First, Never spray WD 40 in an ignition system, the petroleum based lubricant will allow all foreign objects such as dust and particles to stick together and cause you more problems. Secondly I worked for Ford for years in Service as Manager and in Parts as Manager as well as Parts and Service director. Ford Escapes and Ford Contours are notorious for Ignition problems. Make sure your key chain doesn't have an excess amountof clutter on it such as a lot of keys or added accesories because this adds weight to the system which is already mostly plastic.The best Lubricant to use on a key switch is a dry graphite spray lubricant that you can pick up at most auto parts. If you can't seem to get your key in or out and you need to go now then slow turn the wheel to the left and right while trying your key. The Ford Contours had numerous recalls on their ignition system. I would recommend calling your Ford Dealer and give them your Vehicle Identification number (VIN) and get them to check and see if you have a recall. This is free and the parts and labor are free as well. Hope this helps, Roger Talley, [email protected]
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I just purchased a 1998 Ford Contour and the key goes into the ignition very hard. What would cause this?
Just started this afternoon on my 2003 Escape. All of a sudden, it was very difficult to get the key into the lock, and sometimes out of it. I sprayed WD40 directly into the lock and was able to get the key in and out several times. It seems better now, but it's still not working right.
2001 ford escape. Key won't turn. I have tryed the giggle test and that did not work jacked the car up cranked on the steering wheel and many other things. It just won't turn.
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