F150 2001 Steering column/ ignition locked up - Ford Forums

lenardson · 03-25-2007, 22:55

Help me out. I have a 2001 F150 ext cab 5.4 liter 4X4. Yesterday my steering column locked up solid. I can't move the steering wheel, I can't turn the key and I can't shift it out of park. To make matters worse my windows are down and I can't roll them up without turning the key. I tried turning the wheel and working the key, I tried rocking the truck.....no luck. Tomorrow I'll try lifting the front wheels off the ground but I don't think this will do the trick. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Is there some way I can release the ignition switch/ steering column lock?

Thanks in advance,

Jim

Sand1 · 03-26-2007, 16:54

I would like to think it was in a bind. We had an 06 F-250 do the same thing. The guy called and said it was locked up but finally managed to get it loose. Try jacking the front of the truck up to relieve any tension and see if that helps, its worth a shot. You may also want to pull the ignition once you get it to turn. Clean out the barrel real good and install a new lock set if the one you have does not move freely. You can also check on top of the column under the dash for the actual switch. Normally there are 2 10mm nuts holding it on. You can take those off and the switch can be moved by hand then. Thats so you can get your windows rolled up if all else fails.

lenardson · 03-26-2007, 23:24

Thanks for the info. I was able to free it up this afternoon just before I had to leave for work. I had the steering column stripped down and was trying to remove the ignition switch by driving in that little ball detent looking thing on the underside of the column when it let go. I don't know if that was the proper fix or if I just jarred it loose. Either way, it works like new now. It showed no syptoms before it failed and my wife was the last person to drive it so I didn't know what happened.
Thanks again!

Sand1 · 03-27-2007, 16:47

Blame it on her !!! lol Tell her she owes you a big steak dinner for messing up your truck lol. Glad you got it to release, take care.