Ignition key lock tumbler replacement?

IF you just got the car, check for a release lever on the steering column. If one isn't there, see if you can lubricate the tumbler. IF that doesn't help, you need to have the tumbler and the switch itself replaced. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

I have a new remote for the car (not one with the key attached) and I need to programme it. I have read your details on how to do it by putting the key in the ignition and turning it on and off 8 times etc but am confused where you mention the 'second key'. Do I repeat the sequence again with the only key I have? As I have said I only have a new remote not one with a key.

First off how many working keys do you have? If you only have one working key then you can not program it. With Ford as with my Ford's you must have two working keys inorder to program a new one, otherwise you have to go to the dealer to program it. Get back to me with how many working key's you have and if you have two working key's then I will walk you through how to program the third. Thanks.

Further to your reply, I have 2 keys. One is with the remote fob attached the other is an emergency key that opens the door and starts the engine but has no remote fob attached to it. I also have the new remote fob without a key attached that i want to programme. Hope this helps. I look forward to receiving your answer.Thanks

Ok lets get this started. Here is how to programm the FOB first.
1) Get in the car and make sure all doors are shut.
2) Now turn the the key from off to run 4 times in 6 seconds.
3) Turn key off and you should hear a chime telling you that it is in program mode.
4) Now within 20 seconds of hearing the chime press and hold any button on the FOB till you hear it chime again. Now withing 20 seconds do the same with you key that has the FOB on it. Now you are done both FOB's should work.
5) Turn key on and back off you have now exited program mode and check the FOB's to see if they work. Now I had you do the original fob again because if you didn't the only fob that would work is the newly programmed one or ones.
As for the new key you need a scan tool to program a new key there is no way around this. Now if you have a scan tool then let me know and I will give you the procedure on programming a new key.

My car was broken into they tried to jam a screwdriver in ignition, so I cannot afford to go it anyway so I looked up phone how to install a new ignition. I went to pull and save got ignition that had two keys an I installed it. Then I had called a locksmith to do the program! Keys to computer in car, they cannot get it fixed for three days out. well in the meantime I got bad news from doctor and had to be admitted right away in hospital. well I don't live in the best neighborhood and someone broke into the car again. I had forgot the new keys in the column and they took those among the battery and other things. So now that I'm out of the hospital and I am in remission. I now I am facing the headache of fixing my car. So here's what I have: the car listed above with new fuses, new battery, new alternator, new ignition, but no keys! so can I buy blank keys and have them fitted for the ignition programmed to PATS system or do I have to get new ignition and keys then have them programmed?

If they didn't damage the ignition switch you should be able to just get new blanks and have them cut. However, you may want to also have the locksmith erase all of the registered keys prior to adding the new ones. Just in case they return with the other keys.

So I put in a new ignition but do not have any keys, so can I just get two blank keys an have locksmith program to car? Or do I have to get another ignition that already has keys to it and just program those keys?

You would need the smith to cut the keys or have the new ignition re-keyed to match the original keys before they tried to steal it the first time (if you still have those). That option would return you to using one key for doors/ignition. Then the new keys made in either process need to be programmed into the car. No need to get another ignition assembly just use one of the above options.

my car starts fine, but when i go to shut off the car, the key is stuck. like it won't go all the way into the off position to be able to pull the key out of ignition. Could my ignition or starter be bad?

This issue is caused by the shift interlock solenoid in the shifter. I have included the info about this system.

The way this works is when you shift the vehicle to park and shut the engine off the solenoid releases and allows the key to but turn and removed. When the solenoid fails it does not tell the controller to release the key because it doesn't know the vehicle is in park.

You can replicated this by leaving the vehicle in drive and shutting the vehicle off. You will only be able to move the key one position back but will not be able to remove it.

Let me know if there are questions and we can go from there. Thanks

I have research this problem and found that there is a solenoid that locks the key in the ignition switch until the engine is off and in park, but the key most of the time stays locked in switch after the engine is off. My question is where can I find the adjustment to the linkage (sensor feedback to solenoid) so that the key can be removed.

Thanks, and I will be obtaining my AAS in Automotive Technology after the Spring '09 Semester and this type of problem will be coming up in my line of work so I appreciate any help given.

my did the same thing. Eventully I could not start the car one day. the pin keys in the tumber wear out, because they forget to put lubricant in them when they drop them in at the factory.

I advise replacing it before the thing breaks, and the key won't turn. If the key doesn't line up the pins, you can't push the key inwards, to turn it forward and start the car. Plus, you can put the key in, and remove the key assembly real easy, and drop in a new one, without having to drill out the lock.

jkirkerx, Hi. Thanks for the information, my next follow-up qx is did you try adding WD-40 or other lubricant inside the cylinder to lubricate the pins?

Thanks

I didn't think much of it, I kept jiggling the key until it turned. One day, it would it not engage no matter how much I jiggled it. I had to drill out the lock tumbler, and almost damaged the ignition switch assembly under the tumbler.

I bought a replacement lock at the dealer for $125.00, and had to re-key the pins to my key, took about 30 minutes, and used the white grease that came with the kit.

I would put the key in, and and push the release button and pull out the tumbler, and use a qualified lubricant. Inspect the pins to see if there is any damage. If so, replace it. Be careful if you do this, it's easy for the pins to pop apart if you don't hold it right, because of the spring pressure on each pin.

WD40 works for awhile, but attracts moisture and dust, and causes things to get worse. Graphic powder works good, but does not last long.

You can try loading the key with grease on the edges, and moving it in and out.

ignition key can not be removed from ignition cylinder. major problem. help.

I have found that if you remove the key and pull it out in 1 swift motion it seems to come out alright. Before I figured that out I found that if you start the car up again and pull up and then go back and then pull the key out like I said earlier that works too. I know this is not "the fix" but at least it will allow you to get your key out. Hey if you find the fix please email me @ [email protected] Hope this helps..

