Key will not turn to start the car

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Have you tried a different key? I have seen them actually wear out and not release the tumbler. Also, does it move at all?

Take a look through this link to see if it helps.

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

Let me know

Take care,
Joe

Hello, just wanted to jump in as well. Have you tried rocking the steering wheel back and forth to see if the key will turn. Sometimes the wheel will lock in the weirdest places that it will cause the key not to turn? Just a thought. If it doesn't allow the key to turn and you have an additional key with the same symptom then the tumbler is faulty. There is actually a service bulletin for this condition.

Collision

 38

2000 Ford Focus

L4-2.0L SOHC VIN P

Â

Â

Ignition System - Cannot Remove/Turn Key/Chime ON

Vehicle Starting and Charging Technical Service Bulletins Ignition System - Cannot Remove/Turn Key/Chime ON

IGNITION SYSTEM - CANNOT REMOVE/TURN KEY/CHIME ON

TSB 05-21-17

10/31/05

IGNITION KEY DIFFICULT OR UNABLE TO BE
TURNED OR REMOVED - KEY-IN-IGNITION WARNING
CHIME SOUNDING WITH KEY REMOVED

FORD:
2000-2005 Focus

This article supersedes TSB 05-19-11 to update the Service Procedure.

ISSUE
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.

ACTION
Based on the vehicle's symptom, refer to the appropriate Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

UNABLE TO REMOVE IGNITION KEYÂ

1.  Check if the inability to remove the key is the result of normal operation of the key removal inhibit circuit: In automatic transmission equipped vehicles, the key removal inhibit solenoid (within the ignition switchassembly) is energized when the gear selector is moved out of the park position, and prevents the ignition key from being removed. If the gear selector is in any position other than park when the key is rotated or turned off, the key removal inhibit circuit will not release the key (key cannot be removed). To remove the key, the gear selector must first be placed in the park position, then the ignition must be cycled to run and back to lock. This is normal, do not replace the ignition lock cylinder if it is operating as described.

2.  Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 307-05 and follow diagnostics for the "shift interlock system". The shift interlock system includes the key removal inhibit circuit, which may be causing the concern. If the shift interlock system is operating correctly, replace the ignition lockcylinder. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 501-14, "Ignition Lock Cylinder Functional" removal and installation procedure.

DIFFICULT OR UNABLE TO TURN IGNITION KEY

1.  Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 211-05 and follow diagnostics.

2.  If Workshop Manual diagnostics determine that the ignition lock cylinder is the cause, replace the cylinder. If the ignition key cannot be turned, follow the "Ignition Lock Cylinder - Non Functional" removal and installation procedure in the 2005 model year Workshop Manual Section 501-14.

KEY-IN-IGNITION WARNING CHIME SOUNDING WITH IGNITION KEY REMOVED (2005 Model Year Only)

1.  2005 Model Year Vehicles Produced Prior to 7/1/2004

    a.   Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 501-14, "Ignition Lock Cylinder - Functional" removal and installation procedure.

2.  2005 Model Year Vehicles Produced 7/1/2004 or Later

    a.   Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 413-09 and follow diagnostics for key-in ignition warning chime does not operate properly.