HELP!!!! Cant remove my key!!!

[focuschic316]

My 00 focus ATX wont let me take the key out of the ignition. I can put it in park, but the shifter wont lock in place so I cant remove the key. Help!!!!

Thanks

[Cookieman00x]

Try moving the shifter back an forth a fes times and see if it locks.. if if doesnt you may have to take the console apart and make it click into place manualy.

[dsgrey]

Common issue with that generation. Find a way to get it out. If you can, then you will need to replace the ignition cylinder by drilling it out. I think I paid ~$70 for one from a locksmith and spent 2 hours drilling the old one. Else you'll get stuck with a hefty bill from a locksmith or dealer. This issue is posted in multiple places on this forum. It's how I learned and did this last spring to a 2000 model.

[MonkeyGein]

move the shifter all the way up and down. if that don't work, use a little more force. don't break it, use common sence

[Anthony1]

I found the shifter boot slides down a bit and will not allow the mech. fully into "park", by sliding it back up, the problem was resolved.

[mnwrench]

Flick the shifter button. The button on the side of the shifter pushes a rod down that makes a switch under the shifter. When the rod does not spring back up, the switch electrically prohibits the lock cylinder from turning completely to release your key.

[pagany64]

had the same problem with my 03 zx3....if you are still able to turn your car on i would just take it to a mechanic, its wat i did. Apparently once this happens the key cylinder needs to be replaced and if you still have the key in place you dont need to drill it out, so its cheaper to fix