Ignition problem

A friend of mine has a 2000 Focus and the key wont turn. i went over to his house today to check it out. the key goes in, but not all the way like he said it used to do. but u cant turn the key at all, its like its locked up. i did somehow hit on it a few times while trying to turn it back an forth, and i finally got it to turn and the car started.. then turned the car off, pulled key out, put the key back in, and it started again. after the 3rd time the key wouldnt even go in. so i finally hit on it and it went in. but now its not turnin like it was b4 and i cant get it turn turn like i did. so he called the dealer and they told him they would have to have it towed to the dealer and he will have it by monday. but they said they would have to drill out the ignition and replace it with a new one. is that a common problem on these cars? and is there anyways to fix this or is just replacing it the best way?

Yeah it definately needs to be replaced. Seems like it is a very common problem. It will be a lot cheaper to do so if you can get the key in one last time. This way there is no need for a tow truck or to drill out the old lock. Some tips on getting the key in: try gently wiggling it for a few minutes or hit it hard with the back of your hand.

You can replace the lock easily by yourself. Note: the new lock needs to be built to suit your old key. Full instructions are provided with the replacement lock. The instructions will tell you how to remove the old cylinder and how to build the new one. A set of calipers will be useful for this. Building the new lock is fun for anyone who enjoys puzzles (if not, the dealership will build it for a fee).

I just did it two days ago. Total repair time was 1.5 hours, and cost for the lock cylinder was $145 canadian.

Good luck

Yeah i have a 2000 Ford Focus, and its a really good car. But i had that same problem with my car, and I had to go get it replaced and cost me 300 F***ING dollars! And it still did it, but they said I needed a new key, and so i got a new one, but it STILL did it so i took it back to get it fixed again. And guess what? Still does it, once in a great while though. This was a year ago and i had the problem a few days ago. Its stupid. And I have had to fix other problems, like my spark plugs and other stuff that i shouldnt have had to. Its a good car, just sucks to fix, lol. But other than that its sweet.