2000 Ford Focus ingition

Tiny
TRINA YOUNG
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
Key will not turn, so I can't start the car.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 8:08 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
There are 4 things that I see over and over again, that keep an ignition lock cylinder from turning.

1.
The steering wheel lock is under pressure.

When you turn off your car and remove your key.
A spring loaded post sticks up in to one of many holes in the steering wheel.
This locks the steering wheel in place, making your car harder to steal, because a bad guy cant turn the steering wheel if they somehow get your car started without the key.

But this can also keep you from turning the ignition lock.
If the steering wheel is under pressure because your front wheels are against a curb, or you have the wheel cranked all the way to one side or the other. The pressure from the steering wheel on the spring loaded post keeps you from being able to turn the key.

So while trying to pull the steering wheel one direction or the other, try to turn the key, this may solve your problem.

2-A.
The pins are not falling into place.

You kinda need to know how a lock works for this part.
Look at a key and you will see there are different depth cuts in it.
Those different cuts correspond with different length pins in the lock cylinder.
See how the red pins are of different length?
But with the key inserted, they are all even with the blue pins.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/281878_Pin_tumbler_with_key1_1.jpg



When the red pins are held in the correct position by the correct key, the spring loaded blue pins are flush with the outer housing of the lock, and the red pins are flush with the inner cylinder of the lock
And thus the inner cylinder can be rotated.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/281878_250pxPin_tumbler_unlocked1_1.png



If debris such as pocket lint, ear wax, or just plain old dirt gets into the pins and causes enough friction for the spring loaded blue pins to not be able to push the red pins back in place.
Then the red pins will be partially stuck in the hole for the blue pins and the cylinder can not turn.

Putting the key in the lock and then tapping on it with a small hammer may help until you have the chance to have the lock cleaned.

Do a search for the word "bump key" if you want to know more about how a lock cylinder works.

2-B.
The same goes for if a key is worn out.
If a key is badly worn, then it will not put the red pins in the correct spot and some of the pins will keep the cylinder from turning.

If your key is worn out, try a spare if you have one.
Or put the key in and "Jiggle" it while trying to turn the lock.

3.
A problem with the interlock cable from the gear selector to the lock cylinder. Make sure you are completely in park.
You pretty much have to take things apart and visually inspect it to verify this problem.

4.
A mechanical problem with the linkage from the lock cylinder to the electrical part of the ignition switch.

good luck
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Thursday, December 25th, 2008 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
BRYANC1
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Hi, These cars have a history of the ignition lock cylinder wearing out very quickly. I have replaced several and the insides literally turn to metal dust. I have also noticed that the replacement locks wear out just as fast as the originals. Other than to just keep changing them there's not much you can do. Ford has the attitude that it is not a big enough problem to issue a recall. You should keep in mind that these have the security feature built into the key, and replacement ones will need to be programmed. With that said, there is a trick. After replacing the cylinder, you can tape the old key underneath the plastic cover next to the pickup ring that surrounds where the key goes into the switch. The car will think you are using the old key and will let it start. Hope this helps!
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Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 1:08 PM

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