Ignition switch stuck

There are a few technical bulletins on this problem, this is the easiest to check and fix, look under the dash, find the steering column, inspect the bushing. Here's the bulletin. IGNITION KEY HARD TO TURN &/OR REMOVE FROM CYLINDER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 99-16-4,  Date of Issue:   August 9, 1999 FORD: 1992-1999 Econoline; 1997-1999 Expedition, F-150, F-250 LD; 1999 Super Duty F Series LINCOLN: 1998-1999 Navigator Superceded Bulletin(s): 98-5-9,  Date of Issue:   March 16, 1998 Related Ref Number(s): 98-5-9, 99-16-4 ARTICLE BEGINNING DESCRIPTION NOTE: This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin 98-5-9 dated March 16, 1998. IGNITION KEY - HARD TO REMOVE FROM IGNITION CYLINDER IGNITION KEY - HARD TO TURN ISSUE A hard to turn ignition key, and/or a hard to remove key from ignition cylinder may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by a misaligned shift column shaft bushing. ACTION A diagnostic and repair procedure has been developed to correctly repair the concern. Refer to Fig. 1 through Fig. 3 for details. PARTS INFORMATION PARTS INFORMATION Part Number Part Name F3TZ-7L278-A Shift Column Shaft Bushing WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage. OPERATION: 991604A DESCRIPTION: Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder. TIME: 0.4 Hr. Page 1 of 2 IGNITION KEY HARD TO TURN &/OR REMOVE FROM CYLINDER -1999 Ford Ex...

Thanks for the info but I checked and the bushing was still in the proper place. Do you have any other possible causes?

Well since the key won't turn at all, you will probably need a new cylinder. They come out with a good key by turning it to on, then use a tool from the bottom to push the release button. If it can't be turned it may need the steering wheel removed and drilling it out.
LOCK CYLINDER Removal & Installation (Functional) Disconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Insert a 1/8" drill bit or wire through access hole in trim steering column trim (below lock cylinder). Press retaining pin inward and pull out lock cylinder. To install, lubricate lock cylinder. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Press retaining pin inward and insert lock cylinder into housing. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Removal (Non-Functional) 1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS - EXPEDITION & NAVIGATOR article. Remove steering wheel. Twist cap until it separates from ignition switch lock cylinder. 2. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill down middle of ignition lock key slot about 3/4-1" (19-25 mm) until ignition switch lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder and shavings from lock cylinder housing. 3. Remove bearing retainer, bearing and gear. Thoroughly clean all metal shavings and other foreign material from housing. Carefully inspect housing for damage. If damage is apparent, replace housing. Installation 1. Install gear, bearing, and retainer. Lubricate cylinder cavity. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Press retaining pin inward and insert new lock cylinder into lock cylinder housing. 2. Before rotating ignition switch to OFF position, ensure cylinder is fully seated and aligned. Use key to rotate cylinder to ensure mechanical operation is okay in all positions. NOTE: Use this procedure to remove ignition lock cylinder if key is missing or cylinder is frozen.
The added problem is if you dont have the lock cylinder set up for your key, the new key needs to be programmed into your vehicle or it won't start...
If you have them set up the tumblers for your key it's ok and use your old key, and reprogram the new key like this.
PROCEDURE #6 2 keys required. Cycle key 1 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle key 2 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle new key to RUN.

Thank you very much. You have no idea how many websites I looked at trying to find out how to remove a frozen lock cylinder on my vehicle and found nothing. I really appreciate it. I plan on doing it Monday. I just wanted to make sure that if I do get a new lock cylinder and have the dealership set the tumblers to my key I will not need to get my key reprogrammed right, I can just put the lock cylinder in and it will start with my old key.

If the old keys can be used, yes, if new keys are needed, Ford will charge 1 hour, usually 90.00 dollars to progrma the keys to you car.

I drilled the center of the lock in one inch with a 3/8 drill bit and the lock did not come loose. Any suggestions?

Removal (Non-Functional) 1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS - EXPEDITION & NAVIGATOR article. Remove steering wheel. Twist cap until it separates from ignition switch lock cylinder. 2. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill down middle of ignition lock key slot about 3/4-1" (19-25 mm) until ignition switch lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder and shavings from lock cylinder housing. 3. Remove bearing retainer, bearing and gear. Thoroughly clean all metal shavings and other foreign material from housing. Carefully inspect housing for damage. If damage is apparent, replace housing. Installation 1. Install gear, bearing, and retainer. Lubricate cylinder cavity. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Press retaining pin inward and insert new lock cylinder into lock cylinder housing. 2. Before rotating ignition switch to OFF position, ensure cylinder is fully seated and aligned. Use key to rotate cylinder to ensure mechanical operation is okay in all positions. NOTE: Use this procedure to remove ignition lock cylinder if key is missing or cylinder is frozen.
The added problem is if you dont have the lock cylinder set up for your key, the new key needs to be programmed into your vehicle or it won't start... You did remover the top piece? The lock cap? It should come out if drilled far enough, we are just drilling past the piece that locks it in place. Try just a wee bit deeper.dont go any deeper than the length of your key though.

I am having this same problem except that my key will turn backwards can it be the same issue?

Yes the ignition tumbler is bad and needs replacement. Here are some diagrams to help you get the problem fixed.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken