New Ignition Cylinder Help. - Focaljet

**j20000** · 01-23-2006, 09:13 PM

Thanks to Steve (FORDSVTPARTS)...he helped me with this a few weeks ago...so I used most of his instructions, and added some stuff. Everybody's had problems with this...and everybody thinks that it is going to cost a ton of money, or you have to drill it out...well you dont...here it is:

1. To replace the cylinder you just remove the column shrouds to gain access to the cylinder, you will need to be able to turn the cylinder to remove it the easy way.

2. If you are having probems getting your key to turn then try the old "hit it with the palm of your hand method". This should be enough to get the key turned.

3. Turn the steering wheel 1/2 turn to the right so that you have easy access to the lock cylinder, and some working room. With the key turned to the "on" position, there is a small hole in the housing, that the cylinder goes into, that faces towards the driver, Use a small pick or philips screwdriver or whatever will go in the hole, push in the release pin inside the hole and the cylinder slides right out.

4. If you absolutely can't turn it you will have to drill it out or take it in somewhere and have the job done.

5. Once the old cylinder is out the new one slides in by aligning the "d" shape inside and it will now work, Thats it.

Note: Most dealerships will build the cylider to match your keys, some charge for this and others don't. Just call the parts department, give them your VIN...and they can look up your Key Code, cut you a Non-Programed PATS key, and build your new ignition cylinder off of that. Or you can take them your programed key (if you have a spare). If you are like most if us that leave your key in the ignition once you start having this problem...DONT TAKE IT OUT. This will help you in the removal of the broken cylinder. Hope this clears up everyones questions.

**all2envyZx3** · 02-05-2006, 01:42 AM

are you talking about me!

**BLUE_02_ZX3** · 02-11-2006, 04:23 PM

so is it best to get a focus replacement cylinder then? cuz I heard something at one point about getting a explorer cylinder and they can cut it to your key and that it doesnt have this problem. how much are the cylinders?

**Z63R** · 02-11-2006, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j20000

Hope this clears up everyones questions.

Dude, this is a huge help.

Thank you in advance should I ever need these instructions.

**j20000** · 02-11-2006, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z63R

Dude, this is a huge help.

Thank you in advance should I ever need these instructions.

Anytime Chris...I do what I can. Since I have had my car since 2000, I have had pretty much every problem one could have with a Foci.

**opus1** · 02-13-2006, 12:49 PM

EDIT: FocalJet Sponsors only, please.

**papashonga** · 02-16-2006, 05:49 PM

got one question.... well, maybe a couple. right now, i can't get my key to turn at all. i've read somewhere that a slide hammer will do the trick, but do i have to have the key turned in order to make the slide hammer work, or can i just screw a screw into the keyhole and pull it that way?

second question... i ordered a motorcraft cylinder to replace the old one, how do i key it or will i have to have a locksmith do that?

i really hope someone can help me...

**j20000** · 02-16-2006, 11:51 PM

you can have any of the parts guys at the ford dealership set the tumblers for your key. You should be able to jar the ignition loose by putting the key in the ignition and hitting the key with the palm of your hand a few times. you only need to turn the key that one time to get it out. If you cant get it...then the job does get a little tricky. You will have to drill it out. I dont really have an answer for you on the slide hammer, as I have never done it...but I would try to get the ignition cylinder loose by the method I mentioned. Good luck...if you have any more questions...feel free to send me a PM and I will do the best I can to answer them.

**blackgrrl23** · 03-27-2006, 09:17 AM

My key will go in and out of the ignition cylinder with no problem, but the key will not turn at all. My steering wheel is locked and I can't move it for anything. Should I just give up and take her to the dealer or is there another way to get the cylinder out? I don't have much money being a single mom....please help!

**whiskeytangofoxtrot** · 03-29-2006, 09:32 PM

Did you try to pull the wheel to the left while you pound on the key and turn it? Try it and let us know if it works.

**ax0n** · 03-29-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackgrrl23

My key will go in and out of the ignition cylinder with no problem, but the key will not turn at all. My steering wheel is locked and I can't move it for anything. Should I just give up and take her to the dealer or is there another way to get the cylinder out? I don't have much money being a single mom....please help!

Seriously, you're in a situation where drilling it or getting professional help is needed.

**Croc_Tease!** · 04-22-2006, 05:45 PM

I'm still driving around with a big hole in mine

**VizualXTacyZX3** · 05-02-2006, 10:25 PM

oh yes,im glad you posted this because im about to hit my 3rd lock ign. cylinder

so i appreciate the instructions with photo's

**j20000** · 05-02-2006, 11:49 PM

Hey, its the least I can do...I turn my misfortune into a learning experience for all

**blackgrrl23** · 05-03-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ax0n

Seriously, you're in a situation where drilling it or getting professional help is needed.

