Ignition Switch Problem

[GaJim]

I've read in about 6 or 8 threads here about the ingition switch "locking" up or malfunctioning in some way. Basic problem here is that when I put the key in the ingition it won't turn. Battery is good, steering wheel is in proper position, key will open the trunk and door, just wont start the car.

I assume the problem is a bad ignition switch. This car has the key with a chip in it. Two questions:

1) Can I purchase a new ignition switch at the local parts house that will be compatable with the idiotic "chip" key.

2) Will I have to a have a Locksmith (or Ford) reprogram new keys to match the new ignition switch?

BTW, this is an '03 Focus.

[KimMG]

How worn is your key? Have you tried a different key?

[atledinburg]

I am having kind of the same problem. I have replaced the key cylinder and the ignition switch. Now here is where it gets funny. I put the key in the ignition switch turn the key to start the car (all the ignition lights come on) and nothing happens. I pull the key out and put it back in and it starts. I turn it off take the key out and put it back in and it won't start again. I am trying to figure out if the chip in the key is cuasing the problem.
Does anyone else have the same problem?

[carlos80]

have you tried a different key?

[Johnny Mullet]

Focus models have known issues with the lock cylinders. The only way to fix it is to replace the cylinder. Assy of the lock cylinder to match your key is a tedious job, but can be done with some paitience. Some Ford dealers will assemble the cylinder for you for a charge to match your key. There is no need to reprogram the key.

A friend of mine had a cylinder bind on him. He did it the cheap way! He removed the frozen cylinder with a slide hammer and holds the PATS key close to the lock area and starts his car with a screwdriver.

[j4smith]

I am having the same problem. Ford feels that this is not a "safety" issue, so therefore will not do anything to help out. It will cost me about $250 to fix it. I have heard that you can remove the cylinder, take out the teeth/tumblers and start the car. You have to break it to fix it. The cylinder will always turn, but without the right PATS key, the car will not start. This is one of the reasons that FORD is losing millions of customers and Billions of dollars every year. Best bet is to sell your Focus and by a civic.

[GringoPete]

I had the same problem with the ignition lock set getting stuck. My solution......Dont buy a car made in Mexico again.

[S_chevy]

had the same problem with the wife's focus, but it cost me $400 to have a dealer fix it, while I was stationed in Germany. I would say if you can get it done for $250 that is a good deal. but yeah to bad there was no recall on this issue, it seems to be very common

[rabar51]

I just replaced my ignition cylinder for the second time in 2 years, over $300 by Ford dealer...98,000 mi. I am looking to trade this car before anything else goes wrong. It's beginning to nickel and dime me to death. Plus I only get a little over 20mpg with it. quite disappointing for a little car. (2000 ZTS)

[pjirsa]

My 2000 ZX3 has the same "can't turn the key in the ignition" problem. I have found that if I turn the ignition off when the wheels are straight that the steering wheel lock will not engage and I can operate the ignition switch without difficulty, but if the wheels are turned the steering wheel lock engages and then I have a "h_ _ _" of a time turning the ignition switch. Also one of my two keys works better than the other and the good one only works well on one side.

TTFN
PJ

[kevinv]

You can buy an after market ignition made by strattec from a locksmith. It is not hard to code it to your existing keys . Since the lock has nothing to do with the transponder ( chip) the car should not have to be reprogrammed.
Good luck

[dhmac]

Johnny is right on.
Focus lock Cyls are good money makers for shops. It takes all of 10 minutes with a drill to get the old one out so as not to damage the column.
Re do the lock to suit the old key and you are in business.
Trouble is it will likley do it again sometime soon unless the engineering team improves the lock parts.
Hope this helps (probably not)

[Grug]

Had the same problem with my 2003 ZTW. Out of the blue the ignition wouldn't turn. I 'gently' tapped the key (in an attempt to drive it deeper into the ignition). It worked.

However, I know it will probably do it again so I drove it to the dealership and they're fixing it. The service guy on the phone told me that he's seen this a lot. He told me I'd be looking at about $200.00 to get it right again.

This all happened this morning.

*sigh*

[redhott428]

i had lost my keys to my 2004 focus had new switch with new key installed.
I have gone back to locksmith who is telling me the issue is in the shift park pin is either bent or it may be in the wiring from the shifter to the ignition. He is a repitable locksmith and knew right away what it was doing. E+A Locksmith here in Cleve. He also showed me that if the shifter is not in just the right spot the key will not come out. I am just now having issues with the shift button sticking in the mornings. I am wondering what is going to happen one morning when it breaks

[kolbez87]

ive heard of this "chipped key" thing before, my camaro's ignition is locked as well, this is the first time its happened tho so, im not sure...youd think you would be able to purchase a replacement key with the manufacturer via ur local dealer, at least thats what i did with my snowmachine.