2002 escape key stuck

[georgiahemi]

Need Help!!! I replaced the cylinder and the ignition switch. Then I figured out the there is a switch that reads when the Escape is in Park. The switch is backing out everytime I put it in park. So since its not reading that its in park, the key is not coming out of the ignition. Does anybody know what to do with that little switch. I can not push it in far enough to stay, I think maybe its supposed to snap in, but its not. I tryed getting a new switch from the dealer, but they have no idea of what I am talking about.

Thanks

[ianf]

you will find the answer if you google-mazda tribute,key stuck in ignition
as they are practically the same vehicle with slight changes. Ford dealerabsolutely clueless-
wanted to charge me $950 to replace ignition assembly. i feel sorry for any one who goes to that mechanic.

[AlohaBra]

The Tribute and Escape are mechanically the same....different body parts and rear glass.
Both are made on the St. Louis line.

I get my parts at:

http://www.fordpartswebsite.com/escape.html

I wonder if Georgia got his problem fixed???

[Spg5782]

I had the same problem with my 2006 Ford XLT Escape. At first, the key woud get stuck, but after a few turns, I could get it out. Then, after a while, it wouldn't come out. I did some research online and found that it was the igntion lock. The people online told me to go to a junk yard and get an ignition lock. Yet, I was too lazy and took it to the dealership. Thankfully, I knew the mechanic personally and he convinced my Ford Premium Warranty that it was mechanical, and they fixed it. Thankfully, I didn't have to pay for it because the cost went into the thousands, primarily because of labor (it took two days). But my mechanic did tell me that this is really considered wear and tear and that the only reason the warranty covered it was because I had a 06, any other year and I would have had to pay for it.
Oh yeah, I also forgot to mention that after it was fixed, at times it would still get stuck. And when I called my mechanic, he told me that if the key is still getting stuck in park, push the gear shifter upward while in park and try to turn the key in the off position. It worked and now my key doesn't get stuck anymore.