Actually the day after this I hit the key with a hammer and it has been working OK ever since!

I still ride with a spare ignition cylinder and a printout of these instructions in the glovebox just in case

**j20000** · 05-03-2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackgrrl23

Actually the day after this I hit the key with a hammer and it has been working OK ever since!

I still ride with a spare ignition cylinder and a printout of these instructions in the glovebox just in case

Change that thing already...do it while you still can, so that you dont have to drill it out.

**all2envyZx3** · 05-04-2006, 11:36 PM

**Badgerbacker89** · 05-08-2006, 10:12 PM

Mine sat for a couple weeks, stubbornly refusing to allow any ket rotion despite repeated taps with the palm of my hand and even a hammer on many occasions. I finely decided to suck it up and drill it out. But moments ago, figuring I had nothing to lose, I whacked the sh** out of it with a hammer and it worked.

**fitzfocus** · 07-04-2006, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opus1

Contact Mike at b16sir1991 in ff, He works for Ford Parts & can get you a new unit w/extra door key for $65.00 shipped. He will also personally built it to your FIN #.

Hey. I need to look into this. I have a sticky ignition. Could you give me some more details on this exactly. Contact mike at b16sir1991 in ff? I'm not sure what that means. Also, I bought my 2001 Focus used, how do I know what my FIN # is? Any help? Thanks.

**j20000** · 07-04-2006, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitzfocus

Hey. I need to look into this. I have a sticky ignition. Could you give me some more details on this exactly. Contact mike at b16sir1991 in ff? I'm not sure what that means. Also, I bought my 2001 Focus used, how do I know what my FIN # is? Any help? Thanks.

OK...here is a little help for you. b16sir1991 is the guys screen name...and FF is "Focus Fanatics" its another Focus forum (www.focusfanatics.com) But I would contact Steve (FORDSVTPARTS) on here or send me a PM, I just got one for Cruizin4L from my dad...he is a Ford Parts Manager. I dont see how that guy is getting them for people at $65 with a PATS key...that was a pretty big hook up. If you get it from Steve or my Dad, its gonna be about $110. Oh...FIN# was supposed to be VIN#. The Ford dealership can cut you a key and build an ignition cylinder off of your VIN#.

**fitzfocus** · 07-16-2006, 12:10 PM

b16sir1991 came through with an ignition cylinder. I was using this "how to" along with my Haynes manual to change the cylinder yesterday. Everything went fine except I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to depress the lock plunger/release pin. I was referencing the new cylinder to see how it depresses but couldn't really figure it out. There seems to be a lot of metal on the right side of the hole. That slopes off to flat at the left side of the hole. I feel like I'm missing something. I tried pushing down, pushing to the right. Pushing the key in while pushing down. Nothing, key is in the accessory position. Can someone please try to explain in a little more detail how you to engage that release pin. Thanks.

**j20000** · 07-17-2006, 09:12 PM

yes...that pin is sloped so that it is thicker toward the passanger side of the car....push the whole cylinder to the left, so that it releases the pressure on the cylinder...then push the pin in with something as you are sliding out the cylinder. Its tapered so that when you slide the new cylinder in, it will depress on its own, and lock into place.

**MY20ZX3** · 07-23-2006, 08:34 PM

Yeah, I had my lock cylinder freeze up on me, OF COURSE 3,000 miles after the warranty went. BEAUTIFUL.

The lock cylinder itself is a good $300 because it has PATS (Passive Anti-Theft Security), meaning it has an electronic chip in it that costs more than a Pentium IV that prevents the car from being stolen. And with that, they'll have to cut two new keys and program those, and that can only be done at Ford.

In other words, just prey yours doesn't bust on you.

**j20000** · 07-24-2006, 02:04 AM

Dude....the lock cylinder itself doesnt have the PATS...you can replace the lock cylinder for around $100 thats why I did this write up.

