So the truck got stuck in the acc position (counter clockwise). I've tried everything to the point I'm certain I have to change the lock cylinder, but how am I supposed to get the old one out with it stuck in acc? I'm good at figuring things out for myself most of the time but this is my first go at learning mechanics :( and if it wasn't stuck I could definitely have already had it changed by now ....

It's a 2000 Ford ranger automatic 4 cyl 2.5L

 

Welcome to the forum

In ACC the steering wheel lock is still engaged, correct?
That could be whats holding it in ACC, I assume you have try turning the steering wheel to release pressure?

There are no "tricks", you can pull off the clam shell, the top and bottom covers of steering column, and see what you can see
You may need to pull off steering wheel, which means disabling the AIRBAG!!!!
So unhook battery and wait 15 mins to let airbag capacitor drain so it doesn't accidentally go off

I am not sure drilling the key cylinder out will help this situation

You can pull out ignition switch from under the steering column so you can start and drive the truck to a better location

There is a video here on how to remove ignition switch from under the steering column: https://www.1aauto.com/how-to-replac...nger/video/866

The ignition key just turns a gear that slides the actuator rod, the rod is what slides the ignition switch into its 4 positions
Now its a long shot but maybe ignition switch is what is stuck, not the key cylinder
So when its out you may be able to turn the key and you found the problem, the ignition switch

 

Thank you for the welcome, I have tried moving the steering wheel. It didn't work. As long as the key is in it it will twist back and forth but won't actually change position (wouldn't start, wouldn't turn off). The battery actually died bc during my "how do I get home?" Panic I didn't think to disconnect the battery ... We're gonna take the casing off the steering column when hubby gets home with the tools and see if we can get the lock cylinder out. It never lagged starting even a little so I don't believe it's the ignition switch.
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Thank you

 

I did try twisting the steering wheel it didn't change anything. As long as the key is in it it will turn both ways fine, it just won't actually change position (wouldn't start, wouldn't turn off) The battery actually died because I didn't think to disconnect it during my "how do I get home" panic. soon as husband gets home (with the tools) we're gonna take the casing off the steering column and see what we can figure out.

I don't think it's the ignition switch because it's never lagged starting at all. Starts like a champ every time.

 

So we go the lock cylinder out. Only to realize it's the actuator rod that's broken...

 

Bummer, that takes some disassembly to replace
If its an automatic you may want to replace the shift rod bushings while its apart

 

I found the part on 1aauto.com but can't find how to's ?

 

Upon further "google-ing" this is beyond what he and I can do and we'll be hiring a mechanic lol

 

Its just wrench work...................but alot of it, also may need a steering wheel puller

 

I, too, have an ignition switch and possibly a starter problem.
My ignition switch needs to be changed. I have a 1994 2.3L and have never changed it. It spins in place, and before what I believe is a starter problem, I could start it without the key, even.
It had not been started in a few months, we replaced the battery this afternoon, and we finally got the key in, got the ignition switch to catch but it only "ticked" in the engine bay when we tried to start.

We are taking this slow as I haven't driven the truck in months, and we want to work on it. How difficult of a job for complete newbies to change an ignition switch? Then the starter? Any recommendations on brands for a new starter? Some sites have Motorcraft starters, still. Many, many thanks.

 

i am absolutely "ignorant" per say with mechanical knowledge, I watched a YouTube video and got the lock cylinder out myself. Super easy. As far as the starter I'd look on youtube.

 

The ignition switch is UNDER the steering column above the brake pedal area

What you are describing is the ignition cylinder, where the key slides in

The cylinder part wears out, easy to replace BUT you do need to have a locksmith re-pin it so it matches your current keys
Or in a 1994 you can use the keys that come with the new cylinder

You replaced the battery?
So my guess is one of the battery cables needs to be cleaned better, it could be starter motor, but just make sure battery cables are clean

 

Yes, it's the ignition cylinder, thank you for clarifying that for me.
The cables are quite clean, the old battery was old, lasted for almost 7 years. There was no corrosion.

I appreciate it.

 

I tried replacing the battery and it works fine, I was about to call a locksmith but it works fine after replacing the battery.

 

Thanks all for your replies, it will definitely help me or i will call car locksmith boca raton near me to fix that issue.

 

Good work

Thanks for updating and the FIX

 

I really don't know how can a locksmith can deal with ignition lock cylinder of Ranger.

 

Welcome to the forum

Locksmiths can cut new keys to match old locks or can re-pin locks to match old keys, that's their profession

Most will have Laptop computers now to program electronic locks and if they have the Ford software they can add new keys to Ford's transponder key system(PATS)