Focus Fanatics Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement Instructions ?

2 reading
Jump to Latest
21 - 30 of 30 Posts
#21 ·
My memory of the release pin was that it was on the side of the cylinder housing that faced to the rear, most are on the bottom, but the focus was high up on the rear face. I remember you had to have the steering wheel cut strongly to the left first, as the wheel spokes were in the way of seeing it. I used a small tipped full size torx screwdriver to push in on the button, as it gave a little extra reach and it took more force than you would normally expect to push it in.
 
#22 ·
nomad327 said:
My memory of the release pin was that it was on the side of the cylinder housing that faced to the rear, most are on the bottom, but the focus was high up on the rear face. I remember you had to have the steering wheel cut strongly to the left first, as the wheel spokes were in the way of seeing it. I used a small tipped full size torx screwdriver to push in on the button, as it gave a little extra reach and it took more force than you would normally expect to push it in.
Click to expand...
I tried all of this again and still no luck.
 
#24 ·
ewick-

What kind of steering column do you have, fixed or tilt/telescope? I have my old fixed steering column up for sale in the B/S/T forum...http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144389

My lock cylinder has already been removed from it, all you'd have to do is pull your current column, install this one and drop your new lock cylinder in. Might be easier/cheaper than completely drilling out your old cylinder...
 
#25 ·
b16sir1991 said:
Theres also one other problem you could have if you have an automatic trans. If you cant get the key "out" at times but the key goes in fine and turns, you would need a new shifter. You can call me at 800-849-0233 and ask for Mike in parts.
Click to expand...
Can you get a PATS key just by itself and program it yourself? We got our Focus used and it only came with one key. It's usually not a problem since my wife drives it most but I'd still like a second key. Thanks, and thanks for all the info on this site. I just got done R&Ring the ignition lock cylinder - rekeying was simple for me since I used to work at Home Depot in the hardware department and had lots of experience rekeying locks for people.
 
#26 ·
^
You need at least two keys to program them yourself, otherwise it'll require a trip to the dealer or a locksmith with the correct computer equipment.

Prices on this service will probably vary from one dealer to the next, but my little brother only got one key with his '03 and he dropped it in the yard and then my dad ran it over with the lawnmower. We got two keys pre-cut from Mike (b16sir1991) and towed the car to the dealership up the street and I want to say they only charged something like $65 to program both keys to the ECU...that was after they quoted him at $250 for two keys cut to his VIN plus programming.
 
#27 ·
SkaAddict said:
^
You need at least two keys to program them yourself, otherwise it'll require a trip to the dealer or a locksmith with the correct computer equipment.

Prices on this service will probably vary from one dealer to the next, but my little brother only got one key with his '03 and he dropped it in the yard and then my dad ran it over with the lawnmower. We got two keys pre-cut from Mike (b16sir1991) and towed the car to the dealership up the street and I want to say they only charged something like $65 to program both keys to the ECU...that was after they quoted him at $250 for two keys cut to his VIN plus programming.
Click to expand...
What's the correct computer equipment? I have an extensive computer background in terms of building, servicing, designing, programming, and operating computers of all sizes, and if there is some simple interface unit that plugs into a serial or USB port and software to run it, I'd be interested in getting it. Maybe I could then offer programming for people on the FF forum at a cut rate as a way of helping out....
 
#28 ·
I know this is a little off subject from the key cylinder, but I had to change the computer in my focus 2.0 split port and then learned that the keys need to be programmed for that computer. I have both of my factory keys, is there anyway I can program them myself for the replaced (used) computer versus towing the car to a dealership and paying them? Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
#30 ·
b16sir1991 said:
Theres also one other problem you could have if you have an automatic trans. If you cant get the key "out" at times but the key goes in fine and turns, you would need a new shifter. You can call me at 800-849-0233 and ask for Mike in parts.
Click to expand...
My girlfriend lost the key to her car, can you please help me I need to replace the Ignition lock cylinder and I'm not sure if I can just order one off Amazon without having special tools
 
21 - 30 of 30 Posts
About this Discussion
29 Replies
13 Participants
Last post:
jneutron88
Focus Fanatics Forum
posts
5.8M
members
203K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to Ford Focus owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about SVT performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Technical Chat Ford Focus Builds & General Showroom MK3 Focus SVT Performance (2002-2004) MK1 Focus