key wont turn

[finalfantasy]

Just happened on the first very cold morning.

I could not find any posts that had a case of this occurring in extreme cold. Before I try drilling it out, is there any possibility it may be related to the shift interlock system or something else prone to sieze in cold?

Thanks!

[Neptune15]

Did you try jimmying the steering wheel back and forth?

[finalfantasy]

Yes i tried that. I tried graphite, wd40, blow dryer to heat up area (have entire cylinder/collumn area disassembled with PATS removed) soft hammer tapping, etc

[ruger]

this happened to me in the summer. you have to replace the cylinder they wear out over time

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Yes we have a thread on this.

Here's what you do. Go to your local Ford dealer, purchase a new lock cylinder. The new design will not lock up. Take your key and the new lock cylinder to a locksmith. Have them key the new lock cylinder to your key.

Now, it's time to drill out the old lock cylinder. I would usually advise people to at least try to turn the key using some tricks, but you've already tried those.

Drilling out the Lock Cylinder after Lock-up

[amc49]

Definitely not the shift interlock, all that controls is a solenoid that disables the shifter ONLY.

[finalfantasy]

just an update on this, few weeks back i followed the TSB for bore size and location on the cylinder with a cobalt bit and it went through fast and easy. picked the lockbar out with allen keys and swapped in a new cylinder.

i definately second the cobalt over an old pair of drill bits.