The Ford Barn

Woodie1 · 10-01-2023, 12:32 PM

My ignition key gives me trouble if I remove it from the lock & then try to insert it back into the lock & turn it to the unlock position. I jacked the front end of the car up & noticed that when the lock engages, The front tires are turned to the right maybe 15 degrees. I think this may explain my key in the lock problem but what should I do to get the tires straight ahead & easy removal & insertion of the ignition key. Does the steering arm have to be removed & repositioned?

Planojc · 10-02-2023, 09:04 AM

Sounds like the locking collar on the steering shaft is out of position.

Terry,OH · 10-03-2023, 05:50 AM

If it is difficult to turn the key after locking and removing the key, then slightly wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while exerting modest pressure on the key and the key should go to the ON position.

rich b · 10-03-2023, 06:59 AM

The plunger in the steering lock is spring loaded and I don't remember it being that strong of a spring to increase the force needed to rotate the lock. Perhaps the plunger is binding in it's housing requiring you to have to line up the notch on the column.

Als48 · 10-03-2023, 10:02 AM

You probably need to center your Steering Box/Steering Wheel by use of the adjustment in the drag link. Making sure that the wheels are aligned straight ahead.

Al H

32phil · 10-07-2023, 10:03 AM

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You might try lubricating the column drop, if you haven't done so already.
The steering lock will engage in only one position on the shaft.
The whole idea is that when you park the car there's no need to position the wheel and lock the shaft. It's a passive lock, so when the car is parked it doesn't have to be locked every time.
If someone tries to drive car away without the key, as they turn the wheel to steer, the pin will engage and lock the shaft.
I don't recommend locking the column by turning the wheel every time you park the car. Just leave the wheel where it is and remove the key. The column will lock if they try to drive it (without the key) but not if it's just sitting.

Kube · 10-07-2023, 11:24 AM

It can also be something as simple as a worn out key.

dean333 · 10-07-2023, 12:06 PM

What year??

10-01-2023, 12:32 PM	#1
Woodie1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: W. Mich. Posts: 471	Ignition Lock My ignition key gives me trouble if I remove it from the lock & then try to insert it back into the lock & turn it to the unlock position. I jacked the front end of the car up & noticed that when the lock engages, The front tires are turned to the right maybe 15 degrees. I think this may explain my key in the lock problem but what should I do to get the tires straight ahead & easy removal & insertion of the ignition key. Does the steering arm have to be removed & repositioned?

10-02-2023, 09:04 AM	#2
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 848	Re: Ignition Lock Sounds like the locking collar on the steering shaft is out of position.

10-03-2023, 05:50 AM	#3
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,751	Re: Ignition Lock If it is difficult to turn the key after locking and removing the key, then slightly wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while exerting modest pressure on the key and the key should go to the ON position.

10-03-2023, 06:59 AM	#4
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,827	Re: Ignition Lock The plunger in the steering lock is spring loaded and I don't remember it being that strong of a spring to increase the force needed to rotate the lock. Perhaps the plunger is binding in it's housing requiring you to have to line up the notch on the column.

10-03-2023, 10:02 AM	#5
Als48 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Paducah Ky Posts: 279	Re: Ignition Lock You probably need to center your Steering Box/Steering Wheel by use of the adjustment in the drag link. Making sure that the wheels are aligned straight ahead. Al H

10-07-2023, 10:03 AM	#6
32phil Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montgomery, NY & Port St. Lucie Florida Posts: 936	Re: Ignition Lock Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You might try lubricating the column drop, if you haven't done so already. The steering lock will engage in only one position on the shaft. The whole idea is that when you park the car there's no need to position the wheel and lock the shaft. It's a passive lock, so when the car is parked it doesn't have to be locked every time. If someone tries to drive car away without the key, as they turn the wheel to steer, the pin will engage and lock the shaft. I don't recommend locking the column by turning the wheel every time you park the car. Just leave the wheel where it is and remove the key. The column will lock if they try to drive it (without the key) but not if it's just sitting. __________________ Early Ford Lock & Key Service http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46583

10-07-2023, 11:24 AM	#7
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,008	Re: Ignition Lock It can also be something as simple as a worn out key. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

10-07-2023, 12:06 PM	#8
dean333 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Shorewood Illinois Posts: 863	Re: Ignition Lock What year?? __________________ Tim Carlig