ignition locked up

override · 06-27-2005, 06:10 AM

hi, i have a ford focus zx3 2dr zetec. The keys for some reason just dont turn at all. My mom used to have problems turning it, but now we cant get it at all. and it has just been sitting there in the driveway for a week. lol, its 5spd by the way..any ideas on how to fix this or whatnot?

brawls43 · 06-27-2005, 07:02 AM

This is a common problem. Tumblers are bent. If the car's under warranty get it taken to a dealer. If not, you basically have to drill out the cylinder. I'm trying to see if I can find the links to the instructions now. A friend of mine had to do this over the winter for the 2nd time.

>> Clickity >>

>> Clack >>

sleepyboy · 06-28-2005, 07:11 AM

My just broke too cost way too much to fix. and it looks cheaper than the first key hole thingy.

b16sir1991 · 06-28-2005, 07:40 AM

The part# you need from Ford is #SW6285. Thats a Motorcraft # and can be bought from your dealer. The dealers are going to charge you appx. $86.38, maybe a little less, but if any of you guys need one, PM me . I can sell them to you for $45. As long as your locks havent been changed, i could go ahead and build it for you also if you send me your VIN# for $10 more. As far as it being locked up totally, sometimes you can tap on the end of the key with the handle of a screw driver and it will turn, but use caution, if you break that key, its expensive to replace.

PortugalFocus · 06-28-2005, 11:38 AM

When my cylinder locked up, I just put the cylinder back togather w/o any tumblers and springs. The car won't start without the key anyway. I I have a tumbler-less ignition. I don't have to worry about any more tumblers breaking.

officefocus · 07-02-2005, 01:05 PM

I have the same problem but i can't turn the key or the steering wheel. I have been trying to take off the ignition switch but because i can't turn the ignition switch, i can't get it out.

BONOMAN5064 · 07-02-2005, 01:19 PM

That happened to me in my old 00 sedan. Luckily I had the extended service through carmax. If you can have someone give you a hand with this, I would, cause taking it to the dealer, may run you a whole lot more.

microtonal · 07-18-2005, 01:17 PM

Damn it !

I have a 2003 ZX3/Manual tranny and my key also won't turn anymore.

I had no signs that there was any issue with my ignition cylinder going bad.

I just parked my car in the garage as usual and now the damn key won't turn at all.
I even tried my un-used spare key and it also won't work.

Hopefully, a locksmith can fix this because my wheel-lock is enabled and I'm not sure how a tow truck can even get my car out of the garage to get it to the dealer if needed.

I can't believe Ford won't recall this issue.
My warranty is no good since I have 44K miles on my 3/36 warranty.

penguin · 07-18-2005, 02:29 PM

"My warranty is no good since I have 44K miles on my 3/36 warranty."

Call Ford directly, they may do a "policy" thing for you since it is a know problem.

microtonal · 07-18-2005, 02:46 PM

I just called a locksmith and I've been informed that this is a very common problem with the Focus. Ford dealers even has him install the same type of ignition cylinder that will most likely seize up again even though he has mentioned to them that there is a better aftermarket one.

He said he's replaced 100's in the last few years and they keep having him install the crappy Ford replacement. He was telling me on one Focus, he's replaced the IC 4 times in the last two years.
He has an aftermarket one that is know not to seize up and is better than the one Ford uses.
It's the one he uses if customers have him replace the IC.

Also, I called 4 Locksmiths and they all know about this ignition cylinder issue.
Everyone seems surprised that there is no recall or free fix from Ford on this problem.

Anyway, I would suggest that anyone having this issue get an aftermarket one from a locksmith because getting the one from the dealer will most likely have the same issue in the future.

Nitrozx3 · 07-18-2005, 03:09 PM

Yep I got mine fixed last week for 87 bucks from a safe/locksmith store. Same problem key/ weel wouldnt turn. Luckily I got it to turn one last time at the shop, if it go's out completely they have to drill it so get it fixed quick or tack on a couple hundred extra bucks to the bill for drilling.

DaZeDFoCuS · 07-18-2005, 03:10 PM

yup happend to me too! it was fixed by ford... $600 later....[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]* THAT!!!

