Someone tried to steal my 2002 ford windstar and now I can get it to start the key won't turn and the steering column is locked

This is not an easy job, Jennifer. You have to remove the steering column cover, then insert the key. There's a little button you can press when you've turned the key to the ACC position - that little button releases the lock cylinder from the steering column.

Is because the ignition/column and theft module do not match, or maybe damaged theft system during the attempted theft of truck. You can bypass tho.

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A metal activator rod generally moves back and forth along the steering column from the key lock to the ignition switch (generally mounted on the steering column. If the rod had been dislodged or the ignition switch had shifted position during your pervious efforts, turning the key will not allow the voltage to get to the starter.

Be prepare to be very uncomfortable twisted around under the dash and steering column. :(

starter switch usually mounted on top of steering column, actuated with a metal rod. Remove mounting screws for column, lower it down to access the starter switch. Ford typically mounts them here, like this:

are you using a different ignition switch and key? they have a transponder in the key and it is specific for the vehicle.

Just turn the key on, if that doesn't reset it you have a failed part and will need the help of the dealer

key is bad

you most likely have a bad key switch cylinder assembly. you can try to spray wd40 solvent into the switch before you have the switch replaced,but sometimes it's a switch replacement that repairs the problem. have you inspected your ignition key to look for damage to the key itself? try a spare key to make sure it's the key,and not the key switch. you can also try turning the key while turning the steering wheel at the same time to get the key to work.sometimes the switch locks when parked in a bind,such as on a hill,or against a curb and so on. try this 1st before you have the ignition switch replaced. AAA auto club,if you're a member covers part of the replacement costs for a replacement switch also. you may have coverage through a cell phone also.one more thing to try, if you have a tilt steering column,try to reposition the steering wheel to see if you can get the key to turn. remember never force it enough to break your key off into the switch! thank you for choosing fixya.com!

What you have is the anti-theft portion of the steering column has became engaged. When you remove the key from the ignition, there is a pin that retracts, and, when the steering wheel is turned, this pin enters a hole in the column's steering shaft. This prevents the car from being "steered" if someone defeats the ignition switch, while trying to steal it. This locking function will not happen if the car is parked with the front wheels straight ahead; the only time the locking function occurs is when the steering wheel is turned left or right, as in parking whilst turning the steering wheel. This is a normal occurrance, the locking of the steering wheel, as it denies steering to potential theives.
SOLUTION: When the key will not turn, try to turn the steering wheel to the left of right (whichever way it is "turned" to), and, simultaneously, turn the key in the ignition. The "turning" of the wheel relaxes the tight fit of the pin into the hole, and then the key will turn, as it retracts the locking pin from the hole in the column. Hope this helps; and thank you for choosing FixYa!

did you try rocking the wheel side to side while turning the key? will the key turn at all or just wont start the car? -jeff