My keys wont come out of the ignition! WHAT DO I DO?

Question

2005 Ford Focus ZX SE 2 door, gives me grief when I try to turn the car off, the damned keys wont come out the ignition!!! I have tried EVERYTHING from turning the steering wheel, to driving it around the corner, putting it in and out of gears, EVERYTHING!!! Will I have to sleep in my car from now on? It also seems like I am the only one that cannot get it out! I had two co-workers try to get the key, and after some wiggling, it came right out!!!! I need suggestions, I am scared to drive the thing!! Other than this, it is a good car!

Answer 1

Here's the correct answer. I've suffered this problem myself, and it usually comes from a dirty, broken, corroded, or worn ignition switch (the thing you put the key into). There is only one spot where you can pull the key out...it has to be in the exact right position or the key stays "locked" in.

A temporary fix would be to spray some "electrical contact cleaner" (available at a hardware store, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc) into the mechanism and hopefully it will loosen things up....don't use oil, WD40 or graphite as these things could short out your ignition module.

The real fix...eventually you'll need a new ignition switch. I'd go ahead and take it to a Ford dealer and have it replaced before you get stuck somewhere, because eventually it won't let you even insert the key to begin with. On a car this new, I find it hard to believe the switch would be worn already...it could be a factory defect of some type.

As an '05 car, the ignition switch will still be covered under the factory warranty, so take it to a dealer...all you'll be out is some time taking it in to fix it. Do it promptly before you get stuck.

Good Luck. Hope this helped.

Answer 2

There is a simple long term solution to this, but it's expensive and time consuming. Have a vehicluar locksmith, preferably one who works for Ford, or atleast a mechanical engineer at a reputable workshop, replace the locking mechanism. This doesn't mean replacing the entire steering column, just the lock. You'll get all new keys with it and a warranty.

It is possible that the lock pins have worn down enough that it is no longer mechanically sound, or that the indentations in the key are deformed. Do you also have problem turning the key into the ON position, almost as much as turning it OFF? This is a classic symptom of general wear and tear of an well used vehicle (may still be relatively new otherwise, just that the keys have been used excessively in the lock).

Answer 3

I had the same proble. The keys would stick, and I would mess with the wheel till they came out. Look for a switch near the egnition and make sure the steering wheel is not locked all the way in the left or right position

Answer 4

Turn your wheel to the right or left a bit and wiggle the ignition at the same time

Answer 5

Get the ignition replaced or at least have some maintenance work done on the one you've got.

Answer 6

My Kia does the same thing, and I turn it back on press hard on the brake, holding it down then turn key to off and remove. Hope this works for you.

Answer 7

THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING STICKY IN THE IGNITION SLOT. SPRAY A SMALL AMOUNT OF WD-40 IN THE SLOT USING THE STRAW ON THE CAN. SPRAY FOR MAYBE ONE SECOND. HOPE THIS HELPED!

Answer 8

You definately need a new ignition switch.

Answer 9

push the key and twist to the left then take it out

Answer 10

locksmith can get it out for about $20