Ignition key lock tumbler replacement?

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,949 POSTS
Yep the key and cylinder are worn out. Here is a guide hat will help you remove the tumbler, you might be able to clean it and spray WD40 in it to get it to work again. AS far as the chip in the key the dealer will need to reprogram that for you or you might be able to just have the old key with you and the RF could still work.

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FARR2007
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  • 210 POSTS
Would I need a new key or could my old key still work or how do I program new key
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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I dint think you can reprogram the new key the dealer will need to do that. But I think if you have the old key with you close to the ignition switch it might work.

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTCRUTCHER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
The key started to get hard to turn but only after I took the key out and put it back in. It seemed to get worse until it wont turn at all. I have wiggled the key turned it over wiggled the gear shift, rocked the car everything I could think of. It goes in & out fine it just wont turn
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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It sounds like the ignition lock tumbler needs to be replaced which is common. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDY SHARP
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
This is my sister's focus I have posted numerous problems that have happened to her car. Now I have a new one, she has been for a couple of years now started this car first she puts the key in the ignition, then she has this rubber mallet that she has to hit lightly the end of key while she has to have other hand to turn switch at same time and that is the way she has been starting this car for 2 years or maybe a little more. Now the key will not do nothing, I figure the tumblers are shot or key she only has one ignition key, so what is my best way about going at this, drilling or calling a locksmith, and can a locksmith pick this ignition to make it unlock, I told my sister the ignitions are not made to hammer on, but for some reason that is the only way it would turn. So what would be the way to go about this?Thanks
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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The switch is designed to be removed from the "on" position so if you cannot get it to turn on to remove it, you will need a locksmith or repair shop to get it out. If it will turn on, then it's rather easy to change once you disengage the lock pin. You cannot do this unless you cann get it to the "on" position.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE STARKS
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  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 38,000 MILES
The wheel is locked up, the key will not turn in the ignition.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RENAUDTN
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Hello there,

It sounds like you're dealing with a very common problem with Focus.
Sometime you can get the key to turn by hitting it slightly with a screwdriver/small hammer, but it's a bit risky. You have a couple of options: replace the ignition lock cylinder, or call a locksmith; believe it or not this problem is so common with Ford Focus that chances are your local locksmith already dealt with this before. The locksmith is probably the cheapest route too.
Good luck
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ALANARP
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  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 193,000 MILES
I have tried turning the wheel in the direction it feels most spring multiple times then attempting to turn the key and nothing. The steering wheel is locked and I do not know what to do.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

In general, you are doing what needs done. Take a look at this link to see if there is anything that is helpful. Also, if you have a spare key, try it to see if the one you are using is worn to a point it no longer releases the tumbler.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Let me know if this is helpful or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RED6LEVOY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
2003 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my key will not turn the ignition. It appears to be locked. I can not get it to turn at all.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RENAUDTN
  • MECHANIC
  • 636 POSTS
It’s a very common problem with focus. If you do a quick search online you’ll find many websites about it and how you can get the key to turn if you hit on it with a screw driver/small hammer.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DARRAHNICOLE21
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had the same problem and I went to a locksmith - he fixed me up with an ignition that won't keep in the build up from the key. I havn't had the problem since. YES DONT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JAKUBLA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,500 MILES
At times the ignition key won't turn. It is not an issue with the wheel locking. Instead, if I jiggle the key long enough or hard enough it eventually will turn. When it turns, it is easy to turn. When it doesn't, it is just like it is locked.

Any idea for repairs?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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This article supersedes TSB 05-19-11 to update the Service Procedure.

Some 2000-2005 Focus vehicles may exhibit ignition key related issues including difficulty or an inability to turn the key, an inability to remove the key, or (2005 only) the key-in-ignition warning chime continuing to sound even when the key is removed.

Need to remove and replace ignition cylinder
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JAKUBLA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Is this a repair that a semi talented lay person can do?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Ignition Lock Cylinder - Non Functional
Removal and Installation
Remove the steering wheel
Remove the passive anti-theft transceiver.
Draw a line through the middle of the ignition lock cylinder face 90 degrees to the key slot.

Mark a point on the line 3 mm (0.11 in) down from the slot which is just beyond the center of the lock face.

Drill a 4 mm (0.15 in) pilot hole 3 mm (0.11 in) deep.
Drill a 10 mm (0.39 in) hole 35 mm (1.37 in) deep.
Remove the lockbar from the side of the hole.

Rotate the ignition lock cylinder while pressing the retainer pin on the housing and pull out.

Use the lock cylinder repair kit (XS4Z-11582-AA) and install the ignition lock cylinder.
With the key in the ACC position insert the ignition lock cylinder.
Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key.
.
Install the passive anti-theft transceiver.


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https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic5_24.jpg

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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JEWEL3030
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
2003 Ford Focus Manual

The key won't turn in the ignition. And yes I have tried the jiggle. Do I have to change the cylinder or is there an easy fix.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SYLVIA2555
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I had the same problem with 2003 Fors Focus and the dealership wanted $500.00 but I called the Locksmith that we use for work and the guy came out and did it for $150.00 and it took him only 20 minutes. He said that he gets at least 5-10 calls a month with the FOrd Ingintions locking up, he even wrote that on my receipt, He said that the teeth on the inside of the switch are faulty and if they bend anyway just a little bit, it will lock up. But when I called Ford back and complained they said that it is not a recall item. Which if you search other sites. IT SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL BACAUSE IT IS FAULTY! Hope this helps and save you some money.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM (Merged)

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