2003 ford focus won't crank?

Question

i have a 2003 ford focus. I can put the key in the ignition but the key won 't turn. the ignition is locked. This morning the car started right up but now when I put the key in it won't turn. Somebody help!!!

Answer 1

Try flipping the key over. Sometimes the grooves wear unevenly and this can affect the turning. Try it both ways and jiggle it a little if it doesn't turn easily.

I'd go to a Ford dealer with your VIN and let them cut a key from the VIN files. It will match your key when the car was new. Make sure they soften the edges, as a newly cut key can have trouble turning in an older ignition.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Try turning the steering wheel a bit just before you try turning the key. It may be locking the ignition from turning. This happens sometime when you turn the car off and the wheel has been turned to the extreme left or right.

Answer 3

the ignition cylinders are kinda crappy in the older style focus. That's more than likely all it is. I was a mechanic for Ford for 2 years. Plus a focus freak. Got an 05 a lil fixed up and I love it! Anyways it's not your steering wheel lock just the cylinder! Not too big of a deal. Not too much of a break in the wallet!

Answer 4

You probably turned the steering wheel and it is lock which will lock the ignition. Try moving your steering wheel and turning the key at the same time. Either that or your ignition lock cylinder has gone bad.

Answer 5

Did You Check If It's Got Some Kind Of Secrtiey System Aint-Theft You Useing The Factroy Key With The Chip?

Answer 6

Steering wheel locked?
move the wheel back and fourth while turning the key.

Answer 7

Check ur battery cables, make sure they are clean, check the ground from battery to engine block too, Usually a solonoid wont cause everything to go dead, more like a ground problem.