ignition switch will not turn?

Not an electrical problem. The tumblers inside are not working. The Focus is notorious for the tumbler breaking down. I had to change mine on my 03.
The first thing I would do is go buy a new ignition cylinder at the ford dealer. It should be about $80. Then, do EVERYTHING you can to wiggle, jiggle, oil or whatever to get the key to turn to the accessory position. Sometimes if you put the key in and tap the end of the key with a small hammer, notice I said tap, it will then turn. The reason you want it to turn is in order to change the cylinder, you have to have it in the accessory position. You turn the key to accessory (first detent clockwise) and then take the steering column cover off. You will see the pin you need to push in on the tumbler and then you pull the cylinder out. The instructions will come with pictures (below) in the new cylinder telling you how to change it as well as how to key it so your current keys work. If you can't get the key to turn in your old one, you have to drill the cylinder out which is painfully slow process, thats why you need to do everything you can to get it to turn.. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

i lost my keys to my car what do i do about get a key if i dont have a spare key please help

Call your local lock smith or Ford dealer and see if they can cut you a new set of keys from the VIN number.

i tryed a lock smith and they wanted $250.00 and the ford dealer wants over 400.00 and i think that is just a little to much

I've tried filling but without any luck. The lock cylinder turns round without coming off

Hello,

I have included the information that you requested in the diagrams down below. Please go through this guide and get back to us with how everything turns out. I hope that this helps you out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

I think the wording of the problem may have misconstrued the problem. So I have decided to attach an image of the lock cylinder that I would like to disengage from the assembly.

Hello again,

I'm sorry. Is this the trunk lock cylinder that you are replacing?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Yes. I would like to replace the lock cylinder with mine which has a key.

Hello again,

Okay, sorry about that. In the diagrams down below I have included the instructions from the vehicle manufacturer on the removal and installation of the trunk's lock cylinder on your vehicle. Please go through this guide and get back to us with how everything turns out. I hope that this helps.

Thanks,
Alex
2carPros

I went to move my daughter's focus when I mistakenly used the key to the explorer. The key went in but I had to pull to get it out. Then I proceeded to put the right key in only to dicover the key won't turn at all. I've tried to wiggle the steering wheel while moving the key, also tried to slide the key on each side hoping something might loosen up. But nothing works. Am I going to have to replace the ignition cylinder. If so, how do I go about removing the old one.

Thank you for any assistance you might give

Fulton

The ignition cylinder failing on your model year is absolutely no surprise. It could be from sticking your Explorer key in there, but it could also be the poorly designed cylinder that the model was made with.

Typically, you are looking at around $350 for that repair, which should also include reprogramming the key.

The receiver, I believe, is in the column, so you should be able to get away with rekeying a new cylinder, though, without the need to reprogram the key.

I have also heard that the cylinder Ford switched to for the '04 model year will also fit the '01 cars, but I can't vouch for that. The newer cylinders are better designed.

I am not a mechanic, so you may want to double check with the dealer on the ignition cylinder prices. I have heard it can be done yourself, but I have not tried it.

Cannot turn key, (sterring whell is not locked), I tried both set of keys. Also both front headlights and rear brake lights are not working.

[quote:63571b0d23="Bob w 633"]Electrical problem
2001 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 102000 miles

Cannot turn key, (sterring whell is not locked), I tried both set of keys. Also both front headlights and rear brake lights are not working.[/quote:63571b0d23]

Hi, These cars have a history of the ignition lock cylinder wearing out very quickly. I have replaced several and the insides literally turn to metal dust. I have also noticed that the replacement locks wear out just as fast as the originals. Other than to just keep changing them there's not much you can do. Ford has the attitude that it is not a big enough problem to issue a recall. You should keep in mind that these have the security feature built into the key, and replacement ones will need to be programmed. With that said, there is a trick. After replacing the cylinder, you can tape the old key underneath the plastic cover next to the pickup ring that surrounds where the key goes into the switch. The car will think you are using the old key and will let it start. As far as your lights go, other than checking your fuses, I couldn't take a guess without actually looking at the vehicle. These models do have a problem with the wiring harness where it passes from the body to the rear hatch getting damaged, and the emergency flasher switch going bad causing brake and lighting problems, so that might be a good place to start looking. Hope this helps!!

