Questions and Answers
The Key To The Problem
Q. I have a 1993 Mercury Tracer Wagon. Yesterday, I went to start my car and discovered half of my key was broken off inside. I did manage to fish the key out. My spare key, which usually works with some wiggling of the steering wheel, would not work.
I went to a locksmith with both parts of the original key and a copy was pressed. It is identical to the original. It does operate the door locks but it won't turn in the ignition either. I have tried moving the steering wheel while attempting to turn the key. No Luck. It seems like it wants to engage (it does move a tiny bit) but I can't get it past the off position.
Do you have any ideas why this is happening? I have never encountered this before in any car I've had. Do I need to replace the whole system? Is there anything I can try to fix it myself? I am reasonably mechanically inclined.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
JasonA. Keys are generally made from brass and then tin plated. Brass is a soft metal and does wear out. From what you're saying it seems that since both keys required "jiggling" that they are both worn out. Since a the copy was made from the original worn out key, you got a brand new worn out key. It is not uncommon for a worn key to unlock a door and not turn the ignition.
Look inside the glove box, there may be a tag with the key numbers for your car. If there is, take that number to the locksmith and they can make a brand new key. If the number is not there, go to a Ford dealer and they can get the key numbers for you and even make the key there. If you can remove the passenger door panel, the key number is on a tag inside the door.
If the new key doesn't turn the ignition, then the ignition lock will have to be replaced. You can take the new ignition lock to a locksmith and he can re-key it to use the same key as the doors.
