Why is the key not turning in my Ford Focus?

The key wouldn’t turn in my mother-in-law’s 2004 Ford Focus wagon. After doing some research, I found that apparently this is a typical problem in many Ford vehicles, especially the 2000 to 2005 Focus. I looked around online, and found a few different solutions to the problem.

Where do I get the ignition switch for a Ford Focus?

For just under $150 I ordered the lock housing assembly (part # 9L8Z-3511-A) from the Ford dealer. It comes with the starter switch installed (now I have three of them)but you must use your old keys and lock cylinder.

How to fix a stuck ignition on a 2003 focus?

The instructions at h ttp://www.mbremerart.com/misc/Focus%20Manua/2003%20Focus%20Ignition%20Lock%20Cylinder.htm give a good idea of how to go about removing everything. First, the lower dash panel cover comes off. Undo 4 8mm bolts, and then pull gently to release the clip that fastens the left-hand side.

What makes a Ford ignition not turn on?

On the inner lock cylinder, you will see a flat bar that sticks out, and about 90 degrees around, a thin piece of sheet metal covering the tumblers. The bar is what keeps the inner cylinder from rotating until the key has been inserted.

What to do if your ignition key is stuck in your car?

The repair involves changing the ignition lock cylinder for a new one, and reprogramming the computer to accept the new keys. Ford has a passive anti-theft system (PATS) where each key has a chip, and they have to be programmed in.

What happens when your key won’t turn in?

If your key won’t turn your ignition lock cylinder and the steps above did not get your ignition to turn, then there is an extremely good chance your vehicle is in the list below. The list below is just a partial list of vehicles we suspect of having ignition failure problems when people call and say “My key won’t turn in my ignition”.

Why does my Saturn key not turn in?

The Saturn ignitions tend to stop turning because of worn keys and worn ignitions. (mostly worn ignitions) Vehicles Affected The GM (Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac) ignitions tend to fail because of wear from inserting the key at a slight angle.

Where do you put the key fob in a Ford Focus?

If you have a model of Focus which only has a key fob with start/stop button and no place to insert a key, then try placing your key fob as close to the start/stop button as you can and then start the vehicle.

What happens when you remove the key from the steering wheel?

In many vehicles, removing the key locks the steering wheel from turning. Occasionally, because of this lock, the steering wheel can get stuck, which in turn means the vehicle key also becomes stuck and cannot move to release it.

Is there a problem with my Ford Focus?

After doing some research, I found that apparently this is a typical problem in many Ford vehicles, especially the 2000 to 2005 Focus. I looked around online, and found a few different solutions to the problem.

What to do if your car key won’t turn in?

Please do not poke around inside the ignition lock cylinder. A dirty ignition can be fixed by spraying small doses of an electrical cleaner in the ignition then gently sliding the key in and out of the ignition cylinder many times. ( DO NOT use this method on Honda, Acura, Toyota or any vehicle that uses a high security key ).

How do you get a stuck ignition out of a Ford?

Now use a small screwdriver, pick tool, or other implement to release the catch on the cylinder body. Insert it into the hole as illustrated, and pull on the handle of the key – the cylinder should slide right out.

What to do if your ignition key won’t turn?

This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Sometimes the ignition key won’t turn or rotate. If that happens the vehicle won’t start, the steering wheel won’t turn and it won’t shift into gear. On a late 90’s or early 2000 GM vehicle this is the way to get it apart so you can replace the tumbler. Loading…

What to do if your ignition switch is stuck?

Step 1 – All vehicles have a steering wheel lockout safety device that will not allow the steering wheel to turn when the key is in the “OFF” position. Step 2 – Vehicles equipped with power steering utilize a pump which maintains pressure while the engine is running.

Why is the ignition switch on my Ford Focus not working?

Unfortunately, the Ford Focus has a known faulty design that fails often because of bent tumblers inside the cylinder lock. When it happens, you won’t be able to turn the key to remove the ignition switch. Fortunately, there is a way to replace the switch, even if you can’t get the ignition key into the cylinder or turn the lock.