When I put the key in the lock, it won't turn. (The steering wheel has no play and the shift lever won't move out of park.)

What I usually do when I get one of these at my shop is to try and get it to the on position so that I can depress the release button on the side of the housing (see picture). Insert the key then lightly tap on the back of the key with a screwdriver handle and jiggle like crazy! five out of ten times it will turn enough to get it out. You will need to remove the column shroud in order to get to the release button.

I am having an issue where when you put the key out and then go and try to start the car again the key is locked and cannot turn the ignition to start the car. if you leave the key in the ignition and start the car the car will start but if you take out the key the ignition will lock up and you will not be able to turn the key.

If I need a new lock cylinder how do you go about reprogramming the new keys?

Yep the key and cylinder are worn out. Here is a guide hat will help you remove the tumbler, you might be able to clean it and spray WD40 in it to get it to work again. AS far as the chip in the key the dealer will need to reprogram that for you or you might be able to just have the old key with you and the RF could still work.

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken

Would I need a new key or could my old key still work or how do I program new key

I dint think you can reprogram the new key the dealer will need to do that. But I think if you have the old key with you close to the ignition switch it might work.

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken

The key started to get hard to turn but only after I took the key out and put it back in. It seemed to get worse until it wont turn at all. I have wiggled the key turned it over wiggled the gear shift, rocked the car everything I could think of. It goes in & out fine it just wont turn

it sounds like the ignition lock tumbler needs to be replaced which is common. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

This is my sister's focus I have posted numerous problems that have happened to her car.Now I have a new one,she has been for a couple of years now started this car first she puts the key in the ignition,then she has this rubber mallet that she has to hit lightly the end of key while she has to have other hand to turn switch at same time and that is the way she has been starting this car for 2 years or maybe a little more.Now the key will not do nothing,I figure the tumblers are shot or key she only has one ignition key,so what is my best way about going at this,drilling or calling a locksmith,and can a locksmith pick this ignition to make it unlock,I told my sister the ignitions are not made to hammer on,but for some reason that is the only way it would turn.So what would be the way to go about this?Thanks

The switch is designed to be removed from the "on" position so if you cannot get it to turn on to remove it, you will need a locksmith or repair shop to get it out. If it will turn on, then it's rather easy to change once you disengage the lock pin. You cannot do this unless you cann get it to the "on" position.

the wheel is locked up, the key will not turn in the ignition,

Hello there,

It sounds like you’re dealing with a very common problem with Focus.
Sometime you can get the key to turn by hitting it slightly with a screwdriver/small hammer, but it’s a bit risky. You have a couple of options: replace the ignition lock cylinder, or call a locksmith; believe it or not this problem is so common with Ford Focus that chances are your local locksmith already dealt with this before. The locksmith is probably the cheapest route too.
Good luck

I have tried turning the wheel in the direction it feels most spring multiple times then attempting to turn the key and nothing. The steering wheel is locked and I do not know what to do.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

In general, you are doing what needs done. Take a look at this link to see if there is anything that is helpful. Also, if you have a spare key, try it to see if the one you are using is worn to a point it no longer releases the tumbler.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Let me know if this is helpful or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

2003 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my key will not turn the ignition. it appears to be locked. i can not get it to turn at all.

It’s a very common problem with focus. If you do a quick search online you’ll find many websites about it and how you can get the key to turn if you hit on it with a screw driver/small hammer.

i had the same problem and i went to a locksmith - he fixed me up with an ignition that won't keep in the build up from the key. i havn't had the problem since.. YES DONT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!!

At times the ignition key won't turn. It is not an issue with the wheel locking. Instead, if I jiggle the key long enough or hard enough it eventually will turn. When it turns, it is easy to turn. When it doesn't, it is just like it is locked.

Any idea for repairs?

This article supersedes TSB 05-19-11 to update the Service Procedure.

Some 2000-2005 Focus vehicles may exhibit ignition key related issues including difficulty or an inability to turn the key, an inability to remove the key, or (2005 only) the key-in-ignition warning chime continuing to sound even when the key is removed.

need to remove and replace ignition cylinder

Is this a repair that a semi talented lay person can do?

Ignition Lock Cylinder - Non Functional Removal and Installation Remove the steering wheel Remove the passive anti-theft transceiver. Draw a line through the middle of the ignition lock cylinder face 90 degrees to the key slot. Mark a point on the line 3 mm (0.11 in) down from the slot which is just beyond the center of the lock face. Drill a 4 mm (0.15 in) pilot hole 3 mm (0.11 in) deep. Drill a 10 mm (0.39 in) hole 35 mm (1.37 in) deep. Remove the lockbar from the side of the hole. Rotate the ignition lock cylinder while pressing the retainer pin on the housing and pull out. Use the lock cylinder repair kit (XS4Z-11582-AA) and install the ignition lock cylinder. With the key in the ACC position insert the ignition lock cylinder. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key. . Install the passive anti-theft transceiver.

2003 Ford Focus Manual

The key won't turn in the ignition. And yes I have tried the jiggle. Do I have to change the cylinder or is there an easy fix.

I had the same problem with 2003 Fors Focus and the dealership wanted $500.00 but I called the Locksmith that we use for work and the guy came out and did it for $150.00 and it took him only 20 minutes. He said that he gets at least 5-10 calls a month with the FOrd Ingintions locking up, he even wrote that on my receipt, He said that the teeth on the inside of the switch are faulty and if they bend anyway just a little bit, it will lock up...but when I called Ford back and complained they said that it is not a recall item...which if you search other sites..IT SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL BACAUSE IT IS FAULTY!!! Hope this helps and save you some money...