In this video I have a look at repair a 2011 Ford Escape that had a customer complaint of, "I have to turn the key really hard to crank the engine over..." This is a relatively common problem on Escapes and Mariners. The ignition column lock module is the part at fault in this case. It's raw and uncut video! -Enjoy!
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50 thoughts on “Ford escape : you have to turn key really hard to start it”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Cannon says:

    Right on Man!๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ‘

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Esi Ca says:

    Eric O. The car whisperer!!! ๐Ÿ˜ฒ

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AlabamaDad says:

    "I wish I had magnetic fingers." Awesome!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Nemeth says:

    Gotta say THANKS!!! Great Vid!!!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ohio guides says:

    Don't push hard turn to crank hold and push in. Car will start

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerry Hubbard says:

    Auto stick lock 2009 escape

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Medbull says:

    Looks like Iโ€™m going to be doing this. Soon. Thanks Eric

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Myers says:

    Great Video! I have a good idea now of what will be involved. Thanks for posting.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matthew Martin says:

    I was able to get the shear bolt out of my parents old Honda out with a small chisel and a hammer. Just tap tap tap on the edge and make a little indent. Then just tap tap tap and it will start to unscrew. Then just keep doing that and it will come out. New bolt in and I didn't bother shearing it off. Just snugged it up and figured help the next person out.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken Swirveaux says:

    Good work dude and you made the video fun. My new mechanic channel. New sub here.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adam Leishman says:

    Horse shoes, hand grenades, and atom bombs

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Slater says:

    If I owned a Ford, I'd need an escape too.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis Gilley says:

    I have a 2010 ford escape that has trouble starting without a good shake and jiggle. Thats annoying but the car will sometimes just stop running while driving. After coasting to a stop, it stars up and then runs for days before it stops again. I wanted to ask if you think the part you changed out could cause the car to stop intermittently? Thank in advance from Texas.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars May day says:

    I tell off the cars and the engineers aswell, love it! They have no consideration for those who end up working on their monstrosities.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Good Old Doug says:

    "Isn't that annoying?" Yeah image working at a Ford dealership and listening to that all day on almost every last vehicle that comes in. XD

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Gruber says:

    I find it very difficult to watch any repair video that does not contain a squirt of brake cleaner here or there.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rusty Nail says:

    Pickup lines… On a scale from 1 to america. How free are you tonight?

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gokblok says:

    I love watching you struggle with things that have kicked my tail in the past. Stupid cars

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pauli mendoza says:

    Thank you sir!!!

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leo says:

    Had 1965 Volkswagen one screw to hold ignition.๐Ÿ˜‚

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Mestas says:

    Got to replace mine thanks for showing us how.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lance says:

    I don't know why mechanics say acrossed. It's across.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony Pacheco says:

    You missed a meow

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Slow Turtle says:

    Thanks for the video. I have to fix my wife's "jiggly bits" this weekend.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gerald Fields says:

    This is what happens when some one carries ten pounds of crap around on their key chain.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cbar30 says:

    You tuber makes DYI video. Says not to follow directions of said DYI video. Makes sense.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lloyd dailey says:

    these cars today, they make them to sell, not to work on ! the factories don't care because they are not going to work on them !

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Confederatemule says:

    Thanks for this excellent video. What year did you start working on vehicles?

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Berryhill says:

    Well we'll see if I can do it or it'll get scraped thanks

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mia SoCulpa says:

    that clockspring may need to be replaced now aft all that spinning the steeringwheel

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Lol worked with a fella we called buck it was short for bucket boy seems when he had to go work on a truck out in the yard hed toss his tools in a bucket and head out and his work was alot like your guy crescent he was always slipping off after working a little while.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tone says:

    Curious what it would cost to have this replace parts+labor? (just in case I don't feel like messing with it)

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1337penguinman says:

    What is it with Ford and 5.5 mm stuff? Did their engineers try and figure out the least common socket size possible?
    Edit: Also, I imagine it would be somewhat funny (in theory) if you were able to swap the wires between the horn and the airbag. I sometimes imagine doing that to those rude customers who simply pull up to my shop and, instead of coming inside, pull in front of one of my bays and start honking their horn when one of us doesn't immediately come out to greet them like some kind of valet service.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SuperMat1975 says:

    '11 & '08 Escapes owner here, there is a cheap (almost free) & easy way to fix this. You just have to take the ignition lock cylinder out and tape the end tab with foil duct tape to take care of the play. It will last 2 to 3 years on the '08 and 5 to 6 years on the '09 & up as they have a start assist, you don't have to put apply much pressure on the key; it's like a push start activated with the key.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Heinkel says:

    I had a car that would only misfire below a half tank of gas. I assumed it was the fuel pump. I finally took it in for repair, and the technician replaced the spark plug wires. The only time I would let the tank level drop was on trips, and on those long trips, things would get hot enough to misfire.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Smith says:

    You don't need to remove airbag or wheel. Look at video by nononsensenohow mechanic. I did it on my 09 Mariner in about 45 minutes.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Eaton says:

    This can be done without pulling the steering wheel. I had trouble getting the air bag to release and decided to give it a try and was able to get it changed with no problem.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paublus Americanus AMERICANUS says:

    Eric O::: Ya'll know why dee Fawd garage fixit haint sold another shear bolt cavarone? Because i was a hopin ya'll would put back in thy already removed shear bolt so if'n i had to work on this steering wheel in the future I could. I removed the steering wheel on my 78 GMC and swore madly at the engineers who had put over 200 components in it and a weak plastic pusher for the turn signals. If I had it to do again on my own I would put one of those external blinkers with wires trailing to the bulbs.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bishopโ€™s DIY Auto Repair says:

    I had to replace that in my car because the ignition cylinder ware down and I could no longer turn the key it took quite a while to do but got it done but it will be easier for the next time if I need to do that repair for some one else

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Tidaback says:

    I can never find the metric crescent wrench… I'll keep looking!

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Man says:

    Your the bomb but do you blow

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mason T says:

    2009 Escape has had that problem for me. Very frustrating when you are sitting in your car trying to start it but nothing happens! Sounds like this is the issue, thanks for the video!

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ibeat theleaves says:

    Fantastic video and quality! I hope I dont screw this up.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jacob Green says:

    Pretty much all the cars they seen your videos only have like a fourth of a tank a gas if not Iโ€™ll E ๐Ÿ˜‚

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Labrador McGraw says:

    SMA just gets better… and better. We come for the repair, but we stay for the company. Unbeatable.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RJB says:

    I was wondering when you would get around to pulling the wheel.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Kurtz says:

    Eric…saw you use pullers to get wheel hub and bearings off but a steering wheel puller…you have more pullers than I had when I practiced dentistry for 30 years…no kits…just different forceps…..great video…regards, Bob

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Randy Stoffel says:

    would it be cheaper to replace the whole thing with hidden toggle switches? forget the key

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Justin says:

    I had a 1987 Ford F150 that I had to change the ignition in. I put my key in 1 night and all she did was spin in the ignition. Easiest ignition ever to change. Just use a pin to push the ear of the ignition switch down, put on new switch, and use your key in the new switch. I like how the new switch was not keyed yet and you could key it yourself.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Juan says:

    I like the karate chop ๐Ÿฅ‹ episode!

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