I ATTEMPTED TO START MY 02 FORD EXPLORER, BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN.IF I TURNED IT VERY HARD, IT WOULD TURN SLIGHTLY, BUT WOULD NOT START. IT STARTS, BUT RUNS LIKE CRAP. WHATS UP?

Asked by mypoorford Apr 07, 2013 at 11:04 PM about the 2002 Ford Explorer XLT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

MY CAR RAN FIN.  I WENT TO START IT,AND THE KEY WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN.  I FIGURED OUT THE DUTCH BUTTON KEEPS POPPING OUT OF PLACE.  WHEN I POP THE BUTTON BACK, IT STARTS.  NOW, THE CAR RUNS LIKE CRAP, ALMOST AS IF THE TIMING IS OFF.  THE PROBLEMS AROSE AT THE SAME TIME.  CAN THEY BE RELATED?

2 Answers

No. they are different but interesting puzzles. 'dutch button' that's new to me, but a detent to hold the key from turning?...like the steering wheel lock can interfere with the turning of the key? Is this one of those silly button which enables the key to be locked in place in case a kid were pullin' at the controls? think I know what you're talking about- that one should just stay down as long as the key is turned, is it not doing this but applying forces to your key other than simply locking it in place? the battery is probably like pushin' a cripple across the street and needs to be changed at this time~

you do have a diagnostic plug...not all troubles will issue a check engine light....so if you can buy yourself one, think they're around forty bucks or if there is a major auto parts house can hook 'er up and read your codes. jot them down and bring them back to us...still would like you to invest in a new battery and while you're at it clean off the connection to chassis ground removing ALL rust and corrosion, inspect and wirebrush connection to block and chassis as well, wirebrush the corrosion of the clamp before you put the new battery in~ improved power will get devices working properly again~

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