ATL: Ford Focus Ignition Failure
Ask The Locksmith Question:I have a 2000 Ford Focus se wagon. The key does not like to turn in the cylinder. I was able to get the cylinder out of the steering column. I could get a replacement at the Ford dealer, but don't want to replace it with another inferior unit. I have read that Strattec makes a good replacement. Do you ship those replacement cylinders for the Focus? If so, does the kit explain how to make the new cylinder match my existing key, and what would be the cost for one shipped to Iowa?
You're right, the Strattec part is the superior in this case... FYI: What happens essentially is that the wafers get bent, or stuck, and buildup "burrs" after time, which eventually prevents the key from turning at all. The ignitions used by the Ford builders during these years were simply poor ignitions, so if the Ford/OEM version fails, you do need to replace the whole thing as you're finding out.
I'm unable to quote what you would pay for the part itself in Iowa. We have them, and would be happy to ship for you, but our prices may vary considerably here in California from what you might be able to get locally. They simply cost more from the suppliers in California unfortunately. I would suggest calling around locally to see what locksmiths nearby would charge you for the Strattec part.
As far as the new cylinder fitting the existing key, any locksmith should have the ability to key the lock to your existing key before you take it home from the shop. Then once it's installed, your existing key should work it just fine.
Please let me know if you have trouble finding a local supplier. If worst comes to worst, we can key an ignition to your existing key here, using your key code if you have it, or alternate means, and ship the ignition already keyed to you.
Cheers and best of luck, yell if you have questions...
Kim
07:27 AM 11/20/2005 Sunday:
Ask The Locksmith Question:
THe key in my 2002 focus would not budge at all. I think I have a leak in the pvc hose( i think that's what it's called) would that have anything to do with it or does it sound like an ignition problem. if so, how much would it cost to have repaired with you guys. thanks
Hi there...
Ford Focus's between 2000 and 2004 have bad ignitions. It is a common problem, and one that we repair on a nearly daily basis. It has nothing to do with a PVC hose, etc. :) What happens essentially is that the wafers get bent, or stuck, and buildup "burrs" after time, which eventually prevents the key from turning at all. The ignitions used by the Ford builders during these years were simply poor ignitions.
The cure for this is to drill out and replace the ignition itself. We key the new ignition up to your existing key, and the ignition we use is far superior (in fact, what Ford should have been using all along), without the burring issues that the existing ones have.
Our rate for this is available on our "Services" page.
We are available 24/7, and the rates are not higher on nights or weekends.
Please give us a call if we can help, or answer any other questions
Thanks so much,
Bill
We're not your normal locksmith company™... :)
read or link to the full post here...
