Ignition Key - Will Not Come Out Of Ignition

Article No.
98-6-1

03/30/98

IGNITION LOCK - IGNITION KEY WILL NOT COME
OUT OF IGNITION - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH
2/1/98

FORD:
1997-98 ESCORT
1998 ESCORT ZX2

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1997-98 TRACER

ISSUE:
The ignition key may be difficult to remove from the ignition on some vehicles. This may be caused by the interlock tab being caught on the combination switch harness and/or the interlock cable not being connected properly or loose.

ACTION:
Refer to the following Service Procedure for diagnostic and corrective actions.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Check the wire harness connection to the wiper/washer switch to see if it is impeding the free motion of the shift interlock tab that is a part of the ignition lock assembly. If it is, continue with the following Steps. If it is not, go to Step 2.

a. Remove steering column upper and lower covers.

b. Reroute wire harness (-14289-) to avoid contact with interlock tab.





c. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the two (2) bundles of wires above the interlock tab. Refer to Figure 1.

d. Test ignition lock function and ability to remove key.

e. Reinstall the upper and lower steering column covers.

2. Check to see if the shift interlock cable is loose or disconnected.

a. Remove lower center console trim to gain access to the shift interlock connection.





b. Secure interlock cable connection (Figure 2).

c. Test ignition lock function and ability to remove key.

3. Reinstall trim.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

980601A Reroute Wire Harness 0.2 Hr.

980601B Secure Interlock Cable 0.3 Hr.

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
22050 L13

OASIS CODES: 112000