The ignition switch on my 2001 Crown Victoria is locked. This has happened once before but turning the steering wheel released it. This time the steering wheel also locked and the gear shift lever is also locked in park. Disconnecting the battery did not help nor did jiggling the steering wheel. Is there a way of bypassing the safety lockouts?

Probably bad switch down on the column shaft.OR the link rod that leads to it. The switch is spring loaded and is probably bad.
Not talking about the key tumbler here. don-ohio

i think that you are referring to the steering wheel lock mechanism

if there is a you tube on that procedure, that is what you will be looking for

If that is the case , the easiest procedure is to undo the "u" joint at the base of the steering column inside the car and remove the wheel and column as a unit

the bolts that hold that section to the column are sacrificial bolts and when the correct tension is reached , the heads snap off making illegal removal extremely difficult

getting to the remainder of the bolts needs space and with the column still in the car ---very difficult

Its ware in the ignition switch not the key switch .
Ford has had problems with this its 20 to 30 for the switch .
It can also be tested with a multi meter go to a Ford dealer and ask them to print it out of the manual .It will give you step by step witch connections should have continuity OHM'S in what positions

you may not have the rod in the correct position so it pulls and pushes. the key has to push to start and pull the rod back to turn it off. you may have to reinstall the key lock cylinder with the rod in the right place.

Its the steering arm, under the hood drivers side, it connects the steering column shaft to the steering gear box. The small universals get really rusty. causes it to bind. don't try to lube them it doesn't work. About $50.00 from ford.

Hi there,

Removal

Disconnect the negative battery cable with the proper size wrench and place away from the battery.
Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the run position.
Remove the steering column cover on a tilt steering wheel model by pressing the upper and lower section of the cover together and pulling free from the mounting plate. Remove the steering column covers on a non tilt steering wheel model by using a Philips screwdriver and unscrewing the mounting screws.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch by lifting up on the release tab and pulling.
Press the ignition switch actuator pin by pushing a small screw driver into the key lock cylinder, while doing this pull the ignition switch out of the ignition switch housing.

Installation

Insert the new key into the new ignition switch and turn the key to the run position. Insert the new ignition switch into the ignition switch housing. Wiggle the switch back and forth until the actuator pin mounting hole is aligned and falls into place.
Install the electrical connector back into the connector housing by pressing it in with your hands.
Place the steering column covers back onto the non tilt steering wheel and insert mounting screws. Tighten screws using a Philips screwdriver. Place the steering column covers over the tilt steering wheel and press the upper and lower portion together to snap covers back into the mounting plate.
Pull on the ignition key to ensure switch is locked into place. Turn key to the "off" position and remove the key. Insert the key and start the vehicle.

Hope these help.

Try turning the wheel in both directions with some force while turning the ignition. Sometimes the steering wheel is in a bind when the vehicle is parked and it makes the ignition lock cylinder "stick". WHen you relieve the pressure on the steering column you should be able to turn the key.

If you are not parked on an incline when this occurs try another key as it sounds like your ignition switch is not returning to the proper position.Try jiggling the steering wheel the next time and if that works wire-brush the key if it is not BENT and try the process again.

try turning the steering wheel left and right while turning the key, sometimes when you park with your wheels turned it will lock the wheel and key. you may have to put a little force into turning the wheel, nothing that will make u sweat... hope this helps you and good luck!!!

Hi there
I had something similar on my merc
but yours sounds similar.
the fact that you say the steering lock no longer works is very worrying, most times the key not going past position 1 is due to the steering lock being actuated and the pressure in it has to be released before the key will turn, you will have to go from lock to lock the find where the steering lock actuates when this happens follow my wiggle method of turning the steering wheel slightly when the steering lock is on the disengage it. ie keep trying the key whilst wiggeling the steering wheel.
hope that helps