1987 Ford Ranger - 5 speed, v6. 221,000 miles.
I pulled into 711 after work, turning the wheel to the right, as sharp as it could go, to park my truck.
I shut it off, pushed the unlock button to remove my keys (as always in that part of town). Everything was normal, went in to buy a six pack, came back out and put the key in ignition but wouldn't turn, it's locked.
I tried wiggling it every which way, turning the wheels every which way, pushing the unlock button, but nothing. I did hear some clicking noises while turning the wheel and jiggling the ignition, like the lock or something is stuck. I tried for half hour til the store manager came out and helped me push it to a safe place over night til I can figure out what to do. I've never had this problem before and I'm no mechanic, unfortunately.
Any ideas? Does it sound like I need to replace the ignition, how much could it cost? Is it something that I could do myself with my basic toolbox in the parking lot of 711? Please help.
I appreciate any ideas/answers. Thanks.
Thanks "Dale D" and "not 2 B fooled"
The steering wheel is not locked, it does turn freely but the key is in the "lock" position. I did think of getting a push start but didn't think i could if the key was in locked position.
Thanks Jack,
Yes I did exactly that, I tried it all. I even tried inserting the key at different depths and using my knee while turning the wheel and pushing the unlock at the same time, haha. I heard clicking at certain times so I know something just isn't lining up right.
Thanks Billy,
so you are pretty sure it is the "ignition switch"? Who should I call? Just a basic mechanic from the yellow pages?
I pulled into 711 after work, turning the wheel to the right, as sharp as it could go, to park my truck.
I shut it off, pushed the unlock button to remove my keys (as always in that part of town). Everything was normal, went in to buy a six pack, came back out and put the key in ignition but wouldn't turn, it's locked.
I tried wiggling it every which way, turning the wheels every which way, pushing the unlock button, but nothing. I did hear some clicking noises while turning the wheel and jiggling the ignition, like the lock or something is stuck. I tried for half hour til the store manager came out and helped me push it to a safe place over night til I can figure out what to do. I've never had this problem before and I'm no mechanic, unfortunately.
Any ideas? Does it sound like I need to replace the ignition, how much could it cost? Is it something that I could do myself with my basic toolbox in the parking lot of 711? Please help.
I appreciate any ideas/answers. Thanks.
Thanks "Dale D" and "not 2 B fooled"
The steering wheel is not locked, it does turn freely but the key is in the "lock" position. I did think of getting a push start but didn't think i could if the key was in locked position.
Thanks Jack,
Yes I did exactly that, I tried it all. I even tried inserting the key at different depths and using my knee while turning the wheel and pushing the unlock at the same time, haha. I heard clicking at certain times so I know something just isn't lining up right.
Thanks Billy,
so you are pretty sure it is the "ignition switch"? Who should I call? Just a basic mechanic from the yellow pages?