I have had my 2002 Ford Focus for almost 5 years. Ironically enough 4 payments to go and as of today my key won't budge in the ignition. I was stunned to see ALL the blogs on this situation. I called my sister (she also has a Ford Focus) and surprisingly enough she is having the same trouble. I am extremely unhappy that there seems to be no resolution (from what I have read) I am going to try the WD-40 and see if this will help. I'll keep reading on for some more suggestions...
The problem are the tumblers inside the keyhole. What I did
was jiggle the key in and out really hard and then turned. I
had a mechanic remove the tumblers so now I have no problems.
I've read WD40 works. This is another Focus defect on top of
a whole list of defects. Good luck.
Got a 2000 focus, here in Canada.
Ignition jammed, quoted $700.00 to get it fixed.
Bye Bye Ford, Ill never buy another.
Its obviously a dangerous defect that Ford won't fix.
Could be another Ford Exploder deal if they don't fix it.
For the past few weeks I have noticed my key sticking a little bit in my ignition switch. I didn't think much about it, but today the key would not go all the way in the ignition switch or turn and my steering wheel was locked.
I used to believe in buying American cars, especially Ford, but as far as I am concerned, they have lost another customer.
"20th Oct 2007, 21:18.
For the past few weeks I have noticed my key sticking a little bit in my ignition switch. I didn't think much about it, but today the key would not go all the way in the ignition switch or turn and my steering wheel was locked.
I used to believe in buying American cars, especially Ford, but as far as I am concerned, they have lost another customer."
Don't you think that's a little extreme, especially if it's the only problem you've had with the car? Why don't you either squirt a very little WD-40 in the ignition slot, or coat the key with graphite powder to lubricate the tumblers? Geez, it will probably break your heart to learn that Toyota isn't perfect, either! Also, you should be getting the regular service done to avoid any maintenance problems -- oil changes, etc.
"21st Oct 2007, 10:21.
"20th Oct 2007, 21:18.
For the past few weeks I have noticed my key sticking a little bit in my ignition switch. I didn't think much about it, but today the key would not go all the way in the ignition switch or turn and my steering wheel was locked.
I used to believe in buying American cars, especially Ford, but as far as I am concerned, they have lost another customer."
Don't you think that's a little extreme, especially if it's the only problem you've had with the car? Why don't you either squirt a very little WD-40 in the ignition slot, or coat the key with graphite powder to lubricate the tumblers? Geez, it will probably break your heart to learn that Toyota isn't perfect, either! Also, you should be getting the regular service done to avoid any maintenance problems -- oil changes, etc."
A little extreme? I have read literally thousands of complaints about the Ford Focus ignition cylinder problem, and Ford has yet to do any recall for it. That is bad business and warrants every right for an individual never to buy a Ford again. So you are saying that thousands of individuals do not know how to properly upkeep their car?
Is this the key not coming out or like mine.
Mine won't turn all the way off so I can't get my key out.
I'll try the wd40 but I was thinking it was the interlock between the gear shifter and ing lock.
When I jam my gear shifter forward into park I can turn
my key all the to "off" and take out my key
.
2005 Ford Focus... just had the key stick today... called the dealer, who quoted me 500 bucks that I do not have for this crap... I am so upset... I will NEVER buy Ford again...
My car has barely 40k miles... my mom's Civic went 200k before a cent other than standard maintenance was spent... grrrrrrr.
My ignition locked up today in my 2000 Ford Focus SE. I hadn't noticed any problems with getting my key in or out of the ignition prior to this. Can anyone actually confirm whether or not the WD-40 will work?
We have enjoyed putting approximately 29,000 miles on our 2004 Focus right up to today (a Sunday) when the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. The WD40 proposed solution does not work. Fortunately, we were at home when this occurred and we're retired. What about those folks who aren't at home when it happens, aren't retired and need to get to work? Funny how it went bad near when the warranty ended (3 yrs/36,000).
I had the same problem as everyone else today. I could not get my key out of the car. I am at work, but my son drives my car as well and he has to work at night I am afraid something might happen while he is at work or trying to get to work. Please someone tell me if the WD-40 thing really does work?
2003 Focus 4-door, I bough it new and love the car. I cannot believe the abuse it has put up with, all 4 of my sons have driven it at one point or another. Now, this morning, my oldest called to say he has been having trouble with the key the past couple of weeks and now it won't turn at all.
Interesting. I wonder what Ford will do for me, I've always been a loyal customer...
"So you are saying that thousands of individuals do not know how to properly upkeep their car?"
YES! That is EXACTLY the case!
Disconnect the battery! With our Ford Focus the key keeps getting stuck and we can't take it out. My dad discovered that if you open the engine with the car off and disconnect the battery, this cuts the electricity and the key comes right out. This can help you get out of this situation in a pinch. (Disconnect the battery by using a wrench to undo the screw in the top corner of the battery. Be sure to tighten the battery back when you want to start the car.)
I read about this problem before I had the pleasure of experiencing it myself. Today after dropping my son off at daycare, my ignition was locked and I could not turn the key. Remembering the post I had read from other people in the same situation, I tried a trick that worked for me. Spray WD-40 on the key and in the ignition. Then insert the key, give it a firm thump and turn the key. This trick starts my car fine. Not a permanent fix; however it will buy me some time until I can get it fixed by a locksmith and no need for towing. Hope this helps; try it, it might work for you too.
Nicole.