Pinpoint Test U: Ignition Lock Cylinder Difficult To Turn

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems

Pinpoint Test U: Ignition Lock Cylinder Difficult To Turn

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods for information about these practices.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

The ignition lock cylinder mechanically rotates the ignition switch within the ignition lock cylinder housing. Insertion and extraction of the key and rotation of the lock cylinder using a correctly cut key should be smooth and require minimal effort.

Possible Sources

- Key

- Ignition switch

- Ignition lock cylinder

- Steering column lock module

PINPOINT TEST U : IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER DIFFICULT TO TURN

U1 CHECK THE KEY

- Inspect the key for an incorrect cut and damage.

Is the key correctly cut and free of damage?

Yes
GO to U2.

No
REPLACE and PROGRAM the key.

U2 CHECK THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER OPERATION

- Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and rotate the key through all ignition switch positions.

Does the key insert into the cylinder and rotate through all ignition switch positions without excessive effort?

Yes
The mechanical function of the ignition lock cylinder is OK.

No
GO to U3.

U3 CHECK THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WHILE INSERTING THE KEY

- Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder .

- With the lock cylinder in hand, apply light pressure to the back of the lock.





- With light pressure still applied to the back of the lock, insert and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder. Repeat this step several times.





Does the key insert and remove freely into the ignition lock cylinder?

Yes
GO to U6.

No
GO to U4.

U4 CHECK THE KEY FOR BURRS

- Inspect the key for burrs.

Is the key free of burrs?

Yes
GO to U5.

No
REMOVE the burrs from the key and RECHECK the key operation. If the concern is still present, GO to U5.

U5 CHECK THE IGNITION LOCKL CYLINDER USING ANOTHER KEY

- Obtain another key of the same type for the ignition lock cylinder.

- With the lock cylinder in hand, apply light pressure to the back of the lock.





- With light pressure still applied to the back of the lock, insert and remove the second key from the ignition lock cylinder. Repeat this step several times.





Does the key insert and remove freely into the ignition lock cylinder?

Yes
REPLACE the original key and PROGRAM the new key.

No
INSTALL a new ignition lock cylinder. REFER to Ignition Lock Cylinder .

U6 CHECK THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FOR BINDING ROTATION

- With the lock cylinder in hand and light pressure applied to the back of the lock, rotate the ignition lock cylinder through all positions using the key.





Does the ignition lock cylinder freely rotate through all positions?

Yes
GO to U7.

No
INSTALL a new ignition lock cylinder. REFER to Ignition Lock Cylinder .

U7 CHECK FOR BINDING WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE

- Remove the ignition switch.

- Rotate the rod that is within the steering column lock module.

Does the rod rotate freely within the steering column lock module?

Yes
INSTALL a new ignition switch.

No
INSTALL a new steering column lock module.