ATL: Ford Focus Ignition Problem!
Ask The Locksmith Question:The key won't turn in my 2000 Focus SE wagon's ignition switch. The ignition switch collapsed 3 years ago and was replaced. The key will pull out but not turn. After trying for 1/2 hour, it finally turned, so I drove it to a mechanic who said to go buy a new ignition switch and he's pop it in with no problem. I note the new ignition switch came with a new set of keys. Now the stupid mechanic says the new key won't turn in the new ignition switch either, and he does not know how to fix it.
Does this have anything to do with the new keys? What is wrong now? I'm stuck now with no car because the car is still at the mechanic's shop. Should I buy another new ignition switch from you? If I do, why would it work instead of the new one I just bought yesterday? I'll buy one if you can ensure me that my car will work. Please advise. Thanks. Can you rush the part? What would that cost?
Hi there...
Well... There are a couple of explanations as to the "why's" here. Most of them run right alongside your definition of "stupid mechanic."
You're kind of in a pickle as they say. The following may or may not help, but at least you'll be REALLY informed. :)
First off... If this obviously un-knowledgeable mechanic told you he could just "pop" an ignition in with no problem, he's a) not a knowledgeable mechanic, b) trying to rip you off, or c) not bright.
Ford Focus' use Transponder keys (chip keys). These keys are specifically and specially programmed into the vehicle itself, and once programmed in, are dependant on the cuts in the keys originally programmed in, which are of course, dependant on the ignition being properly pinned to MATCH the existing keys. Very expensive, and highly proprietary computerized equipment is used to do this.
The reason we can sell replacement ignitions without requiring programming is that we pin the new ignition up to your EXISTING keys, therefore the programming in the car and your existing keys themselves are not changed or disturbed.
Any time you get a new ignition that is NOT pinned up to your existing keys (for instance, when a doofus mechanic tells you he can put a new one with new keys in "no problem"), the "new" keys must then be programmed INTO your car, like new, with the proprietary computer, rendering your old keys useless. If this is not done, the keys won't work. Period.
There is never, EVER a reason to allow someone to sell you a replacement ignition for a Focus that comes with keys, or purchase new keys for that replacement ignition. Ever. Only fools or rip off artists sell a new ignition that has new keys with it (thus requiring programming), or sell you a new ignition and THEN tell you that you also need new keys programmed into it, because the old ones won't work, or sells you an ignition and tells you that this is the only way it comes, with new keys, etc.
If you do buy an ignition that comes with keys, and allow yourself to be rooked into having them programmed, you will then have two different keys for the vehicle. One that opens the door, and one that runs the car. You may already be in that situation, if you're already had the ignition replaced, but Ford Focus, as sold, comes with ONE key that works everything.
DO NOT pay this person for the ignition or the "service" performed. You would have an easy case in court should they choose to pursue payment. This is an uneducated, incompetent "mechanic," who apparently doesn't know his job.
The fact that the keys won't turn is not because they haven't been programmed. It's more likely because this mechanic person incorrectly installed the ignition. If it was properly installed, the keys would turn smoothly and easily, all day. The car wouldn't start of course, because they are new keys, not programmed into the vehicle, but the keys would turn.
Other possibilities are;
That you started with the usual Ford Focus problem, but that it has now became a column problem due to inept installation.
That your existing key itself is the issue, and not the ignition at all. If so, this is yet another thing the mechanic should have seen and pointed out, and one we would have noted as soon as you sent a photo of your key.
In addition to the above, what is the brand and part number of ignition you were sold? With what you describe, I'm thinking that it may not have been the correct igntion (First clue, it should not come with keys), and that he didn't notice if it was or was not the right ignition in the first place. While there are several types of ignition cylinder parts that will work with a Ford Focus. there is only one brand and part number of ignition that will prevent the original problem from occurring, and it is not a Ford OEM ignition. Try to find out what the actual part you were sold is, brand and part number.
We absolutely, positively guarantee that the ignitions we sell are a) properly pinned to your existing keys, requiring NO key programming, nor new keys.
We guarantee that the ignition we sell is the ONLY ignition on the market that will not cause the same problem or result in a reoccurrence of the same problem you originally had.
