Ignition key lock tumbler replacement?

Tiny
TALK2MLG33
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD FOCUS
  • AUTOMATIC
My key is stuck in the ignition and I don't know how to release it. It is in park and i've tried restarting the car but it will not turn all the way back to release itself.
Sunday, February 6th, 2011 AT 6:40 PM

41 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,135 POSTS
IF you just got the car, check for a release lever on the steering column. If one isn't there, see if you can lubricate the tumbler. IF that doesn't help, you need to have the tumbler and the switch itself replaced. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

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

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
AMETZ
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  • 2006 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
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  • 12,700 MILES
I have a new remote for the car (not one with the key attached) and I need to programme it. I have read your details on how to do it by putting the key in the ignition and turning it on and off 8 times etc but am confused where you mention the 'second key'. Do I repeat the sequence again with the only key I have? As I have said I only have a new remote not one with a key.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
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First off how many working keys do you have? If you only have one working key then you can not program it. With Ford as with my Ford's you must have two working keys inorder to program a new one, otherwise you have to go to the dealer to program it. Get back to me with how many working key's you have and if you have two working key's then I will walk you through how to program the third. Thanks.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AMETZ
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Further to your reply, I have 2 keys. One is with the remote fob attached the other is an emergency key that opens the door and starts the engine but has no remote fob attached to it. I also have the new remote fob without a key attached that I want to programme. Hope this helps. I look forward to receiving your answer. Thanks
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
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Ok lets get this started. Here is how to programm the FOB first.
1) Get in the car and make sure all doors are shut.
2) Now turn the the key from off to run 4 times in 6 seconds.
3) Turn key off and you should hear a chime telling you that it is in program mode.
4) Now within 20 seconds of hearing the chime press and hold any button on the FOB till you hear it chime again. Now withing 20 seconds do the same with you key that has the FOB on it. Now you are done both FOB's should work.
5) Turn key on and back off you have now exited program mode and check the FOB's to see if they work. Now I had you do the original fob again because if you didn't the only fob that would work is the newly programmed one or ones.
As for the new key you need a scan tool to program a new key there is no way around this. Now if you have a scan tool then let me know and I will give you the procedure on programming a new key.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STACEE53
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  • 2006 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.1L
  • 6 CYL
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My car was broken into they tried to jam a screwdriver in ignition, so I cannot afford to go it anyway so I looked up phone how to install a new ignition. I went to pull and save got ignition that had two keys an I installed it. Then I had called a locksmith to do the program! Keys to computer in car, they cannot get it fixed for three days out. Well in the meantime I got bad news from doctor and had to be admitted right away in hospital. Well I don't live in the best neighborhood and someone broke into the car again. I had forgot the new keys in the column and they took those among the battery and other things. So now that I'm out of the hospital and I am in remission. I now I am facing the headache of fixing my car. So here's what I have: the car listed above with new fuses, new battery, new alternator, new ignition, but no keys! So can I buy blank keys and have them fitted for the ignition programmed to PATS system or do I have to get new ignition and keys then have them programmed?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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If they didn't damage the ignition switch you should be able to just get new blanks and have them cut. However, you may want to also have the locksmith erase all of the registered keys prior to adding the new ones. Just in case they return with the other keys.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STACEE53
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So I put in a new ignition but do not have any keys, so can I just get two blank keys an have locksmith program to car? Or do I have to get another ignition that already has keys to it and just program those keys?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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You would need the smith to cut the keys or have the new ignition re-keyed to match the original keys before they tried to steal it the first time (if you still have those). That option would return you to using one key for doors/ignition. Then the new keys made in either process need to be programmed into the car. No need to get another ignition assembly just use one of the above options.
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+1
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BJB15804
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  • 2006 FORD FOCUS
  • 111,855 MILES
My car starts fine, but when I go to shut off the car, the key is stuck. Like it won't go all the way into the off position to be able to pull the key out of ignition. Could my ignition or starter be bad?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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This issue is caused by the shift interlock solenoid in the shifter. I have included the info about this system.

The way this works is when you shift the vehicle to park and shut the engine off the solenoid releases and allows the key to but turn and removed. When the solenoid fails it does not tell the controller to release the key because it doesn't know the vehicle is in park.

You can replicated this by leaving the vehicle in drive and shutting the vehicle off. You will only be able to move the key one position back but will not be able to remove it.

Let me know if there are questions and we can go from there. Thanks
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
XAVIER77799
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  • 2006 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
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I have research this problem and found that there is a solenoid that locks the key in the ignition switch until the engine is off and in park, but the key most of the time stays locked in switch after the engine is off. My question is where can I find the adjustment to the linkage (sensor feedback to solenoid) so that the key can be removed.

Thanks, and I will be obtaining my AAS in Automotive Technology after the Spring '09 Semester and this type of problem will be coming up in my line of work so I appreciate any help given.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JKIRKERX
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My did the same thing. Eventully I could not start the car one day. The pin keys in the tumber wear out, because they forget to put lubricant in them when they drop them in at the factory.

I advise replacing it before the thing breaks, and the key won't turn. If the key doesn't line up the pins, you can't push the key inwards, to turn it forward and start the car. Plus, you can put the key in, and remove the key assembly real easy, and drop in a new one, without having to drill out the lock.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
XAVIER77799
  • MEMBER
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Jkirkerx, Hi. Thanks for the information, my next follow-up qx is did you try adding WD-40 or other lubricant inside the cylinder to lubricate the pins?

Thanks
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JKIRKERX
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I didn't think much of it, I kept jiggling the key until it turned. One day, it would it not engage no matter how much I jiggled it. I had to drill out the lock tumbler, and almost damaged the ignition switch assembly under the tumbler.

I bought a replacement lock at the dealer for $125.00, and had to re-key the pins to my key, took about 30 minutes, and used the white grease that came with the kit.

I would put the key in, and and push the release button and pull out the tumbler, and use a qualified lubricant. Inspect the pins to see if there is any damage. If so, replace it. Be careful if you do this, it's easy for the pins to pop apart if you don't hold it right, because of the spring pressure on each pin.

WD40 works for awhile, but attracts moisture and dust, and causes things to get worse. Graphic powder works good, but does not last long.

You can try loading the key with grease on the edges, and moving it in and out.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TMOON9018
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  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
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Ignition key can not be removed from ignition cylinder. Major problem. Help.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TARHEEL TRIM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have found that if you remove the key and pull it out in 1 swift motion it seems to come out alright. Before I figured that out I found that if you start the car up again and pull up and then go back and then pull the key out like I said earlier that works too. I know this is not "the fix" but at least it will allow you to get your key out. Hey if you find the fix please email me @ tarheeltrim@bellsouth. Net Hope this helps.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ED4589
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  • 2004 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
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When I put the key in the lock, it won't turn. (The steering wheel has no play and the shift lever won't move out of park.)
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-1
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
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What I usually do when I get one of these at my shop is to try and get it to the on position so that I can depress the release button on the side of the housing (see picture). Insert the key then lightly tap on the back of the key with a screwdriver handle and jiggle like crazy! Five out of ten times it will turn enough to get it out. You will need to remove the column shroud in order to get to the release button.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FARR2007
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  • 2004 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
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  • 224,000 MILES
I am having an issue where when you put the key out and then go and try to start the car again the key is locked and cannot turn the ignition to start the car. If you leave the key in the ignition and start the car the car will start but if you take out the key the ignition will lock up and you will not be able to turn the key.

If I need a new lock cylinder how do you go about reprogramming the new keys?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM (Merged)

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