06-27-2005, 06:10 AM	#1
override Focus Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 FF Member#: 24902 Location: New Canaa Posts: 1 FF Reputation: 1 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (0)	ignition locked up hi, i have a ford focus zx3 2dr zetec. The keys for some reason just dont turn at all. My mom used to have problems turning it, but now we cant get it at all. and it has just been sitting there in the driveway for a week. lol, its 5spd by the way..any ideas on how to fix this or whatnot?

06-27-2005, 07:02 AM	#2
brawls43 Focus Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2004 FF Member#: 11151 Location: Minneapolis, MN What I Drive: An Orange EAP Posts: 438 FF Reputation: 3 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (0)	This is a common problem. Tumblers are bent. If the car's under warranty get it taken to a dealer. If not, you basically have to drill out the cylinder. I'm trying to see if I can find the links to the instructions now. A friend of mine had to do this over the winter for the 2nd time. >> Clickity >> >> Clack >> __________________ SVT Squad #225 Last edited by brawls43; 06-27-2005 at 07:08 AM.

06-28-2005, 07:11 AM	#3
sleepyboy The Sleep Master Join Date: Nov 2004 FF Member#: 15335 Location: SW Houston, TX What I Drive: 01' Yellow ZX3 euro Posts: 5,044 FF Reputation: 12 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (1)	My just broke too cost way too much to fix. and it looks cheaper than the first key hole thingy. __________________ "H-A-I-L to the King, baby!"

06-28-2005, 07:40 AM	#4
b16sir1991 Focused Focus Join Date: Dec 2004 FF Member#: 16612 Location: Kannapolis,NC What I Drive: 2004 SVT Focus, Sonic Blue Posts: 7,141 FF Reputation: 174 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (116)	The part# you need from Ford is #SW6285. Thats a Motorcraft # and can be bought from your dealer. The dealers are going to charge you appx. $86.38, maybe a little less, but if any of you guys need one, PM me . I can sell them to you for $45. As long as your locks havent been changed, i could go ahead and build it for you also if you send me your VIN# for $10 more. As far as it being locked up totally, sometimes you can tap on the end of the key with the handle of a screw driver and it will turn, but use caution, if you break that key, its expensive to replace. __________________ "The right driver can work magic" Oct 2005 Ride of the month. SVT Squad #25 Call me Mike...... Give rep points and feedback when you appreciate someone on here!

06-28-2005, 11:38 AM	#5
PortugalFocus Focus Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 FF Member#: 13418 Location: Clearwater Beach, FL What I Drive: 05 Saturn VUE 2.2L 5-Spd Posts: 97 FF Reputation: 1 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (2)	When my cylinder locked up, I just put the cylinder back togather w/o any tumblers and springs. The car won't start without the key anyway. I I have a tumbler-less ignition. I don't have to worry about any more tumblers breaking. __________________ Zetec > VTEC Shorty w/ HKS Filter / JBA Shorty Header / Ported TB / Early Style Intake Manifold/ Ractive 9 mm Wires/ Autolite Platinum Plugs/ 2.25" Mandrel Exhaust/ SCS Short Thow Shifter / Front Strut Bar Focus Shop Cup Front Lip/ Painted Front Grille Signals / CF M3's/ De-Badgged / Focus Badges Over the Blue Ford Ovals Panasonic / American Legacy / Stinger / Audiobahn / Q-Logic But I traded her in......

07-02-2005, 01:05 PM	#6
officefocus Focus Jr. Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2005 FF Member#: 24971 Location: Nebraska What I Drive: 2000 Bright Red ZTS Posts: 31 FF Reputation: 1 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (0)	I have the same problem but i can't turn the key or the steering wheel. I have been trying to take off the ignition switch but because i can't turn the ignition switch, i can't get it out.

