Yesterday when I tried to start my 2000 Ford Focus, the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. I tried everything to get it to work...making sure the steering column was locked, making sure it was all the way in park, jiggling the wheel while turning the key, etc... After doing a little reasearch, it seems this is a very common problem with the 2000 Focus. I guess my only option is to buy a cylinder, but I really don't want to get another crappy Ford OEM ignition cylinder. Anyone know of a better one I can buy? And for the locksmiths, how hard will it be to set the tumblers to fit my key? I'm a fairly intelligent guy...can I do it myself, or will I have to pay a locksmith? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ edit: the locksmith returned my call, and he'll only charge me $15-25 dpending on the the cylinder. Likely just $15.
Stupid question, but did you check to see if there's a recall or something on it? Or if the manufacturer would fix it for free? (I know... yeah, right)
no recall because it isn't a safety issue. Paying for it is a last resort, and it looks like that's where I'm at.
It does seem to be a well-known problem. Apparently there is a TSB out for the 2000 Ford Focus regarding "Interior - Ignition Lock Cylinder Hard to Turn." http://www.alldata.com/TSB/19/001950DJ.html
I have that same problem in my Honda. I have to turn it to the point where I think I'm going to break the key off, then it clicks and turns like normal. Only happens about 2% of the time though. I have also heard it is common in Hondas. Maybe they use a similiar ignition in the Focus.
Do I even need to tell you guys how lame it sounds to your employer when you have to call in because your car key won't turn? I really hope I can get this fixed tonight.
I've recently been havng similair issues with my Corolla, but it always works after a minute or two...
I had a prob like this a few months ago, I tried to start my car and it acted like the battery was dead so after tring to jump in and then having it towed to the dealer that was almost 30 miles away to get it looked at it turns out that there is a chip in the key that died and without the chip the car wont turn on.... All this crap over the damn key, yeah and I have another set that I didnt use...