How do you get the ignition key out of a Ford Focus?

Sometimes this trick will work as a short-term solution. Check the black 3/4-inch ring that is below the shifter post. Push the ring up and then down again so that it is resting against the bottom of the shifter post. Try to remove the key again. Tap the key lightly with a hammer.

Where is the Pats chip on a Ford Focus?

You’ll need to hold the key right up next to the ignition because of the coded PATS chip system inside the key. This chip allows the car to be started and the ignition lock from disengaging fully. Push the punch pin into the hole directly underneath the ignition switch on the bottom of the steering column.

What to do if your ignition switch won’t work?

Step 7 – In extreme conditions such as high mileage or a key chain adorned with many ornaments can wear the tumbler which causes the key not to work. If the door key is same as the ignition key, the door tumbler can be removed and a key made if no security chip is installed, (older cars).

How to change the lock on a Ford Focus?

2. Press the switch in the door frame part of the lock (the one that controls the interior light etc.) 6 times within 4 seconds THIS IS THE SMALL BLACK BOX NEXT TO THE METAL BAR ON THE CAR FRAME WHICH THE DOOR LATCH ATTACHS TO WHEN THE DOOR IS SHUT

How do you program a new Ford key?

Once you have a replacement key, the steps you need to take to get it fully programmed are very simple and easy to understand. 1. First you need to open the door and put the vehicle key in the ignition. 2. Next you need to turn the key clockwise from the “off” position to the “on” position.

What to do when your Ford Focus won’t start?

They say that’s what they do with all the cars on their lot. Meanwhile, under the Ford warranty program when the car’s anti-theft system locks it up, Ford needs to send a tow truck to drag the Focus back to the dealer to get it restarted. What a waste if everyone’s time and money over a nonsenical engineering problem.

Why does my smart junction box not work on my Ford Focus?

The ignition itself is the culprit. The ignition reads the key fob and the sensor in the ignition is faulty. Ford replaced the ignition and re-programmed the keys and now the car hasn’t had any more issues of the sort. If you’re having this problem, it’s not the smart junction box, it’s the ignition. Hope this helps someone.

Why did my Ford Focus die while driving?

My 2009 Ford Focus just did this WHILE DRIVING. Was in the work place drive when it just died. Was able to crank it once and go a few yards till it died again. Got in a parking spot,tried to crank it and nothing. The red padlock indicator was on,don’t think it was flashing at all.

What happens if you put wrong key in ignition lock cylinder?

If the wrong ignition key is inserted into the cylinder, it’s impossible to release the lock from the steering wheel. Also, the ignition lock cylinder has an electrical component which supplies power to your vehicle’s windshield wipers, radio, power windows, and starter motor. Without it, you won’t be able to start the engine.

What to do if your ignition is stuck in a focus?

You’ve got to remove the lower dash cover, steering column cover (upper and lower), and only then can you get to the ignition lock cylinder. The instructions at h ttp://www.mbremerart.com/misc/Focus%20Manua/2003%20Focus%20Ignition%20Lock%20Cylinder.htm give a good idea of how to go about removing everything.

Why are my keys Dulling on the ignition?

If this happens, it’s either your keys have dulled down through use, or the other way around. Friction happens every time you insert and remove the key from the ignition switch. This causes the eventual dulling of both parts that come in contact with each other.

Why does my car key not turn in the ignition?

A very common reason a car key won’t turn in the ignition is that the keyway of the ignition cylinder is a little jammed up. Just lubricating the lock may be enough to solve your issue. You will say that WD40 is often the go-to example for lubrication of any kind, but I would not recommend it in this case.

What to do if your Ford Focus wont start?

How to start Ford Focus with dead key fob battery If you have a model of Focus which only has a key fob with start/stop button and no place to insert a key, then try placing your key fob as close to the start/stop button as you can and then start the vehicle.

Why does my car key not turn in?

A very common reason a car key won’t turn in the ignition is that the keyway of the ignition cylinder is a little jammed up. Just lubricating the lock may be enough to solve your issue.

