Ignition Cylinder Alternative Solution?

[MisterAlex]

I saw a post about this issue we all detest so much in the FF forums:

"When my cylinder locked up, I just put the cylinder back togather w/o any tumblers and springs. The car won't start without the key anyway. I I have a tumbler-less ignition. I don't have to worry about any more tumblers breaking."

Can anyone confirm this as a possible solution for a jacked up cylinder? If I'm able to get it to turn, I'd much prefer to doctor it than pay for a whole new shebang.

[SaTaNcLaUz]

thats pretty much what I did, except i only removed the part causing the bind for 'me' which was the push bar on the side of the cylinder itself

and that is 100% accurate, the PATS is what is keeping someone else from starting your car, the key does nothing

i posted a few times in the iginition lock thread but its a bit long winded now lol

[pzev04boy]

The new cylinder kit you get from the dealer is completely different and it was designed to prevent this jamming problem. Why not just get the propper new kit?

[Red_ZX3_Baron]

I read it to on FF, It looks like a good Temp Repair to hollow out the lock. Its good to do that temp job untill you get the time and/or Money to get the lock replaced. I say still get a new lock, it will help keep the car value up when it comes to trade in for a New Focus or something else. I'm going to do this Temp repair tommorrow after work. I just want to know if the tumblers are easy to remove or not.
Rick KC2ESD

[Red_ZX3_Baron]

Well I am about to operate on the IC. I'll let you know how is goes.

Please God don't let me **** up.

[1220-2012]

The tumblers aren't hard to remove. You'll need to gently push down on the left side of the tumbler, then slide the tumbler to the right and pull it out. Be careful you don't break the wire from the cylinder to the PATS system when you remove the cylinder.

[Red_ZX3_Baron]

The operation was a Success. I did not remove the tumblers, I Just removed the lock bar that rides on top of the tumblers. I found the second tumbler from the tip of the key was sticking and not lining up with the rest. I reinstalled the lock with out the lock bar, it does not jam anymore. Then I did some testing. I started the car with no problem, them removed the key and got out of the car, it still ran as I moved 20+ feet away. Then I put the key back in and turn the engine off. Then I tried the key from the 88 Stang, I put it in part way only so it would not get stuck, then try to start the engine, it did not start proving the PATS system works. It was easy and only took about 45 Minutes to do it for the first time. One nice thing is I can run the engine when its cold out and take the key with me inside. I think I'll wait to spring to replace the lock.

One more Thing, If you do this Temp Repair remember to remove the ground wire from the battery for safety.

I have to thank GOD and All of you on Focaljet and FF, you all saved me some money. Thank You.

[Red_ZX3_Baron]

Bump for good reason.

[FORDSVTPARTS]

One other option is just contacting us here at Tousley Ford and having us build you a new cylinder.

It's about $80.00 shipped to your door and it'll work with existing keys, Thats less than the suggested retail for the cylinder kit.

I posted this info in the team tech forum and we have helped quite a few people with this issue.