# Ignition Locked up

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 23, 2008, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084 "2008-07-23T00:52:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![subi180](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@subi180](https://community.cartalk.com/u/subi180)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/1 "2008-07-23T00:52:14Z")

</div>

Occassionally I can’t get the key to turn in the ignition switch of the 1990 Taurus. After repeatedly trying, the key will finally turn and the car runs fine, as usual. But, it’s bothersome, and a bit frightening when I’m miles from home. What can be done to fix it?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 12:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/2 "2008-07-23T00:55:46Z")

</div>

You may have to change the key cylinder or the ignition switch. Meantime, try turning the steering wheel as you attempt to turn the key on.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Beadsandbeads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Beadsandbeads](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beadsandbeads)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/3 "2008-07-23T01:24:21Z")

</div>

Will it not turn at all, or turn part way? The lock is easy to change. Get a look at a repair manual in the library or take it to a lock smith.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/4 "2008-07-23T01:53:32Z")

</div>

The least expensive way to go is to replace the ignition lock while it can still be turned. A new lock cylinder is about $20. Any half-way mechanic can change it. Here are the instructions [http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c15280063b41](http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c15280063b41) If changing the lock cylinder doesn’t fix it, change the ignition switch. A better mechanic will need to do that. The instructions for that are at the same site.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![subi180](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@subi180](https://community.cartalk.com/u/subi180)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 3:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/5 "2008-07-23T03:16:52Z")

</div>

I messed up trying to thank you in the “tags”. Your help is appreciated.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![subi180](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@subi180](https://community.cartalk.com/u/subi180)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 3:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/6 "2008-07-23T03:18:36Z")

</div>

I messed up trying to thank you in the “tags”. Your help is appreciated.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![subi180](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@subi180](https://community.cartalk.com/u/subi180)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-locked-up/17084/7 "2008-07-23T03:26:41Z")

</div>

Thanks for the suggestions and directions. The new part is ordered and will soon be on the way. If I can’t have a new shiny car, I will at least have new shiny keys.