accessories - interior problem
9.0
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$281.00
Average Mileage:
67,939 miles
Number of complaints:
10 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (5 reports)
- replace ignition (3 reports)
- drill out and replace lock cylinder (1 reports)
- replaced my own ignition before it froze, easy fix (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2004 Ford Focus key won't turn in the ignition
2008Apr 19
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 102,550 miles
I am an 18 year old still in high school whose mother moved out of town right after Christmas, so i am basically on my own. I was leaving a restaurant with some friends when this problem occurred. I have no relatives that live here in town with me, and there is nothing i can do about this problem for another two days. I am most likely going to have to pay to fix this problem myself with money i don't have. It would be nice, seeing as how this is a reoccurring problem for many, if this was a recall. I don't think i can do this on my own.
2008Mar 29
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
You can put the darn key in the ignition but you can't make it go!..My kids are stuck at the store while I am at work because the key won't turn and the steering wheel is froze. Not to mention the cost of the tow so it thing can be replaced
2008Jan 08
Focus SE 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
This problem leaves you stranded wherever you are when it happens. I performed the repair on my own. Had to drill out the old cylinder and replace it with a new cylinder purchased from a local locksmith. The new cylinder had been "keyed" to fit the original "chipped" key.
2008Jan 03
Focus LX 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 31,000 miles
leaving after a long day of work get in my car and it don't start, not to mention its about 10 degrees out side how would u feel....
2007Dec 14
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 51,194 miles
I walked out of work for lunch got into my car put my key in the ignition and nothing. It wouldn't turn forward it wouldn't turn back! WTF! That had never happened before! I took the key out and tried turning the wheel and then turning the key....nothing! I called my local Ford dealership and asked them about the problem. They told me that it sounded like my ignition had gone out. I told them what are you talking about? I'v never had any problems before and now all of a sudden this?? He told me that some times this happens. I asked him how much it was going to cost me. He let me know that I had an extended warranty on my vehicle and that I only had a $100 deductible. But he assured me that if I didn't have the warranty then it would cost me alot more to fix. He told me to call a local towing service to have the car towed the 4 miles to the dealership. I called the tow company and it cost $65 to tow my small car 4 miles down the road!! OMG I am so pissed!!! Thankfully the dealership could order the part and have it in the same day. But I'm still just not understanding all of this. After getting on the internet and researching this problem I'v come to find out that this is happening alot and all over! This is a problem and there needs to be a recall!! I've had no other problems on this vehicle except for something with an air vent that had to be replaced. This was a terrible unconvince for me and this all happened on a Friday afternoon. Great start to the weekend hu??
2006Dec 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
It's not a small, "a couple of people have this issue" problem. It's massive and nationwide. Just search "Ford Focus Ignition Problems" on Google.
I felt my ignition starting to go bad and took care of it before it could. Got the CORRECT ignition brand and model replacement via mail order, and honestly? The process was VERY easy. Took 15 minutes total. This only works if the ignition hasn't totally frozen yet tho'. BTW, people are saying that locksmiths or whoever had to program new keys for their Focus... NOT true. My old keys worked just fine. If the locksmith you're getting the correct ignition from does it right, your old keys work fine.
Here's the site with comprehensive info and the mail order replacement service:
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/fordfocus.html
They use the proper ignition part for the vehicle, and explain the problem very well. I have to say I was pretty glad I took care of this before it froze completely. Easy install, no problems since.
Hope this helps someone...
Mark
2007Aug 02
(reported on)Focus ES 1.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Key doesn't turn in ignition.
Need to push (kick) hard to turn it
2007Nov 28
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Looking around on the net it looks like others have had this issue and it cost them $500 to $600 bucks to fix it.
2007Sep 08
(reported on)Focus SE 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
This Appears To Be A Common Problem With The Focus, You Put Ignition Key In, Does Not Turn, The Only Solution Is To Have Repaired, This Repair Requires A Slide Hammer To Pull Out The Tumbler, Takes Some Know How, If Its Not Done Right You Will Need A New Steering Colum. How Much Did It Cost 592.00 !! At A Ford Dealer In Netcong NJ, Thats Right 592.00, What A Ripoff. I Bought A Ford Thinking I Was A Good American, You Know BUY American. Had A Honda Accord Before This, 90,000 Miles Never had A Problem, Looks Like My Next Car Will Be A Honda Or Toyota.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your accessories - interior problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 24
Focus
I just had this problem. Nothing happened to make me think this would happen. Got in the car, put the key in the ignition and it would not turn. As others have mentioned I thought I was crazy but after 30 minutes and being ate to church I knew I would have to pay for another car repair issue. A mechanic friend took everything apart and I still have to jam a screw driver in the key hole then put my key in and turn. I will not get this fixed until Ford agrees to pay for it. I went to a local news station website to find out how to move forward with making Ford take responsibility. Through the website I filed a complaint with the government complaint website requesting they hold Ford accountable. I also filed a complaint on Ford.com. If everyone who has had this problem files complaints at these 2 sites as well as sites like this I think Ford will be forced to do something. Please don't just get mad and put no action behind it.
dwoods
North Brunswick, NJ, USA
SEND A COMMENT »