07-02-2005, 01:19 PM	#7
BONOMAN5064 Focus Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2003 FF Member#: 627 Location: FL What I Drive: 2007 Ion Redline Stage 2 Comp packg Posts: 317 FF Reputation: 1 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (0)	That happened to me in my old 00 sedan. Luckily I had the extended service through carmax. If you can have someone give you a hand with this, I would, cause taking it to the dealer, may run you a whole lot more. __________________ Current Mods: Magnaflow Catback, Steeda High Flow Intake, YFRO ECU update. 2003 5 DR SVT CD SILVER WITH HIDS PACKAGE AND AUDIOPHILE SYSTEM. CAR #363 OUT OF 2173.

07-18-2005, 01:17 PM	#8
microtonal FF #1 Most Wanted Join Date: Sep 2003 FF Member#: 470 Location: Seattle, WA What I Drive: Black Hopper and Brown Bear Posts: 5,476 FF Reputation: 12 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (7)	Damn it ! I have a 2003 ZX3/Manual tranny and my key also won't turn anymore. I had no signs that there was any issue with my ignition cylinder going bad. I just parked my car in the garage as usual and now the damn key won't turn at all. I even tried my un-used spare key and it also won't work. Hopefully, a locksmith can fix this because my wheel-lock is enabled and I'm not sure how a tow truck can even get my car out of the garage to get it to the dealer if needed. I can't believe Ford won't recall this issue. My warranty is no good since I have 44K miles on my 3/36 warranty. __________________ Just reading.....

07-18-2005, 02:29 PM	#9
penguin Focus Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2005 FF Member#: 21700 Location: Iowa What I Drive: 2005 Infrared ZXW Posts: 3,359 FF Reputation: 109 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (0)	"My warranty is no good since I have 44K miles on my 3/36 warranty." Call Ford directly, they may do a "policy" thing for you since it is a know problem.

07-18-2005, 02:46 PM	#10
microtonal FF #1 Most Wanted Join Date: Sep 2003 FF Member#: 470 Location: Seattle, WA What I Drive: Black Hopper and Brown Bear Posts: 5,476 FF Reputation: 12 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (7)	I just called a locksmith and I've been informed that this is a very common problem with the Focus. Ford dealers even has him install the same type of ignition cylinder that will most likely seize up again even though he has mentioned to them that there is a better aftermarket one. He said he's replaced 100's in the last few years and they keep having him install the crappy Ford replacement. He was telling me on one Focus, he's replaced the IC 4 times in the last two years. He has an aftermarket one that is know not to seize up and is better than the one Ford uses. It's the one he uses if customers have him replace the IC. Also, I called 4 Locksmiths and they all know about this ignition cylinder issue. Everyone seems surprised that there is no recall or free fix from Ford on this problem. Anyway, I would suggest that anyone having this issue get an aftermarket one from a locksmith because getting the one from the dealer will most likely have the same issue in the future. __________________ Just reading.....

07-18-2005, 03:09 PM	#11
Nitrozx3 Focus Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 FF Member#: 25227 Location: Washington What I Drive: Red 01 ZX3 Posts: 491 FF Reputation: 1 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (0)	Yep I got mine fixed last week for 87 bucks from a safe/locksmith store. Same problem key/ weel wouldnt turn. Luckily I got it to turn one last time at the shop, if it go's out completely they have to drill it so get it fixed quick or tack on a couple hundred extra bucks to the bill for drilling. __________________ My car: 01 ZX3 Diablosport 3stage computer module, intake, 65mm throttle body, ford racing cams/gears, rebuilt motor, 80 shot of nitrous, auto bottle opener, dual purge. Dual type R 12in subs dual type R 6x9's 1800 watt rockford fosgate amp, 1.5 cap

07-18-2005, 03:10 PM	#12
DaZeDFoCuS Focus Addict Join Date: Jun 2004 FF Member#: 8854 Location: Orlando, FL What I Drive: 02 Black SVTF-T & 00 blk zx3 4 sale Posts: 660 FF Reputation: 2 Buy-Sell-Trade Rating: (5)	yup happend to me too! it was fixed by ford... $600 later....[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]* THAT!!! __________________ -2002 black, fully barred, fully built, turbo SVT de la Focus-Power. -2000 black ZX3... 4 sale! i think... Remember these 3 words: cheap, reliable, fast. You can only have 2 of them, and the third will not apply.

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