I am new to this site and need some help. I recently purchased a '95 Ranger. Nothing fancy, just a 2.3, 5 speed, something to run around in and keep the miles off of my new truck. After buying it I realized that it will start without the key in the ignition. I have had several other Rangers in the past and one of them did this too. Does anyone else have this problem? Whats the easiest way to fix it and will I be able to keep my same key?

Thanks,

 

You will have to get new key cylinders for the ignition and the doors, unless there is some way to get a brand new cylinder keyed for the key you already have. I would suggest calling a locksmith, because I'm sure he can help you or tell you where to go. I ground out my ignition key cylinder so I dont need a key, but it is my off-road only truck.

 

I've never done it before, but Autozone should sell you a replacement ignition cylinder which should fix it, unless something else inthe steering column is fubar.

 

I agree. You need to replace the lock portion of the ignition at least. The switch itself appears to be fine. You many need to rekey, or go to a 2 key system where your old key is for the doors and the new key for the ignition.

 

what john said is probably your best way to go, use one key for ignition and your original for the doors, you can get the ignition cylinder at autozone, as well as any loaner tools you may need to do the job. i would pick up a haynes manual, it should walk you through changing it out. good luck

 

Anyone know how to go about replacing the key cylinder when you can not get the key to turn at all? I got the part at AutoZone but I can't get the original out.

Thanks
Todd

 

worst place to post a thread like this.. lol

 

haha

are u on the EAST side of town, or the WEST, and what color is u're truck.....?

 

this seems to be a very common problem on older rangers as both my 92 and my 86 bronco II did this... as did both my grandfathers 88 and 90 bronco IIs

 

I finally Had to replace the cylinder. It locked up and I could not get the key to even go in the cylinder and it would not turn. I had to use a MASTER key (long screwdriver) to get it to crank. I got the replacement from Autozone, and even in the instructions it tells you that you will have to remove the steering wheel. You DONT have to remove the wheel to replace it. After I got it installed I had to have 2 keys, one for ignition and one for the doors. I didnt like this so I took both keys to the hardware store and asked the guy to cut one key on each side of a new key. Since these are double sided keys, it will work. If you stick the key in one way it will unlock the doors, but you have to flip it over to start the truck. I just ground a notch in one side so I know which is which.

 

We had a similar problem with an F-150 before. The same thing occured but we realized that we weren't quite turning the key all the way off. So the key would come out before the cylinder locked. Our solution was simple, just make sure to turn all the way back and press hard so it would lock.

I commend you on actually thinking about putting both keys on one. I would have never realized it.

 

So I recently traded for a 98 Ranger and I was able to drive the truck without a key in the ignition because the tumblers were worn out. I could insert and remove the key regardless of what position the switch is in. So I decided to replace the ignition switch because it was thinking there is always a key inserted, the door chime would go off everytime i would just open then door. Also this may be an important fact, before I started this process I couldn't get the switch counter clockwise into the acc position. I take the old switch out, put the new switch in no problem goes on smooth however now there is a half inch gap from the steering column and the lip of the ignition switch so it isn't flush with each other. However the truck will start but the key will not pull out of the new switch even in the off position and it still won't turn into the accessory position. The pin that locks the switch in place is in the hole correct as it should be. I also know it's the correct switch I've compared it to the old switch and they are identical. Any tips or hints? No one else I've seen has had this problem

 

You think you got problem, my truck will continue running if I turn the light switch I click past the far right. No accessories. Take out key,truck keeps running.
But that's the least of my problem with my truck.