Tried looking through the posts but can't see one with the problem I've got. Just bought (yesterday) 2000 Ranger with 2.5l and the ignition cylinder hangs out of the steering cover.
Before you ask, I honestly didn't notice this until I was driving the truck home.
I can move it in and out but not the whole way. Starts the truck no problem but if I pull it far enough out it'll not do anything. Looks possible that cylinder was already replaced because of non Ford key but could have just been new key.
Obviously don't want it just hanging out and want to get it sorted if possible without breaking the bank. Thanks in advance

 

Welcome to the forum

Your 2000 Ranger 4cyl will not have PATS, so plain keys can be used

It reads like the key cylinder is worn out, however it could also be the housing, no way to know that until you dig in to it

The key cylinder is the LOCK, at the end of this cylinder is a tab that slides into a slot with a gear on it, when you turn the cylinder it turns that gear and that slides a rod(actuator) that moves the ignition switch(above brake pedal) into its 4 positions, ACC, OFF, RUN, START

So yes if you pull cylinder out a bit the tab comes out of the slot so gear will not turn, and you can't turn on or start vehicle

Drawing of that here: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e1343a526d.gif

Google: ford ranger ignition lock cylinder replacement

Loads of videos out there, any Ford is the same

Unhook battery first
Basically you turn the key to ON(RUN) position
On the under side of steering column is a small hole in the plastic
Insert small screwdriver into that hole and it will push in on a button on the underside of the key cylinder's housing
You can then pull out the cylinder all the way

Check if there are any broken parts, i.e. obvious damage
Also look inside the hole for cylinder for pieces or damage

You can buy key sets, 1 ignition cylinder and TWO door cylinders with 2 keys, so doors and ignition match

You can also go to a wrecking yard and get the same

Or you can just get an ignition cylinder with keys on its own, but you would have to use old key for the doors

This is assuming the housing is OK

 

Thanks for the reply. So should have listed in my original post that the ignition key and the door keys are different right now as it is and none of them are original Ford keys. So looks as though someone has replaced them in the past and I'm thinking maybe didn't install properly.

Am not home this week to mess about with this but as soon as I'm home I'm going to try and get this tackled. Am hoping it's going to be straight forward and if I need to replace the ignition cylinder or ignition switch I'll just do that. I take it that's what you're meaning by the housing possibly being damaged? Will be hitting the junkyards as soon as I'm home as well so will try and see if I can get a lock set that I can get keys made for by a locksmith.

Thanks for the help and advice and I'll check in with you once I've started tearing into this!

 

The ignition cylinder housing is just that, its the metal housing that the cylinder slides into, these can be damaged if vehicle is ever stolen(popped cylinder), or if previous owner tried to drill out old cylinder because of lost keys
Which may be the case since door locks are also different


The Ignition switch is under the steering column above brake pedal area, the cylinder push and pulls a rod that moves ignition switch

 

Ah right I see what you're saying now. Is there anyway to change the cylinder housing if it's damaged or is that part of the steering column? Once I get into it I'm hoping I'll be able to see what's wrong and fix it. I'm hands on but new to Rangers.

 

Yes, the housing is a bolt on part of the steering column, but...............I am not sure if you have to pull steering wheel to change it, I doubt it, but just don't know on a 2000 Ranger.

But regardless I would disconnect either battery cable, and then wait 10 minutes before working on steering column, the airbag in the steering wheel stores a charge for 5 minutes or so, and it can flat ruin your day if it gets triggered, maybe even kill you.

 

Right I've got you. Hoping for it to be easy to unbolt if it turns out to be damaged but will have to see once I start digging into it. Hopefully don't have to pull steering wheel because I don't want to have to deal with that right now.
Battery will be disconnected well in advance because I REALLY don't want an airbag to go off while I'm in the damned truck working on the steering column.
Just to be safe I'll see if I can find a video on working on the steering column just to be safe.