Are there any problems with Ford car keys?

The increase in proximity smart keys is causing a big problem for owners. These keys are very delicate inside and we’re starting to see car key breakdowns, caused by a failure of the key.

Ignitions can be extremely fragile. Please do not poke around inside the ignition lock cylinder. A dirty ignition can be fixed by spraying small doses of an electrical cleaner in the ignition then gently sliding the key in and out of the ignition cylinder many times.

What to do when your key won’t turn in the ignition?

If you can get the key to turn once DO NOT TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. Rather, when you are done driving just turn the key to the LOCK position and leave it in the ignition, use your second key to lock the doors and throw a coat over the steering column to hide the fact that the key is in the ignition.

What causes a car key to not turn over?

This can trap a piece of the key inside the cylinder, causing more damage. Also known as a key cylinder, the ignition lock cylinder is another area that could be causing issues with a key turning over. Below are the two most common problems associated with the ignition lock cylinder and the key not turning.

What are the problems with a 1998 Ford F-150?

1 Engine Seized 1998 F-150 Average Cost to Fix: $4,500 Average Mileage: 75,000 mi 2 Will Not Shift Out Of First Gear 1998 F-150 Average Cost to Fix: $3,800 Average Mileage: 57,000 mi 3 Engine Fire 1998 F-150

Why is my car key not turning in the ignition?

The following three factors may explain why your key is unable to turn in the ignition: Factor 1: Bent key. Bent keys can sometimes enter the ignition cylinder, but once inside will not line up correctly to allow the car to start. If your key looks visually bent, you can use a non-metal hammer to carefully flatten the key down.

Do you have to have Pats for Ford ignition?

Ford has a passive anti-theft system (PATS) where each key has a chip, and they have to be programmed in. No problem if you’ve got two functional keys, because you can add new ones, but you have to be able to turn the key in the ignition to do so.

Is there an error with my Ford ignition switch?

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What are the symptoms of an ignition switch failure?

Careful car owners can recognize the symptoms of ignition switch failure before the problem leaves them stranded on the side of the road. An ignition switch performs several functions for a vehicle.

Where is the electric switch on a Ford Focus?

The lock cylinder is the housing into which a vehicle’s starter key is inserted, and the electric switch is located just behind it. In most Ford models these two parts are combined into one unit with four positions that the starter key turns to through the ignition process: off, accessories, on, and start.

What should I do if my ignition key won’t turn?

Average rating from 41 customers who received a Ignition key does not turn Inspection. It can be frustrating when you insert your key into your car’s ignition and it refuses to turn. Your mind races with all the possibilities of what could be going wrong, but luckily, most ignition key issues are not only common, but also quick to fix.

What to do when your ignition key won’t turn?

There should be a small amount of play in the wheel when the steering is locked. Gently turn the key in the ignition while you slowly jiggle the steering wheel back and forth.

Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. Welcome to Despair Repair, This is a channel dedicated to drivers and car owners who want to make some simple diy repairs and maintenance around their cars.

What’s the problem with a stuck ignition key?

The biggest problem I found was that each solution was either temporary, expensive, or involved getting a new key. This means that you would end up with one key for the doors, and a different one for the ignition – not the solution I wanted. This instructable will show you how I solved the problem.

How do I get the key to come out of the ignition?

Simply put the transmission in park, then slide the sleeve upward and the key should release. Was this answer helpful? on the focus as well as most other ford products all you need to do is put the cars ignition in the run position, The position that the car is in when running only do not start the engine.

Why does the key not come out of the key switch?

on the focus as well as most other ford products all you need to do is put the cars ignition in the run position, The position that the car is in when running only do not start the engine. Then look under neath the steering column to find a small hole approx 3/16th diameter.

How can I get the key out of my key switch?

Then look under neath the steering column to find a small hole approx 3/16th diameter. Insert a stiff wire or small alan wrench until you feel slight resistance then push harder it will advance only 1/8″ to 3/16″ then pull on the key.. This will remove the lock cylinder.

Why is the key not turning in my Ford Focus?