My wife called me a work the other day and said she couldn't turn the key to start our 2009 FEH. (3,500 miles)

I had her turn the key 180 degrees, jiggle it, etc. to no avail. Then I told her to turn the steering wheel sightly and sure enough she was then able to turn the key and start with no problem.

This is the only time this has happened - has this happened to anyone else out there?

I'm going in for the first "free" oil change in a month at the dealer so I will definitely talk to them about this.

Very common! Happened three times to me on my '09 FE and one time I couldn't even get the key inserted till I pushed on it a bit. Some say straightening out the front wheels helps.

I had a '97 Ranger for eleven years and it only happened three times in all and this '09 FE three times already!

There is a TSB on the problem if moving the steering wheel doesn't work, I guess.

Bill

09 Ford Escape Limited, 3.0L, 4WD, AdvanceTrac

Could it have been that the steering mechanisms were simply putting enough tension on the ignition key assy, & that manually moving the steering wheel slightly was enough to relieve that ? In general, I've seen this happen on many of my Ford products over several years. A previous post also mentioned a TSB, which should be followed-up on, certainly.

Gary

Here's the TSB although it doesn't mention the Hybrids it may still apply as I've seen this happen before on some TSBs.

tsb09-19-15.pdf

Bill

09 Ford Escape Limited, 3.0L, 4WD, AdvanceTrac

My wife had this happen on our 2008 FEH once or twice. I've never had it happen and I wonder if it has something to do with her pulling on the steering wheel while entering the vehicle.

In both cases, a quick back and forth on the (locked) steering wheel freed up the key.

Yes, the first time it happened on my '97 Ranger, I had a tow truck come. Guy asked to try the key himself, climbed in and just turned the key! Felt like a fool! All he did was grab the steering wheel climbing in. At that time I had never heard of this very common problem.

The alarm/anyi-theft arming system for different years has a different sequence. Some Ford vehicles owner's manuals state to turn the steering till it locks after removing the key, some don't.

Bill

09 Ford Escape Limited, 3.0L, 4WD, AdvanceTrac

It's a anti-theft thing. If you turn off the car and pull on the wheel, it locks the key. To start the car, slightly pull on the wheel, till the key turns. All my Fords have done this, also Saturns do this too, I bet many cars have this.

Cody James M. Corbett

My wifes CRV does this too. Sounds like a thing that just happens...

Just one guy sayN stuff
KC

'09 FEHL FWD w/Nav
Black Pearl + Side bars

Must be more than a common issue since there is a TSB on it.

Bill

09 Ford Escape Limited, 3.0L, 4WD, AdvanceTrac

As was stated, this is true for all Fords.

This is my third Ford and I've driven others - all have had this occur. I've also helped people who had this problem too.

Once in a while, it seems the alignment is off and one cannot turn the key in the ignition. It could be an anti-theft issue, but it seems to occur a bit randomly.

I usually find that shifting the steering wheel allows for the proper alignment and the key will turn.

I had one poor lady ask me for help with her Taurus years ago because of this issue. I knew exactly what happened and after turning the steering wheel, I was able to easily turn the key. I admit, the first time it happened to me, I was worried. Now, I accept it.

I bought my FEH on Nov. 10, 2007. Shortly thereafter, I did a cross-country trip (San Francisco area to the Chicago area). From Western Wyoming to my home in CA, I traveled in frigid -9 degree weather and through heavy falling snow in the Lake Tahoe. In the mountains, the top speed was only 30 mph and the 4WD was used. On the flat roads, the average speed was 75 mph. Despite all of these conditions, I still averaged 27.5 mpg! It's now been two years since I bought this vehicle and I'm still loving it!