The ignition key in my 2000 Ford Focus won't turn?

Question

I put the key in and I try to turn the key but its like its stuck in a rock.

Answer 1

Is the steering wheel turned all the way to the left or right if it is then try this. if the wheels are turned all the way to the right turn the wheel further to the right while trying to turn the key. sometimes when you shut the car off with the wheels turned hard the steering lock keeps you from turning the key. hope this helps

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
The ignition key in my 2000 Ford Focus won't turn?
I put the key in and I try to turn the key but its like its stuck in a rock.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, sevenofus is correct. This is an EXTREMELY common problem on the Focus. And the only fix is to have the ignition lock cylinder replaced. Unfortunately, turning the steering wheel lock to lock won't free it. There have been FEW situations, where soaking the hole with WD-40 or penetrating fluid has freed it up. I'm sorry, but you'll have to take it to your nearest Ford dealer to have the problem fixed. Something to note: The replacement ignition lock cylinder is identical to the ones now used in the '05 to current model year Focuses, so hopefully Ford has resolved this problem with the updated part.

Answer 4

Ford Focus Key Wont Turn

Answer 5

We also have a 2000 Ford Focus and this has happened to us twice!! So far we haven't had much luck getting Ford to listen to us that this shouldn't be happening. My husband has called and complained and he is usually pretty good about wrangling at least partial payment from "The Glass House". Both times we had to have the car towed to the Ford dealership for service. We had to have the key cylinder replaced both times. If this is the case for you, too, will you ask for the phone number of Ford Headquarters at your Ford Dealer and call and make a complaint? We were told that not enough people had made the same complaint so they would not agree that it was a defect of the model. If enough people complain, they said they would pay for repairs but not until a real problem with the model was determined. Meanwhile, we had to pay about $280 plus towing out of our pocket to get this problem fixed each time it happened. First time, we had the cost of a lock smith as well since that is what the shop advised us to do, but that didn't help one bit. Just call the tow truck and have them take it to the nearest Ford dealership that you trust. We have several in our area, but are picky about which one we take our cars to.

Added: All of the above answers about turning the steering wheel...usually that is supposed to work, but in our case it didn't help at all. Hopefully it'll work for you as it is much cheaper than what we had to do.

Answer 6

The tumblers in the lock are jamming up and will need to be brought somewheres to have the ignition cylinder cut out and a new one installed... Don't recommend this job to a non-professional as if you cut too much, you basically are looking at a new steering column.

Ford has a technical serive bulletin on it and yes there is a new for 2005 switch that is built differently internally to help with binding issues.... Base number at a Ford dealer is 11582.. and you are looking about $100 for switch and labor to cut out (usually actual time needed to cut it out)

Answer 7

Buy a new cylinder from Ford and replace it yourself. It's cheaper and the only hard part is drilling out the old one. I used to be able to turn mine after working the key in and out while turning and it sometimes took over 15 minutes. Eventually, it just got old, so I fixed it myself.

Answer 8

I'm sure you've done this, and it might not apply to you, but I'll throw it out there. Sometimes you have to move the steering wheel a little to the left or right before the key will turn in locking steering wheels.

Answer 9

Key cylinder is worn, put the key in and bang it with the palm of you hand a few times, then try to turn it.

Answer 10

I suggest trying your spare key,

possible the key that wont work is worn or damaged.

or

I would also try turning the steering wheel when you try to turn the key, If the steering lock is active it can make the ignition key hard to turn.