Please post if your ignition has locked!

[vad]

Just happened to me too.
Called the locksmith...
He told me that he has seen a ton of Focuses with the same exact problem.
Instead of messing up with the Focus parts he is replacing the original lock with a part from the Explorer (supposedly a much better design).
20 minutes and $80 later my car was back in service.

[Jared]

ohhhh thank you for posting that... i heard a while back that the cylinder locks from F250's work but nobody was able to verify that. so if you have an Explorer one I am totally doing this the next time mine breaks!

[lm1d]

I've had mine lock up twice. Once was on 9/11...never forget that one. Had the dealer replace it under warranty. The next one, I replaced myself. I also posted step by step instructions on how to do it here on the forum (do a search). I think you can plan on doing it every 20K miles. Either spend 280 bucks or do it yourself for $30 (think that was it). Ford has a bad design here, but I don't think its been fixed yet.

[tulsafocus]

i had mine lock up as well, the reason is because of a faulty tumbler design in the key hole, if you're familiar with locks at all then you know that the way it works is by pushing several different length rods into place, forming a straight line above the key and allowing it to turn. the reason it locks up is because of bad tumbler springs, which push the tumblers back into place when you pull the key out. so i had to replace mine, cost was about $30 for me and almost 4 hours to figure out. if you do do it yourself, make sure you plug the PATS system back in, you can tell it's working b/c when you put the key in and turn it to ACC position, the led in the center of the dash will light up for about 30 seconds, or until you turn the key some more. just make sure you park with your wheel straight all the time and if you feel any resistance when turning the key, STOP and put some graphite or something in it.

and people wonder why FORD stands for fix or repair daily

[lm1d]

I took about 2 hours to replace it. Next time, I think I can do it in under an hour. Not difficult to do, you just have to be careful not to drill into the column. It is a pretty simple procedure, definitely not worth $280.

[focusnyc]

Just happend to me yesterday!!! What a piece of s#!@!!!
Add my name to the list!!!

[Brian K Simpson]

Mine has locked up on me about 8 months ago. I'm hopeing a recall will be out soon. I just banged on my key while in the ignition and wiggled it around a little till I get it to turn. Now I just leave my key in the ignition.

[turbofordguy]

Mine locked up about a year ago just before a road trip, about and now the replacement lock is not locked up! It is really pissing me off because I call Ford my local Ford Dealer and they told me "yeah we are getting about 5 a month, but its not a recall issue" I have now been without my Focus for two days. It just sucks, Ford needs to build a better product. Does anyone know if the 2004 has a better lock?

[2LZETEC]

Mine gets locked up every once in a while. All you gotta do is turn your steering wheel while turning the key in the ignition and it unlocks. I don't know if this is the problem you guys are paying money for or what. Hopefully I'm saving some people some money by posting this.

[LemonGT]

Not even close! That's true for any car. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[someguy2211]

Hey all, this is my first post on here. I just had my ignition lock for the second time on my 00 ZX3 with 44000 miles on it. Earnhardt Ford wanted 300.00 to fix it. So I went and got the part (which was 108 dollars from the dealer, but I returned it and got it from Checker for only 17.99 if anybody is looking for it), Me and my friend drilled out the lock, but I was wondering why everyone says to be careful to not drill out the back? I know that pin that locks the steering wheel is back there, but couldn't you just replace it?

[nilo]

Had my first ignition cylinder replaced at 45K. Now, at 109K, my second ignition cylidner is starting to act up just like the first one.

[bushey1]

It is a very common problem. Wife came out of the store and couldn't get the key in. Had it towed to the dealer, same thing drill it out and get it rekeyed to our keys $350.00.Went to the NHTSA website and filed a complaint, then went on Naders lemon law website and filed one, was contacted and given some lawyers info. They have a class action lawsuit started for this problem.

[LemonGT]

There is close to 100 of us here complaining if they want more firepower for the class action.

[Jared]

It is a very common problem. Wife came out of the store and couldn't get the key in. Had it towed to the dealer, same thing drill it out and get it rekeyed to our keys $350.00.Went to the NHTSA website and filed a complaint, then went on Naders lemon law website and filed one, was contacted and given some lawyers info. They have a class action lawsuit started for this problem.

what is the link to whoever is doing the class action suit, i want in

[Red_ZX3_Baron]

Its happen to me to, My ignition lock would not turn but I made a quick fix, I squirt a little WD-40 in the lock and now it is working OK ( knock on wood)
But now I have a new problem, my passanger door will not unlock at all. It will not even open from the inside! Something is jamming it from unlocking and I'm going to have to bring it in.
FORD= Fix or Recall Daily

[2blu]

Mine locked, and it cost me 200 dollars to have a new one put in.

[JackyFocus]

Key Stuck today...Don't know how much to pay for to fix it now. $90 for inspection. DonKott Ford in Carson. 2000 ZX3

[JackyFocus]

Just got a call from the Dealer. They want $420 to fix it. Don Kott Ford in Carson, CA. I am very veru upset right now....What should I do? They said it is parts and labor. I have 62000 miles in my car. Very very upset right now.....

[zx3_gurl]

This happened to my car last year- I have a 2000 zx3. When I called the locksmith guy in Fresno, Cali he told me this was like the 30th call he'd gotten about it. I ended up taking it to ford- I know a service writer- and got it all taken care of for 80 bucks- plus having to have it towed!

[jetjaguar72]

Mine locked, damn dealer is charging 350
i am selling the stupid thing, too many problems

[focuz77]

Mine too. A friend at a dealership told me try hitting end of lock cylinder with a hammer since it's broken anyways. Tried it and it worked with a bit of graphite thrown in. Happened about 5 more times- so I used a bigger hammer and a lot more graphite. Now at 108,000 miles and still using original lock cylinder-- have not had problem in a long time.

[DirtBrownZX3]

2000 Kona Just had my 4th ignition put in within 1 year. This time they gave me 2 new keys also. Car has 50,000 miles.

[Marlene]

My ignition and steering wheel have locked up. Still no recall on this part is BS. They're estimating me at 300 when I decid to tow it in. If it is the same problem everyone else is having, then I will file in smal claims court as well. Add me to the list.

[mega_focus]

Mine locked up this past Thursday night it was acting up for awhile should have replaced it then but didn't so now my car is stuck way out. Towing would be out of the question since it would be a massive amount money to tow it to a dealer trying to get a locksmith to come out just waiting for them to call me back. Please add me to the list cause this is a bunch of bullcrap.