01-23-2006, 09:13 PM	#1
j20000 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hopewell, PA (But, San Diego at heart) Posts: 6,069	New Ignition Cylinder Help. Now with Pics!!! Thanks to Steve (FORDSVTPARTS)...he helped me with this a few weeks ago...so I used most of his instructions, and added some stuff. Everybody's had problems with this...and everybody thinks that it is going to cost a ton of money, or you have to drill it out...well you dont...here it is: 1. To replace the cylinder you just remove the column shrouds to gain access to the cylinder, you will need to be able to turn the cylinder to remove it the easy way. 2. If you are having probems getting your key to turn then try the old "hit it with the palm of your hand method". This should be enough to get the key turned. 3. Turn the steering wheel 1/2 turn to the right so that you have easy access to the lock cylinder, and some working room. With the key turned to the "on" position, there is a small hole in the housing, that the cylinder goes into, that faces towards the driver, Use a small pick or philips screwdriver or whatever will go in the hole, push in the release pin inside the hole and the cylinder slides right out. 4. If you absolutely can't turn it you will have to drill it out or take it in somewhere and have the job done. 5. Once the old cylinder is out the new one slides in by aligning the "d" shape inside and it will now work, Thats it. Note: Most dealerships will build the cylider to match your keys, some charge for this and others don't. Just call the parts department, give them your VIN...and they can look up your Key Code, cut you a Non-Programed PATS key, and build your new ignition cylinder off of that. Or you can take them your programed key (if you have a spare). If you are like most if us that leave your key in the ignition once you start having this problem...DONT TAKE IT OUT. This will help you in the removal of the broken cylinder. Hope this clears up everyones questions. __________________ NEW: 2009 Ford Fusion SE - Blue Suede Package, 18" painted aluminium wheels, sport tuned suspension. GONE: 2008 Ford Focus SES - Stock (but Loaded) GONE: -2003 SuperBlack 350z with a bunch of cool stuff -I am a man. I have a cat. He is a manly cat. He is not scared of people, doesn't hide under the bed. In fact, when people come in, he reclines on the couch, leans back and grabs his package and says "'sup." If I try to slap his nose to get him out of my food he just leans back and squints and starts working the jab -CheaperSleeper Last edited by j20000 : 02-18-2006 at 04:17 PM.

02-05-2006, 01:42 AM	#2
all2envyZx3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Grand Junction,CO Posts: 2,107	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. are you talking about me! __________________ I think I might highlight my hair, Because I want some of the strands to to feel more important than others

02-11-2006, 04:23 PM	#3
BLUE_02_ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Terre Haute, Indiana Posts: 1,795	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. so is it best to get a focus replacement cylinder then? cuz I heard something at one point about getting a explorer cylinder and they can cut it to your key and that it doesnt have this problem. how much are the cylinders? __________________ 24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case - coincidence? I think not!

02-13-2006, 12:49 PM	#6
opus1 TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 626	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. EDIT: FocalJet Sponsors only, please. Last edited by OmniFocus : 09-23-2008 at 11:59 AM.

02-16-2006, 05:49 PM	#7
papashonga Rookie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: KeNtUcKy Posts: 7	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. got one question.... well, maybe a couple. right now, i can't get my key to turn at all. i've read somewhere that a slide hammer will do the trick, but do i have to have the key turned in order to make the slide hammer work, or can i just screw a screw into the keyhole and pull it that way? second question... i ordered a motorcraft cylinder to replace the old one, how do i key it or will i have to have a locksmith do that? i really hope someone can help me...

02-16-2006, 11:51 PM	#8
j20000 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hopewell, PA (But, San Diego at heart) Posts: 6,069	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. you can have any of the parts guys at the ford dealership set the tumblers for your key. You should be able to jar the ignition loose by putting the key in the ignition and hitting the key with the palm of your hand a few times. you only need to turn the key that one time to get it out. If you cant get it...then the job does get a little tricky. You will have to drill it out. I dont really have an answer for you on the slide hammer, as I have never done it...but I would try to get the ignition cylinder loose by the method I mentioned. Good luck...if you have any more questions...feel free to send me a PM and I will do the best I can to answer them. __________________ NEW: 2009 Ford Fusion SE - Blue Suede Package, 18" painted aluminium wheels, sport tuned suspension. GONE: 2008 Ford Focus SES - Stock (but Loaded) GONE: -2003 SuperBlack 350z with a bunch of cool stuff -I am a man. I have a cat. He is a manly cat. He is not scared of people, doesn't hide under the bed. In fact, when people come in, he reclines on the couch, leans back and grabs his package and says "'sup." If I try to slap his nose to get him out of my food he just leans back and squints and starts working the jab -CheaperSleeper

03-27-2006, 09:17 AM	#9
blackgrrl23 Rookie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 40	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. My key will go in and out of the ignition cylinder with no problem, but the key will not turn at all. My steering wheel is locked and I can't move it for anything. Should I just give up and take her to the dealer or is there another way to get the cylinder out? I don't have much money being a single mom....please help!

03-29-2006, 09:32 PM	#10
whiskeytangofoxtrot Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 3,716	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. Did you try to pull the wheel to the left while you pound on the key and turn it? Try it and let us know if it works.

