I've noticed over the past several months that I'd park the truck, turn the ignition back to off position, and start to get out of the cab...but the truck is dinging at me. Figuring it is some odd sensor issue (lights are off) that isn't hurting anything, I go along my way.

This week it did it to me again, and I decided to play with it a bit more. I noticed that the ignition tumbler wasn't completely rotated all the way back. So I started the truck and without turning the tumbler back...just pulled the key out. It continued to run no problem. I could even turn it back to off position. Without the key, I still cannot turn it to start the truck without the key.

I'm not horribly concerned with it. My old Blazer did the same thing when the key got really worn down.

I don't think this is a big deal, but maybe someone knows something I don't.

 

Its not a huge deal. Happens all the time. Just make sure you turn it all the way back so the tumbler locks.

 

Pretty common....I notice it significantly more on Ford's from the mid 80's-early '00's being in the towing industry dealing with all sorts of cars. The cause is usually a big old jumble of keys pulling down on the cylinder, thus wearing the cylinder and the key cuts itself.


Best way to fix it if you do not have PATS, is to have the cylinder replaced with a new key. You'll be left like a Chevy...door key and ignition key. Rekeying door cylinders shouldn't be a big deal for a locksmith. If you have PATS, I'm sorry....it's gonna be a spendy fix!