Rep: 133
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it seems the key wont turn all the way back, but its not on ascessory. It is in park, but the steering wheel isnt locked. Ive tried to turn the steering wheel while wiggleing the key.
Is this a good question?
Rep: 9.8k
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This may be your problem. The plastic sleeve on the shift lever slides down and causes a sensor in the shift mechanism to sense that the car is not in park.Thus the ignition key is not released. Simply put the transmission in park, then slide the sleeve upward and the key should release.
Hope it helps,
Frank
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Worth a try +
+ works for me - well not exactly
worked well for me
OMG!!!! Really old answer to the question, but just saved me anywhere from $150 - 500
THANK YOU!!!!!
Perfect! Thank you. Good to know.
Rep: 49
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on the focus as well as most other ford products all you need to do is put the cars ignition in the run position, The position that the car is in when running only do not start the engine. Then look under neath the steering column to find a small hole approx 3/16th diameter. Insert a stiff wire or small alan wrench until you feel slight resistance then push harder it will advance only 1/8" to 3/16" then pull on the key.. This will remove the lock cylinder. Now hold the lock cylinder in your hand and rotate the key if it works then the switch mech is being stopped by foreign debris that must be cleaned by removing the switch mech and repair or replace it.
Incidentally I am a ford certified tech.
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+ very old question, but a great answer:)
you ROCK !!!
Rep: 85
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Take a small rubber mallet and tap the key. This is assuming the car is in park (automatic only) or manual transmission. The key should come out without issue. This should be enough to loosen up the parts on the lock cylinder that are binding. You may want to replace the lock cylinder at this point to ensure this doesn't happen again.
The ignition lock cylinder is a common failure item on 2000-2004 Ford Focus models. Assuming that your key is not chewed up, go to your local Ford dealer and order a new lock cylinder - you'll need to give them the Vehicle Identification Number so they can key it to your car. This should cost no more than $90. Installing it should take no more than one hour of your time if you take your time and have a couple screw drivers (phillips and slot).
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That's awesome. It worked. Thanks so much
One issue in premature key/lock wear is the fact that a lot of us like to have a kilogram or two of extra keys, fobs, and bangles on our key rings. This mass, flailing about whilst you drive, certainly does the lock no good! Also, a little lock lube on the key can certainly help improve life.
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Frank thank you you where wright on the money. Shifter sleeve was stack in down position ewer slightly. I pullet it in up position and key come out.
Thanks
Ed
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Frank Thanks you hit the nail on the head the snifter sleeve had sled down about half inch down. with very little pressure it sled right back up and out came the key, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us simple folk.
I have a 2007 ford focus and. having problem getting the key will not come of ignition, and the gale shifted up and down
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Thanks Carl. Thought hubby was going to have a coranary but your answer was a life saver .
My daughter snatched the key out of a 2009 Ford focus while it was still drive; now I can't switch it on. Any help?? Thanks in advance
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Do you have it in Park?
Assuming you can get the key back in:
turn the key to off possition
make sure you are in park
put foot on the brake
try starting ...
Good luck.
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11 Comments
The Focus is notorious for problems with the ignition switch. A locksmith would be able to get to it, but that's $$$. Best of luck to you.
by R Trent
My 05 zx4 is doing the same i would not call a lock smith.. If you disconnect the battery turn the key forward the back it will come out.. I need to know how to fix the problem.. Tem fix i keep one key in the ignition and lock it with the clicker.. If i am parked for awhile i will also disconnect the battery for theft reasons
by seanwlls
My 2007 Focus zx3 was doing the same thing. Fixed it by pulling this little ring up on the shifter. I guess it isn't hitting the sensor the right way when it falls down.
https://youtu.be/qrJqx3k3nZ0
by Mark Butler
Thank you Mark Butler. That took me 15 seconds to fix. Why is that a feature on these cars?
by Lorne Wolfe
THANK YOU !! GENIUS!!! I play with that thing while i am driving.....lol
Knew it as soon as i started reading and burst out in a eureka giggle.
(Answer: 2 responses previous)
by Larry Walsh
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