I need to change the barrel in the ignition but the key will not turn to get it to the accessory position so I can release the barrel. How do I get the barrel out?

Remove the upper/lower shroud cover. Tap on the outer cylinder section with a hammer that surrounds the IGN cyl while trying to turn the key

Thank you for your response. After I asked the question I looked through the forum and found several other people had/have the same problem and many were suggested to have a lock smith look at it. I will be call a lock smith tomorrow to come and look at it. Ford needs to take care of this when it is repeatedly happening in cars.

Ford has refused to do a recall over this very common problem. The original ignition lock cylinder in the Focus have a side-bar that wears and easily gets stuck. Strattec and other lock cylinder companies make a cylinder that does not have a side-bar to replace the defective ones. This is typically at least a $200 job for a locksmith to come out and do. Try doing what you did with the hammer to get the key to turn to the accessory position. If it doesn't work, drill the sider-bar (message back if you try that). Once in the accessory position and the steering wheel column plastic is off, push the "active retainer" with a pick (it is very narrow and is perpendicular to the key in ACC pos) and the cylinder will come out. Taking your key to a locksmith and having them set a new ingintion to your key will save you a lot of money.

Thanks for the input and I did end up having a lock smith come and fix it. Ended up costing about $140 for the ignition, another key and the lock smiths time.

i need to know how to remove/replace ignition lock cylinder

IGNITION SWITCH Removal & Installation Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove lower steering column cover. Using a thin-blade screwdriver, release 2 clips from steering column upper shroud. Release steering column locking lever (if equipped), remove 3 screws and ignition key. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connectors. Remove ignition switch retaining clips. Remove ignition switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.
When you buy the cylinder Get it at Ford, have them set the tumblers to your key, this way you can avoid the expense of programming the new key.

Hi,
My name is Jennifer. About a week ago I purchased a used 2000 Ford Focus ZTS 2.0L
and now I'm having a huge problem with it. I put the key in the ignition, but for some reason I can't get te key to turn (either back or forth). I'm able to get the key out though, but no success turning the engine. What can I do? And how much do you think I'm looking at here?

It’s a common problem with focus. You’ll have to replace the ignition switch and cylinder. Sometime you can get the key to turn by attempting to turn the key with one hand while lightly taping on the end of the key with a hammer with the other hand. It’s just a temporary solution tough. To get an estimate, you need to call around town and ask how much they charged to replace your ignition switch/ignition cylinder.

Frist I had trouble putting my key into the ignition. It would only go halfway in. I wiggled the steering wheel but I still could not get it in. My car was in park so I didn't understand why the key wouldn't go in. Finally the key was pushed in and I was able to drive my car although went it was time to take my key out it was stuck. It would not come out and it would not turn. Now the key can go in and out but it will not turn to start the car. What is wrong and what needs to be done?

This is a common problem on the focus, it happened to my wifes car several months ago. The root of the problem is a small bar of metal inside the ignition lock cylinder that is supposed to disengage when the key is inserted so you can then turn the key.

To get it unstuck I took a small rubber mallet and tapped on the key until it was able to turn. Now make sure you are hitting it straight on or you will break the key off and that is pricey!
Once it turns you remove the trim around the steering column to expose the ignition. On the bottom is a small hole you can push a phillips screwdriver into to remove the ignition lock cylinder. Once it's out you slap a new one in or if you choose you can lube the old one.

I have changed steering Colom and i have damaged the black ring around ignition key pick up receiver i believe and now will not car will start if i replace with new one will it start please help i get all lights on dash car run fine before i fixed play in Colom please help. Brett

You will need a new cylinder and key. It will have to be programmed from the dealer to start. The service department can do that for you and then when you install it, the car will start.

Roy

Thanks but i have done it now no program by ford bought ecu and key worked fine cost 45 pound ecu and key from scrap yard ford want too much money the black key pick up on ignition all the same from 98 to 05 and don't need programing lol thanks.

Thought you were an expert ????????? Im not but seem to no more than you lol thanks.

I am an expert and do know a lot more than you

roy

Lol funny as im far from expert but that pick up on ignition is not programmable like i said all same from 98 to 05 lol love the banta thanks.