04-22-2006, 05:45 PM	#12
Croc_Tease! Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Culver City, CA Posts: 3,586	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. I'm still driving around with a big hole in mine

05-02-2006, 10:25 PM	#13
VizualXTacyZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Saint Petersburg FL Posts: 4,271	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. oh yes,im glad you posted this because im about to hit my 3rd lock ign. cylinder so i appreciate the instructions with photo's __________________ The Sig Outlaw Of [FJ] Ted/Brooklyn/VizX Dont Be Stuck out of the know, Be In The Know! = http://www.flytoyz.com A Fan Of Flytoyz? Show some love! www.myspace.com/beintheknowatflytoyz

05-02-2006, 11:49 PM	#14
j20000 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hopewell, PA (But, San Diego at heart) Posts: 6,069	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. Hey, its the least I can do...I turn my misfortune into a learning experience for all __________________ NEW: 2009 Ford Fusion SE - Blue Suede Package, 18" painted aluminium wheels, sport tuned suspension. GONE: 2008 Ford Focus SES - Stock (but Loaded) GONE: -2003 SuperBlack 350z with a bunch of cool stuff -I am a man. I have a cat. He is a manly cat. He is not scared of people, doesn't hide under the bed. In fact, when people come in, he reclines on the couch, leans back and grabs his package and says "'sup." If I try to slap his nose to get him out of my food he just leans back and squints and starts working the jab -CheaperSleeper

05-04-2006, 11:36 PM	#17
all2envyZx3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Grand Junction,CO Posts: 2,107	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. ] __________________ I think I might highlight my hair, Because I want some of the strands to to feel more important than others Last edited by all2envyZx3 : 06-12-2006 at 10:09 PM.

05-08-2006, 10:12 PM	#18
Badgerbacker89 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. Mine sat for a couple weeks, stubbornly refusing to allow any ket rotion despite repeated taps with the palm of my hand and even a hammer on many occasions. I finely decided to suck it up and drill it out. But moments ago, figuring I had nothing to lose, I whacked the sh** out of it with a hammer and it worked.

07-16-2006, 12:10 PM	#21
fitzfocus Newbie Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. b16sir1991 came through with an ignition cylinder. I was using this "how to" along with my Haynes manual to change the cylinder yesterday. Everything went fine except I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to depress the lock plunger/release pin. I was referencing the new cylinder to see how it depresses but couldn't really figure it out. There seems to be a lot of metal on the right side of the hole. That slopes off to flat at the left side of the hole. I feel like I'm missing something. I tried pushing down, pushing to the right. Pushing the key in while pushing down. Nothing, key is in the accessory position. Can someone please try to explain in a little more detail how you to engage that release pin. Thanks.

07-17-2006, 09:12 PM	#22
j20000 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hopewell, PA (But, San Diego at heart) Posts: 6,069	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. yes...that pin is sloped so that it is thicker toward the passanger side of the car....push the whole cylinder to the left, so that it releases the pressure on the cylinder...then push the pin in with something as you are sliding out the cylinder. Its tapered so that when you slide the new cylinder in, it will depress on its own, and lock into place. __________________ NEW: 2009 Ford Fusion SE - Blue Suede Package, 18" painted aluminium wheels, sport tuned suspension. GONE: 2008 Ford Focus SES - Stock (but Loaded) GONE: -2003 SuperBlack 350z with a bunch of cool stuff -I am a man. I have a cat. He is a manly cat. He is not scared of people, doesn't hide under the bed. In fact, when people come in, he reclines on the couch, leans back and grabs his package and says "'sup." If I try to slap his nose to get him out of my food he just leans back and squints and starts working the jab -CheaperSleeper

07-23-2006, 08:34 PM	#23
MY20ZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 196	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. Yeah, I had my lock cylinder freeze up on me, OF COURSE 3,000 miles after the warranty went. BEAUTIFUL. The lock cylinder itself is a good $300 because it has PATS (Passive Anti-Theft Security), meaning it has an electronic chip in it that costs more than a Pentium IV that prevents the car from being stolen. And with that, they'll have to cut two new keys and program those, and that can only be done at Ford. In other words, just prey yours doesn't bust on you.

07-24-2006, 02:04 AM	#24
j20000 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hopewell, PA (But, San Diego at heart) Posts: 6,069	Re: New Ignition Cylinder Help. Dude....the lock cylinder itself doesnt have the PATS...you can replace the lock cylinder for around $100 thats why I did this write up. __________________ NEW: 2009 Ford Fusion SE - Blue Suede Package, 18" painted aluminium wheels, sport tuned suspension. GONE: 2008 Ford Focus SES - Stock (but Loaded) GONE: -2003 SuperBlack 350z with a bunch of cool stuff -I am a man. I have a cat. He is a manly cat. He is not scared of people, doesn't hide under the bed. In fact, when people come in, he reclines on the couch, leans back and grabs his package and says "'sup." If I try to slap his nose to get him out of my food he just leans back and squints and starts working the jab -CheaperSleeper