2003 Exp EB key did not turn off car

Hello. I have 2003 EB Exp with almost 250K miles. It is a 2WD and has the 4.6 engine. Best car I've ever owned.

A couple of weeks back, when I turned the key OFF, nothing happened. The engine still ran, the dash was still working, didn't test radio. I could take the key out, try a different key, it did not turn off.

I opened my door (did not shut), got out, opened up the rear lift gate so far no change, car still running, key in my pocket. When my daughter exited and closed the door from the right rear passenger side it turned off. So far, it has not happened again.

Any ideas what might have caused this to happen? No remote starter added to the car.

Welcome to the Forum

Look for damaged wires in the steering column and in the drivers side footwell.

I would check the the ignition switch/lock cylinder first. The ign switch controls power to the pcm for the start/stop sequence.

Should it happen again, pull fuse 102 in the central junction box - see pg 14 in the pdf.

docraymund said:

Look for damaged wires in the steering column and in the drivers side footwell.

Click to expand...

stamp11127 said:

I would check the the ignition switch/lock cylinder first. The ign switch controls power to the pcm for the start/stop sequence.

Should it happen again, pull fuse 102 in the central junction box - see pg 14 in the pdf.

Click to expand...

Thank you both for your quick replies. My biggest weakness as a DIY mechanic is electrical issues. My usual "MO" is to replace the suspect part and hope like heck that it fixes the problem. But as we all know, this approach doesn't work all the time.

My first thought was the ignition switch, but as I researched "the oracle - google", I didn't find a lot of same type of issues. So, that is what led me to you guys.

I'm going to open up the steering column and the kick panel this weekend and take a look around. I'll report back.

Suggest you follow what stamp suggests and forget the other reply

Find and locate fuse 102 and as suggested if it does it again pull that fuse and report back. I would hold off opening the steering column until you try pulling the fuse test. If you are unsure where fuse 102 is located check your owners manual and If you don't have the owners manual you can download one at

owner.ford.com

OK, sorta happened again yesterday. First issue since it originally happened in Oct. The difference this time was the engine turned off, but the car was acting like the key was in the Accessory setting. Fan running, dash lights on, gear shift would move freely, and I don't think the steering wheel was locked. I reinserted the key, tried to start, nothing. Would not engage starter and when i removed the key, no difference.

Bedrck47, first of all i want to apologize for not pulling the fuse. However, i wanted to see if opening and shutting the doors would do anything. Just as the first time, when I opened and shut the rear passenger door, it turned off. I put the key back in and it started right up. Turned it off and everything shut off.

My question, when it happens again, do you still want me to pull the fuse? I didn't know if the door situation would lead you to a different option or not.

Thank you.

Yes pull the fuse But sounds more like a bad ign switch

OK, I've ordered the part. I'll keep you updated.

While your waiting for the part if it happens again pull the fuse Keep us posted