Ford Focus Faulty Ignition (2000-2003) | Mr. Locksmith Automotive
Ford Focus Faulty Ignition (2000-2003) | Mr. Locksmith Automotive
Ford Focus Faulty Ignition (2000-2003) | Mr. Locksmith Automotive.
To learn more go to http://www.mrlocksmith.com
In 1996 Ford relented to public pressure and recalled 8.7 million of its models ranging from 1988 to 1992 to replace the ignition switches.
However, Ford never recalled the 2000-2003 Ford Focus. Unfortunately, this is a common problem and when Automotive Locksmiths first encountered faulty Ford Focus ignitions we replaced them with OEM Ford parts that would fail again. The Ford Focus sidebar ignition cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a quality replacement product from Strattec that is designed without the problem components.
Replace your Ford Focus ignition with the Strattec replacement ignition if you have one or more of the following problems:
– Difficulty in turning the key in the ignition.
– Sticking ignition.
– Key is dirty after removing or turning.
– Unable to remove the key.
– Key locked in a position.
– Key will no longer turn the ignition.
In conclusion, if you have a 2000-2003 Ford Focus it is only a matter of time before you will have to replace your ignition. Do not wait until you are stranded.
Visit my website for On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to http://mrlocksmithtraining.com/
Terry Whin-Yates BA (Hons) Criminology, 3rd Generation Locksmith, 35+ Years Locksmith email: terry@mrlocksmith.com
Dealer just told me the transceiver ring around the ignition was bad and key was good. So they will put in new transceiver and have to program two new keys to it too. Pretty expensive as well.
Temporary fix, the lock will eventually fail and will happen at the most inconvenient time. Replace the lock while you can still turn the key in the ignition. When the ignition lock fails you may have to drill the ignition to the "on" position to remove the lock. (drilling the lock can be difficult).
I was sorry they didn’t need to drill it! I’m going to have to drill out my 2000 Focus ignition, and I hear it’s not easy. Sure would like to see some help on how to do it.
Do the same method works for a 2005 Escape
Very helpful! I was going nuts trying to figure out how to push the retainer…I didn’t think about coming up from underneath! But then,. that’s why you guys are pros, and I’m a shade tree mechanic.
The stratec locks are very easy to key, even for a non-locksmith. I’ve gotten that far.
If I can’t pull the old one out, i will be calling in a pro, Cheers!
I had the same problem. tapped on the key and then removed the cylinder and cleaned it out with wd40 and oil lube jelly.
I have a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SE. My key is stuck in the ignition in the off position and wont come out and I can still move the Auto transmission from park. Any Clue?
In the past I have used the force tools, however, when the lock refuses to go to the "on" position we drill the lock.
actually, your brake pedal requiring very high efforts is very normal – when the engine is off ("power brakes") is the reason.
HELP!! So my key turns but it won’t crank. I noticed also that the security light blinks rapidly. I take the key out an put it back in the ignition and wiggle it around a bit and try that several times and then it starts and security light doesn’t blink. Is it a bad tumbler? Now I try it which ever way and security light always blinks rapidly and it doesn’t start at all :/ The key got run over a few months ago by a couple cars and is roughed up and doesn’t go in the ignition so smoothly either.
The Ford Focus ignition has a defect with the sidebar. Just have a new key cut by code will not solve the problem. Note: Normally, with most car keys a worn key is the major problem and cutting a key by code will usually solve the problem.
I’m having an ignition switch issue with my 04 ford focus. I don’t believe it’s the chip because after hammering my key in it worked, but I’ve had to just leave my key in there and it needs to be inspected and registered so I’m trying to figure out how to get it fixed. The main thing I’m wondering about now is if I should order a new part, and if I’ll need to get a new key as well. Then again, it could just be the key because it’s pretty worn out. I don’t know, but I don’t have much money to spare and I need to get my car working and legal.
Step one: cut and program a new key (you have a bent key and run over by couple of cars). If the key works without wiggling and no security light problems it was a key problem.
If the new key doesn’t work and you have a Ford Focus (2000-2003) you will need a new ignition.
However, even if it is a key problem think about replacing the ignition lock before it leaves you stranded.
good! Very creative!
Don’t drill, watch tutorials on how to remove the stuck ignition. once it is out simply remove the tumbler from the casing, pry out the side-bar lock and springs, and viola, no more problem, and at no cost.
Thanks tapin on thevkey just got me going an i was stuck 3 states away lol thanks so much life saver
Different problem with the 94 Ford Thunderbird, you buzzer switch is most likely the problem, it bends or breaks and jams the lock. Or it could be the transmission linkage.
Look up on eBay for Ford Focus Ignition Lock Cylinder Switch Tumbler Repair Kit… saved me a ton.. I gave him the key code to my focus, and the cylinder came set to my key.. saved me a boatload… give it a shot, hope it helps
Dude at 1:50 when he hit the end of the key to get it started! I mean, I still have to replace the ignition. But damn did that get me out of a bind. Thank you so much! I was freezing my ass off out here!
That comment isn’t even worth responding to. It’s just a person who knows a little locksmith terminology trying to up one. we’ve replaced over 1000 of these ignitions . A code cut key usually NEVER works; it’s nothing to do with the key. He also has no idea what bumping is. Oh, and I dont use a screwdriver, I use a hammer. call me unprofessional all you want, but it works just about every single time. In fact, when we are done with the job in about 15 minutes, that looks more professional
Ummm. Has the ignition actually piled up or is the key worn? A new code cut key that has been sight read would fix a sticky ignition most times. Beating on it with the end of a screwdriver isn’t very professional. Almost looked like you were trying to bump the ignition for a sec (although that wouldn’t work given the fact it uses wafers and not a split pin system.
reply to OSV guy….. you damaged the transponder in the key. If you have no additional keys, call your fav locksmith to make two additional keys and bring his scan tool and program it on-site.
rediculously easy, since you still got a key to decode. I love when clients have a key missing the chip or one that got smashed by someone trying to stamp numbers into the sides of the key head !
I tap the key with a screwdriver handle to shake it up and 99% of the time the ign will turn for removal…
Thank you for this very helpful video. I replaced a barrel today and bought the new replacement from ebay for less than £10 including two keys. The procedure is pretty much the same or the UK focus with there being two main differences. 1 the steering wheel is on the correct side 😉 and 2 the music/radio stalk on the opposite side to the barrel needs to be removed before you can proceed which is easy to do.
In short i wouldn’t have even attempted it without this video. Thankyou! 🙂
You have not fixed anything. Your ignition needs to be replaced.
where do you drill? someone damaged by lock cylinder by sticking a flathead screwdriver in and now the key doesnt turn anymore.
there would be a lot less comments on this page if the people watching this vid would also listen to what is being said.Mr locksmith is a pro and free advice like this is hard to come by. I only hope that N8Ryder was being a troll and is not a working locksmith.
I just did mine today, and it was more daunting to look at then it actually turned out to be. You dont need to go to a locksmith, just take your key and slowly match up the tumblers till they are flush with the cylinder and then assemble it and pop out the other and swap them in, it was cake.
The Ford Focus ignition has a defect with the sidebar. Just have a new key cut by code will not solve the problem. Note: Normally, with most car keys a worn key is the major problem and cutting a key by code will usually solve the problem.
"using the end of a screwdriver isn’t very professional" *it worked!