2001 Mercury Cougar help iM an idiot

FACEPLANTPHOTO

MEMBER
2001 MERCURY COUGAR
206 MILES

I broke key of in ignition. Got piece out of ignition and lost it.I hsve tje rest of tje key. Im trying to start car.I rmovedt steering wheel cover and to unmounted ignition switch now I need to unlock the steering wheel and I can't figure out how to get the pin to stay in. I plan on putting the keys in the ignition A screwdriver in the ignition switch and trying to start it will that workvgx

1 Reply

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

Why don't you just have a new ignition key made?

If that's too expensive [because of the special computer key used] have a cheap key made which will turn the ignition switch, but not start the car.
Next, with the ignition switch truned to the RUN position. Push the small pin under the steering column which holds the ignition switch in.
Now you can pull the ignition switch out of its socket. You can get a screwdriver in to turn the switch now.
However the original key has to be passing through the plastic ring that goes around the ignition switch. This way the computer reads the original key and will allow the engine to start-otherwise forget it!
There are two wire attached to it [don't break these wires].
Hold the orignial key through the ring and then use the screwdrive to start the car.

Again, its easier to get a new (real) key made at the dealer.