Today, out of nowhere, my key wouldn't come out of the ignition tumbler. I tried the usual. Turn the wheel, go in and out of park, wiggle the key.

The van starts and runs well. I can even lock my doors with the key in there.

I looked on the net and found just stupid AI stories. Like this one. If you key doesn't come out of the ignition, try inserting a newer key into the ignition to see if it pulls out.

I'm hoping it's just the tumbler. Any help, please.

 

Sometimes a little spray of WD40 helps to lubricate the tumblers enough to remove the key.

 

1) Follow the removal procedure above.
Note on Step 3-2, suitable tool for example is an allen hex key. Use the biggest key (in diameter) that is slightly small than the hole. Never use pick tool the tip is too sharp to have full contact with the release pin inside the hole. Small flat head or phillips is also not appropriate.
2) Once you get it removed along with the key, you can then release the key easily.
3) When it comes to any key lock or pad lock w/ key or code, use only dry lube to lubricate. The typical WD40 can damage your lock cylinder further. WD40 brand makes a specialist dry lube you can get it from any hardware store.

There can be other problems too. Do you have a loose shifter or not? Do you also have a misaligned shift indicator or not?
If that's the case check this thread and all my posts there: https://www.fordforum.com/forum/ford...ve-****-49599/
Misaligned shift indicator can be adjusted with a white **** underneath the lower steering column shroud, assuming you don't have a loose or missing bolt there.

 

You have to first get the key out then use powered graphite to lube the tumblers and key.

 

Is the 'wing' part of the lockset loose?
If so, it can rotate slightly and cause the key to bind making insertion/removal difficult.

 

Thanks for all the tips, especially about using DRY lube in the tumbler.

I'm not sure of the meaning of a loose column. The shifter seems normal and not loose. The pointer lines up with the letters.

I ran from park down and back to park and made sure the shifter was all the way in park and the key came out easily. Maybe I wasn't pushing the lever high enough. That would be strange because this is my 3rd e150 automatic in 40 years.

That leads to a separate question: Does my van have a brake pedal solenoid to get it out of park? I don't see any place to insert a key in case of a solenoid failure like many cars use.

 

I'll have to check that tomorrow
I checked the wing and it's solid, no movement

 

The solenoid is on the steering column behind the panel under the column.

See YouTube video here:

 

wow, that's easy. I have to look at mine so I know where it is.

 

As an aside, most people don't realize how the shift interlock actually works. Most believe that the interlock prevents the shift lever from moving from "P" to "R". That's not actually the case.

When the lever is in "P", the lever moves toward the dashboard and must be pulled toward the steering wheel before it can be moved out of "P". It is this motion toward the steering wheel that is prevented by the interlock. Once out of "P", the lever remains toward the steering wheel. When the lever (in "P") is moved toward the steering wheel the interlock solenoid is disabled. This prevents the interlock solenoid from energizing every time the brake is pressed.

You can hear this by turning the key to ON and pressing the brake pedal. When the shift lever is pulled toward the wheel and released (still in "P") the interlock solenoid can be heard.