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Key Won't Turn In The Ignition
2003 Ford Focus (Page 5 of 13)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
8.4
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $310
- Average Mileage:
- 83,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 249 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (84 reports)
- replace the ignition (37 reports)
- insert the key and lightly tap the key with a hammer (28 reports)
- must go to dealership for high priced repair (28 reports)
- call a locksmith (25 reports)
- replace ignition lock cylinder (19 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Helpful websites
- Lock Fix For The Focus - This do it yourself / pay for part & have a garage fix item that will remove the issue due to a desigen change over the OEM item.
- Replacing The Lock Cylinder - I had the key-won't turn problem with my 2003 Ford Focus PZEV. The link shows you how to replace the bad lock cylinder with a better, reliable one (Strattec). It has been over 60,000 miles since installing the Strattec lock cylinder. My key always turns. I got the Strattec online, but not from eBay. You ma be able to get it somewhere else at lower cost. However, you have to turn your key in the bad cylinder to install this Strattec cylinder. To turn the key in your bad cylinder, tap the top of your key with your hand several times, really hard. Once you turn the key, you can install the Strattec. Your bad cylinder will cause the same problem in the future if you keep it in your car.
- Replacing The Lock Cylinder - I had the key-won't turn problem with my 2003 Ford Focus PZEV. The link shows you how to replace the bad lock cylinder with a better, reliable one (Strattec). It has been over 60,000 miles since installing the Strattec lock cylinder. My key always turns. I got the Strattec online, but not from eBay. You ma be able to get it somewhere else at lower cost. However, you have to turn your key in the bad cylinder to install this Strattec cylinder. To turn the key in your bad cylinder, tap the top of your key with your hand several times, really hard. Once you turn the key, you can install the Strattec. Your bad cylinder will cause the same problem in the future if you keep it in your car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
purchased 2003 ford focus in December 2010. Dealer told me this was a great car, no problems. Well about a month later started having problems with the ignition. had to bang key to get it to turn. This worked, so was waiting for an open day to take to shop. I was not too concerned since i purchased a very expensive extened warranty and was told everything was covered, if a problem should occur. 4 months went by banging on the key worked until 1 day in june. i was in a hurry coming from work, going to pick up my kids (including 1 baby) from bowling in order to coach my little girls t-ball team. Got all kids in the HOT car, ready to go and to my surprize, the key would not turn. I tried everything, even called a mechanic. This thing was not budging.
long story short, everyone I spoke to concerning my focus said this was a very common thing to happen to this vehicle, i even looked it up on net. No surprize, This was not recalled. Got towed to dealer and guess what, ignition needed replacement and wouldn't you know its not covered under my expensive 0 deductible piece of crap warranty. Bill for this ignition lock, should have been recalled, class action suit warranted, junk-cost me $423.00. i want everyone to know this rip off. please if you have this problem call 1800-392-3673.. i was told that ford is aware of this issue, they just do not have enough people calling in the complaint. So if you are one of us who paid this ungodly bill call the number and save your receipt.. when the recall comes out we will get paid......so i'm told.....
- Mary W., Shamokin, PA, US