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Key Won't Turn In The Ignition
2003 Ford Focus (Page 3 of 13)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
8.4
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $310
- Average Mileage:
- 83,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 249 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (84 reports)
- replace the ignition (37 reports)
- insert the key and lightly tap the key with a hammer (28 reports)
- must go to dealership for high priced repair (28 reports)
- call a locksmith (25 reports)
- replace ignition lock cylinder (19 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Helpful websites
- Lock Fix For The Focus - This do it yourself / pay for part & have a garage fix item that will remove the issue due to a desigen change over the OEM item.
- Replacing The Lock Cylinder - I had the key-won't turn problem with my 2003 Ford Focus PZEV. The link shows you how to replace the bad lock cylinder with a better, reliable one (Strattec). It has been over 60,000 miles since installing the Strattec lock cylinder. My key always turns. I got the Strattec online, but not from eBay. You ma be able to get it somewhere else at lower cost. However, you have to turn your key in the bad cylinder to install this Strattec cylinder. To turn the key in your bad cylinder, tap the top of your key with your hand several times, really hard. Once you turn the key, you can install the Strattec. Your bad cylinder will cause the same problem in the future if you keep it in your car.
- Replacing The Lock Cylinder - I had the key-won't turn problem with my 2003 Ford Focus PZEV. The link shows you how to replace the bad lock cylinder with a better, reliable one (Strattec). It has been over 60,000 miles since installing the Strattec lock cylinder. My key always turns. I got the Strattec online, but not from eBay. You ma be able to get it somewhere else at lower cost. However, you have to turn your key in the bad cylinder to install this Strattec cylinder. To turn the key in your bad cylinder, tap the top of your key with your hand several times, really hard. Once you turn the key, you can install the Strattec. Your bad cylinder will cause the same problem in the future if you keep it in your car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Put the key in the ignition and it won't turn. Wheel is not locked and tires are not touching anything.
According to my friend's dad, who sells cars, this is a pretty standard issue for the Focus. Luckily, I was at a friend's house when this happened but I can only imagine how dangerous this situation could have been had I been alone at night. Yikes!
I'm opting to have a friend put in a new ignition switch and I just purchased the part. They run around $80. The horrible thing about this is that Ford KNOWS that they put an inferior part in the ignition but have chosen to ignore it. Simply ridiculous.
The locksmiths and mechanics I called all quoted the repair at close to $300 which is just ludicrous, given what an easy fix it is once you have the part.
- Andrea T., Bryan, TX, US