I just bought a used Ford Focus 2002 2 months ago and everything was fine until last Sunday I got in and the key wouldn't turn. I had no idea what was wrong with it. We had to call a tow truck, they didn't know either so they took it to my mechanic who charged $466 to fix it. They said they had to reprogram the alarm system as well. My father had said I should research it and see if this is a common problem with the Ford Focus. Now I see that it is, I wish I would have looked it up before I took it to the mechanic. Oh well, if it happens again at least I won't be surprised and I'll know what to do next time.

One more case of being unable to turn the key in my ignition lock cylinder. Followed the advice of others by tapping it firmly but carefully on the head of the key and it worked. When I got back to the office it seemed as though the reason the key was no longer operable is because automotive locks occasionally need to be lubricated. It seemed as if the tumbler pins weren't allowed to fall back into position and therefore could not be lined up as needed.

With the engine off, shoot a moderate amount of PB Blaster directly into the cylinder and have a napkin ready to clean up the excess as it might mar the surrounding plastic's finish. Insert the key a few times and do the hammer trick so it'll turn in the ignition a few times and it SHOULD release. Been a few days now and it seems to be working. Remember, ALL locks need to be lubricated occasionally and not nearly as many locks we have get used as often as our ignition cylinders. Tip: Tape a wad of gauze underneath the cylinder's hole for a little while to catch any rogue drippings as you'll begin to find random greasy stains on your right knee. =)

Came out of Dr appt. Had backed into the parking space in the parking garage. Could not turn the key. Have had problems w/Fords and knew I had do mess with the steering wheel and turn key at the same time. This time nothing would work. Called my boyfried, and my mechanic. They offered advise, all of which I had tried. Called a tow truck, then work, as I knew I'd be late. Tow truck driver came. Told him what the problem was and he took a small ratchet wrench and tapped it around the ignition (with the key inserted) and was finally able to start the car. He said it was a problem that Ford is aware of. I drove to my mechanic and he sprayed something like WD40 into it and tried to start it. Again, it froze. He called a parts place and was told he could replace it, but probabley wouldn't work because of the anti-theft thing. He was able to unlock it and I took it home. Did not turn key all the way off, just far enough to keep all lights off.

I called Ford and they want $190.00 for the part, and roughly $250.00 for labor. Like I have that $ just hanging around waiting for Ford to rip me off. Anyway, a friend brought me a print out of the part we could buy on line for $52.00. Same thing as Ford is charging me $190.00 for. The information also provided me a link to NHTSA ,www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov. I called the hotline number and provided all the information they required. Took a little bit to reach a live person, but it is worth it. They will post my complaint, send an email confirmation and also send me a hard copy of it. Gave me a confirmation nbr as well. Who knows, if enough people complain to them something might be done about the problem. There is a class action suit in California on this problem as well. Maybe we could jump on the bandwagon. Ford Cust service nbr is: 800 392 3673. Call them! They wouldn't even give me a 'goodwill repair', cause I have no extended warranty anymore. Isn't that what goodwill means? That you don't need a warranty? DUH! Good luck to you all. I LOVE MY FOCUS..This is the first problem I've had with it.

I own a 2002 ford focus which ignition locked up and had to call a locksmith. After a 212.00 dollar charge thry replaced ignition . Locksmith told me he does at least 1 or more a week. I called ford dealer here by me and was told it wasn't a recall or problem and for 350.00 they could fix it. I talked to federal trade commission about my car ignition locking up. filed complaint . they need to have everyone who had problem contact them at 1-877-382-4357 so they can try and get our out of pocket expensiveness back. thanks you if you call I WANT OUR MONEY BACK FROM FORD AS THEY KNEW IT WAS A PROBLEM. SO PLEASE CALL FTC.

First - sign the petition for a recall -

http://www.petitiononline.com/FocusIC/petition-sign.html Ford needs to take care of this, it's a safety issue!

Save time and money - Read about various options for repairs - don't go to Ford if you can . . .

Ford Focus section 2003 #98 for one fix http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Focus/2003/accessories-interior/key_wont_turn_in_the_ignition.shtml

Another web site shows exactly how to remove the column to access the part to repair

http://www.mbremerart.com/misc/Focus%20Manual/2003%20Focus%20Ignition%20Lock%20Cylinder.htm

Yet another shows pics, offers tips and advice: http://forums.focaljet.com/team-tech/497529-new-ignition-cylinder-help.html

The hammer trick worked to get the car started, we're getting the cylinder cleaned and hope that will hold until we can buy a cheaper replacement - hopefully NOT through Ford. In writing to Ford they want us to bring the car in to have it "looked at" - but "there may be a charge" just to have it looked at? . . .we already KNOW it's broken - and THEY know it's a problem - if you sign the recall petition perhaps we can get Ford to do the right thing.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_focus.html

The ignition on the Focus is infamous for just locking up all of a sudden. It locks the steering wheel and no amount of banging, hitting, swearing, or prying will release it. The only thing you can do is replace it. Of course mine went out on a Sunday evening during a rain storm. Thank God for Auto Club but it still cost me a bundle to have it replaced in my own driveway in the rain on a Sunday Night. When I asked people about the problem, everyone I talked to knew of the Focus Ignition problem and said that it was inevitable. It will freeze up on you if you haven't replaced it. Oh, and one more thing, when you have it replaced, don't take it to a Ford dealer. They will replace it with the same lousy ignition. Take it to a locksmith or mechanic. They will know all about the Ford Focus.

I have a 02 lx and this has happen several times. i am not the one currently driving the car I have been letting my brother use it as i have another car.. thank goodness its not another ford. so he calls me today and tells me that once again it has locked up the steering wheel is also locked in place. this only happening to me once before i went to see if i could get it to work.. YEAH UMM NO.. i shook shaked and all kinds of other things to get it to work.. not happening.. so my car is currently sitting in a bar parking lot where my brother left it last night.. My dad who is retired military mechanic tells me all kinds of stuff that mighty be wrong with it.. telling me it could be this or that.. simply gives me the spare key saying maybe the key is worn.. if not he will have to come tomorrow and tar it apart.. seeing how he cant just pop it out because it will not turn to get to the ignition.. so my car might be torn apart yay.. i dont have the money to fix it right now.. i was trying to fix the windows first.. BECAUSE OF COURSE ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS the windows break.. I have 3 that currently do not work and it will cost 1000 to have them fixed if not more.. so im reading about this whole tap the key and leave it in there thing.. well YEAH i would if the windows worked and weren't wedged up.. I know i sure as hell will never ever get a ford again... so now i guess i will have to drive my brother around until this problem is fixed YAY ME

I just had this problem and the AAA tow truck driver told me about hitting my key while in the ignition to get it to start. It works and I drove my car to my mechanic who was going to order a new ignition cylinder for me which would have cost $60, but the parts store told him the dealer needs to program the new key to get it to work. But I'm reading about getting a locksmith to fix it, but I'm wondering how the locksmith can program the new key. I really do not want to take this to the dealer because I know they will charge several hundred dollars.

I missed work last night, and so I lost about $90 in wages, because the key wouldn't turn the ignition. I spent most of the night looking for solutions on the internet. Found one that suggested hitting the key while in the ignition and that worked for me. I'm going to get this fixed when I can because who knows how long the above solution will work.

How can we get Ford to listen? I have read so many complaints about this problem. When does it become an issue with Ford? Keep your receipts, you never know if Ford will own up to crappy parts.

Ford. Fix One.