We guarantee that the ignition we sell is the RIGHT ignition for your vehicle.
Having said that, because you're already had your ignition changed once, and had an incompetent mechanic fiddling around with it after that fact, unfortunately I have no way of guaranteeing, as you stated : "if you can ensure me that my car will work" - There's simply no way of knowing if your car will work. I have no idea what he's done to it.
The guarantees I can and will freely make are the above. It's the right ignition for your vehicle. It will be pinned to your existing (original) keys, and if the mechanic hasn't destroyed the existing programming by fiddling around, your current keys will need no programming. And that the ignition sold will never have the same problem that is afflicting Ford Focus'.
I do NOT guarantee, based on the description of the work done of your car to date, that it will make your car work.
If you wanted to give it a try, and have someone, anyone (preferably a locksmith), other than this mechanic be the one to install it, we could sell you an ignition with a guarantee of money back if the replacement doesn't work, so long as the ignition is not damaged and has not been installed on return. It's very easy to test the ignition prior to installing it by putting your existing key into it, and turning it. If your existing key won't turn the ignition cylinder as sent, do NOT install it. Return it for your money back.
However, I honestly would not be willing to sell you an ignition if this same individual is going to be the one installing it.
Ideally, after the fiddling that's been done so far, I would suggest you have a locksmith come and fix it for you.
However, if you have someone trustworthy to install a replacement ignition, and would like to give it a shot, details are below.
All we need is a CLEAR digital picture of the blade portion of the key blank. We prefer to have two photos, one on each side as even though the cuts are the same, in older, worn keys, seeing both sides can make the difference in being able to clarify specific cuts.
Please see examples of what I'm looking for, and what would not work, here:
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/focuskeypics.html
The price is always the posted price, $88.00 for the new, rekeyed to match, Strattec ignition, and $7.00 S&H by USPS Priority Mail (2 to 3 days mailing time).
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/rates.html#focus
For Overnight, the posted price is $88.00 for the new, rekeyed to match, Strattec ignition, and $18.65 S&H by USPS Guaranteed Overnight (Generally arriving by noon).
Total: $106.65
Timeline for shipping is as follows:
For example, once your photos are approved, an invoice will be returned to you. If the payment is made on a business/mailing day, the keyed ignition would be shipped the following business mailing day (Mon-Sat, non-Holiday). If payment is made on a non-business day (Sunday), it will count as being made on a Monday, and the ignition will ship the following day. If payment is made via an eCheck (bank transfer) from within PayPal, the ignition would be shipped the day the funds clear, generally 5 business days.
For Overnight, same rules apply.
***Our Guarantee: The cylinder we send will work with your existing keys based on our best ability to read the cuts shown in the picture(s) sent. Before you install the cylinder, please attempt turning it with one of your EXISTING transponder keys. If the cylinder will not turn freely, DO NOT INSTALL THE CYLINDER. Please send the cylinder back to us Priority - The cost for shipping it back will be refunded to your credit card on receipt of the return, we will retain the ignition, and refund your entire cost (including S&H) immediately.
If, on receipt of the ignition, you have questions on the removal/installation process, please feel free to call and ask for Bill. He may have to call you back if he has a full day in the field, but we will help in any way we can. A print out of installation instructions are included with the pinned cylinder as well.
Also included with your new Strattec ignition, are a business card with your key code printed on the back, and a mechanical key for your convenience. Please retain the mechanical key in your wallet or somewhere safe so you have a spare to open the door if you get locked out (it will not run the Focus, but it will open the doors). Please also retain the business card with your key code somewhere safe. This key code can be used to have new keys cut at any locksmith who handles automotive, even without your existing keys or the vehicle present. This key code has a dual purpose: It allows you to purchase cut duplicates that you can program yourself (if you already have two working Transponders). It also allows for some cost savings in the event all keys are lost, by bypassing the normal labor intensive (and charged appropriately) method of determining the key code with missing keys.
Let me know if we can help. Photos may be e-mailed to the e-mail address on the above Ford Focus page for evaluation.
Cheers!
kim
