Hello, and thanks reading my question

TIMOTHYONEILL

MEMBER
2002 FORD FOCUS
99,000 MILES

Hello, and thanks reading my question. I can not turn the ignition key in my 2002 ford focus. I have tried all the usual tricks (I.E. Moving steering wheel, tapping key, wd40, etc.) And ultimately had to have it towed to a shop. The problem is, they are now saying they've spoken with the dealer, and it seems the steering column has to be replaced for 500 in parts. I can't imagine the whole thing needs to be replaced, and wod assume just the key cylinder would simply need to be replaced. Have you ever seen te entire steering column need to be replaced with no other issues that a key that suddenly will not turn?

Any guidance/experience would be much appreciated! Thank you.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

PINPOINT� TEST� F� :� UNABLE� TO� REMOVE� THE� KEY� FROM� THE� IGNITION

NOTICE:� Use� the� Flex� Probe� Kit� for� all� test� connections� to� prevent� damage� to� the� wiring� terminals.� Do� not� use� standard� multi meter� probes.

F1� � CHECK� THE� IGNITION� LOCK� CYLINDER

? Refer� to� Diagnosis� and� Testing� in Section� � 501 14� and� test� the� ignition� lock� cylinder.

Is� the� lock� cylinder� OK?

Yes GO� to F2.

No INSTALL� a� new� ignition� lock� cylinder.� REFER� to Section� � 501 14.� TEST� the� system� for� normal� operation.

F2� � ISOLATE� THE� TRANSMISSION� SELECTOR� LEVER� ASSEMBLY

? Connect:� Ignition� Switch C250.
? Disconnect:� Gearshift� Lever� Unit C3233.
? Attempt� to� remove� the� key� from� the� ignition� lock� cylinder.

Can� the� key� be� removed� from� the� ignition?

Yes INSTALL� a� new� transmission� selector� lever.� REFER� to� Transmission� Selector� Lever� Removal� and� Installation� in Section� � 307 05.� TEST� the� system� for� normal
operation.

No GO� to F3.

F3� � CHECK� THE� INHIBIT� SOLENOID� CONTROL� CIRCUIT� FOR� A� SHORT� TO� GROUND

? Measure� the� resistance� between� gearshift� lever� unit C3233 2, � circuit� 31S TA34� (BK/YE), � harness� side� and� ground.
This is right from the ford manual