Try using a small flash light on your keychain. Personally, I have never cared nor bothered with those stupid rings since I can manage to plug a key in without having my path lit and guided for me.
Does not sound practical to me [idea]
It really bothers me. It takes at least 6-15 secs to plug the key. That night I was with my friends and I looked really stupid. [hihi] Maybe because I'm still a fresh owner of a Focus. Maybe!
Well pat yourself on the back then. Whether you find it easy or not isn't what the thread is about. The problem I personally have is there are no defining features to help guide you, which any other car I have driven has had.
Yup... they could have at least made the ignition barrel slightly concave so the key would fall into the slot. This is the first car I've owned (out of many), that forces me to look where I'm putting the key. Maybe one time out of fifty I'll hit it the first time.
I had trouble when I first got mine it seems they really tuck it up in there behind the plastic on the back of the steering wheel. I do find myself feeling it out with my finger before I jab the serrated Rambo knife at it ( or laser cut key). [rofl]
It's not really a problem for me, it's just somewhat of an inconvenience factor. Every car I've owned has had an illuminated ignition barrel. It was just strange for a new 2012 car to not have one.
If you really need a light to find the keyhole, just turn your dome light on. It's really not that big of deal to just tilt your head to look. Or you can just sit in your car and practice inserting the key and, eventually, muscle memory will take over to where you can insert said key without looking or having the need for light. Just sayin'. [hihi]
I agree that it is not an easy task and does take some effort unlike every other car i have driven.
The trick i use is to hold the tip of the key near the end of my index finger and use the tip of my finger to find the slot ... then just slide the key the rest of the way down my finger into the ignition.
John, it's more than just a slight head tilt in this car. At least the way my seating and controls are adjusted. MKorn, I'll give that a shot. Posted via FF Mobile
I contacted the seller for dimensions of the part. According to my measurements, the outer diameter of the "trim" area is 44mm, and the outer diameter of the ignition barrel is 30mm.
Here are the dimensions of the part:
"Part one is the LED board. The dimensions are ext. 50mm int. 34mm.
Part two is the ring that is illuminated by the LEDs. The external diameter varies from 34mm where it fits into the circuit board up to 41mm on the front face. The internal diameter is 32mm."
So I really doubt that the LED portion would fit, but the second part would.
Now that I really looked at it, I have to agree with BetaDnB, it looks like Ford forgot to install a ring. Looks pretty bad actually...
If you turn your steering wheel 1/4 turn to the right when you park, your ignition slot will be visible from your seated position. Of course, this doesn't do much for you in the dark, but it might help you in daylight.
What would help is if the ignition area was concave. This would allow the key to "drop" in towards the center, and past the little gate covering the opening.
As it is, you must stab the key in the general (flat surfaced) area, hoping to land a critical hit, just to be able to start the car.
Well, I think the only solution for now is to tilt your head every time you need to run it. My brother last week came to my city and noticed how I tilt my head every darn time :S
Why can't you just splice into the dome light wire for when you open your door? Run the wire down the steering column up the a pillar and it's all hidden. Idea.?
I guess I've never seen a need for it...I've never had a single car that had lights surrounding the key hole but I've never had trouble finding it. If you use it once or twice you should be able to know where it is by muscle memory.
I won't need one for my titanium, I was just throwing out an idea. That's what I'd do if I was having trouble finding the hole.. But then again I'd probably just look and save myself some trouble in doing that.
I don't mind so much about actually putting the key in, I just think that area looks like crap because there is a big gap around the cylinder that LOOKS like something else is supposed to be snapped on there. It looks like they left a part off.
My wife and I had an Issue finding the Ignition Key Switch at Night... I looked into a Led Ring, but I decided on a "Cheap Fix" to find/see switch at night.
I purchased a small roll of White Reflective Tape from Walmart, 2 bucks. Then I made a round circle on the back side of the tape, 1/8 " smaller then the switches outside diameter, then I made a round circle slightly larger then the center portion of the switch ( about 1/2" dia. ). I then cut on the outer and inner lines with a exacto knife and scissors. I then cleaned the face of the Ignition Switch with rubbing alcohol to get it clean, then I applied the Cut-out of White Reflection Tape on the face of the switch.
So now at night the ceiling light reflects on the tape and you simply put the key in the center hole. If you have the steering wheel slightly turned to the left in also makes it easier to see the reflection tape on the switch.... ...
The Best thing is My Dear Wife is Happy.....
A Cheap Fix and It Does not Look Bad.... You may have to practice a couple times, until you get it just right.....
Have A Good Day... Jim in Fl. ;-)
Thank god i wasn't the only one!!! I had flashbacks to putting a desk together with my dad years ago when i was having problems getting a screw to stay put and his advice about holes.... which i shall not repeat in public! [}]
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