Great Deals out of 11,725 listings starting at $1,499

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford Explorer For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 32,176 listings starting at $31,645
2023 Ford Explorer For Sale
223 Great Deals out of 7,225 listings starting at $27,125
2022 Ford Explorer For Sale
334 Great Deals out of 3,625 listings starting at $19,500
2021 Ford Explorer For Sale
482 Great Deals out of 5,677 listings starting at $13,900
2020 Ford Explorer For Sale
328 Great Deals out of 3,408 listings starting at $13,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.