The ignition cylinder in my 2000 Ranger has a rough spot where it's hard to turn to the Lock position where I can remove the key. I want to replace the cylinder but I want to use my original keys and not have separate keys for the ignition and doors. My original keys do have the transponder. Will I be able to use my original keys? Can a locksmith change the new cylinder? Is this something I can do myself?

 

Yes, a locksmith can for sure match old keys to new cylinder

But is it the cylinder thats the issue?
Pull out the cylinder and then use a screw driver or ??, to turn the gear on the back side of the lock

The cylinder turns a gear that slides the actualtor rod thats inside the steering column, this does the locking steering wheel and slide the ignition switch(under steering column) into its 4 positions, ACC OFF RUN START
Simplified drawing here: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e1343a526d.gif

With cylinder out it should look like this: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nnPd8EOdEgA/maxresdefault.jpg

Then just turn that slot at the bottom of cylinder tube to see if the mechanism is sticking or the key cylinder was sticking, could even be the ignition switch
If it turns easily then yes, replace cylinder

I have never try to "re-pin" a Ranger cylinder to match keys, if a locksmith can do it you could probably do it, just not sure how, lol

 

I have ordered a new cylinder and have talked to a locksmith and he can make it take my original keys. However, the cylinder has stopped hanging up and turns freely now. Maybe some trash in there, I don't know. Before I return the cylinder, I'm going to wait a few days and see if the problem returns.

 

Pull out the cylinder and have a look at it

If there is something loose inside it may come out and strand you somewhere because key no longer turns at all and then you would also have to DRILL OUT the now stuck key cylinder because it can't be turned to remove it