How do you replace an ignition cylinder if the key won't turn?

I usually can get these to turn: with one hand, put slight turning pressure on key and with other hand, use a screwdriver handle to smack the key (straight in, like hitting a nail) Make sure the steering wheel is not tight (it should wiggle easily- if not someone else should turn it a bit and hold it for you)

If that doesnt work:

http://www.motorage.com/motorage/data/articlestand...

The replacement locks should have the key hole in the middle of the cyl. (non sidebar lock) unlike the original (sidebar lock) and you wont have the problem again.

more good info:

http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/fordfocus.html#...

Ignition Cylinder Replacement

I had a Ford Focus 2000 and went through 3 ignition switches.

But learned a lot.

The problem is that the tumbles and locking bar are not like normal lock cylinders. Instead they are not lined up, but at 90 degrees. What is supposed to make it work then is not the direct pressure of the key, but only the weak pressure of these tiny little springs.

And any sticking is enough to prevent the locking bar from retracting.

What a tow truck driver showed us is that by putting a chunk of wood on the key, and than tapping on that, you can vibrate the locking bar into releasing. Works most of the time. Then you can remove the cylinder.

Also make sure you release any pressure on the lock from the wheel, by making sure the steering wheel is in the middle of its free play.

But finally that did not work anymore.

Had to drill out the last one.

A real pain.

Soft metal, but you have to go slow so you don't wreck anything else.

A small chisel did the final cutting to break up the cylinder, so it could be removed, piece by piece.

You have to take the steering wheel and maybe the turn signal switch off first. Hard to remember, since it was about 5 years ago I did it. Careful too, because of the airbag in the steering wheel. The cover over the center of the steering wheel was hard to pry off. The lock nut on the steering wheel was large, about 1" or so. You need sockets and ratchet. After you loosen nut, you pull up on wheel, and tap lightly on nut and shaft, to get taper of wheel to release.

When you get a new lock cylinder, you will notice the tumblers are not installed, and come as a kit that can match any key. You just put whatever tumbler sequence matches your key, visibly. There are only 4 depths of cut on each tumbler.

But to prevent this from happening again after 3 already failing, we simply left all the tumblers out.

That means you can turn it with a screwdriver even. But since is has one of the proximity sensing rings that detects the key, it does not really need to lock. It won't start unless the key is within a few inches.

Oh, and since Ford knows all about this and has not bothered to do a recall, we complained to the manager, and he gave us half off on the switch. That is their costs, so they did not actually lose any money. Was $35 only.

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RE:

How do you replace an ignition cylinder if the key won't turn?

I have a 2000 Ford Focus SE. I'm trying to replace the ignition cylinder because my key will not turn. Everything I have looked up on how to change it says that you have to turn the key to a certain position in order to pop the old one out, but there is no way I can do that because my key will...

Ford Focus Ignition Switch

It is possible to drill the pin that holds the ignition cylinder in place (on most cars anyway) It's just a lot of work and a big hassle.

Arizona ? Replace the swich. Hard to do too. You will be cutting and drilling.

Switch is $80.

Had a friend ask me about one of his friends needing that same repair yesterday. On the same model car.

Is that you ? His Name was Patric.