The ignition key will not turn in a 2001 Ford Focus?

Ok, this is a very very common problem with all ford/lincoln/mercury products and by products. If this is an automatic equiped car, there should be a key type slot by the shifter on it's console- insert a key into it to engage trans in neutral. Then try the ignition again as it should work now. Otherwise try wiggling the steering wheel left and right till the key turns. The steering wheel may be putting pressure on the locking pin in the ignition, thus making it nearly impossible to turn the key. DEFINATELY take it to a ford dealership because this happened to my aunt's focus while she was driving 60mph- her steering locked because of that faulty pin in the ignition and she hit the back of a patrol car,lol. Turns out it was a major recall so hopefully you wont have to pay for the repair.

This is an EXTREMELY common problem on the Focus. And the only fix is to have the ignition lock cylinder replaced. Unfortunately, turning the steering wheel lock to lock won't free it. There have been FEW situations, where soaking the hole with WD-40 or penetrating fluid has freed it up. I'm sorry, but you'll have to take it to your nearest Ford dealer to have the problem fixed. Something to note: The replacement ignition lock cylinder is identical to the ones now used in the '05 to current model year Focuses, so hopefully Ford has resolved this problem with the updated part.

take your key and put in ignition lightly with a small hammer while trying to turn key tap on end of key very gently tap tap tap......... trust me sounds bullshit i know but thats how we do it at ford. oh by the way if you get the key to turn proceed to aford dealer as soon as possible and do not turn the key back to the off position.the hammer trick only works a couple of times

Double check the steering wheel. Sometimes when you turn the key off and unintetionally turn the wheel sharply, the steering wheel "locks". A firm tug/pull in one direction (or the other) may help get the key cylinder unlock for you to turn the key.

Cylinder and key is stuck, so put the key in and hit it with the palm of your hand a few times, then try to turn it. If you can start the car don't put the key in the lock position until you fix it.

Yes the steering wheel is slammed into the steering wheel lock, move the steering wheel alittle and the key will turn, there should be some slop in the steering wheel so if it wont wiggle one way try the other, ( left or right )

there are little pins that shapes the key when you put it in the slot.

the little pins have to move a certian amount for the key to turn. if the pins cant move because of rust or dust then there is your problem. try spraying a little wd40 in the keyhole

2001ford Focus

The interlock is jammed wiggle steering wheel, make sure is in park, fully depress brake pedal try it again

wiggle the steering wheel as you try to turn the key. if that doesn't work you're probably screwed