Ford Focus: Broken ignition

"rufus20" <net> wrote in message
news:KxpIe.13687$.. 

This is common on 2000 and 2001 North American Focuses, but rare after that.
Perhaps it is your model year that the dealer is referring to.

My dealer said the exact same thing: "never seen this problem before". The
tow truck driver told me he had, personally, hauled a dozen or more Foci to
that dealer for the very same problem. Car dealers aren't known for their
integrity, and, perhaps, this helps to illustrate why.

Rob

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"rufus20" wrote ... 

First of all, a correction: it's a 2003 ZX5.
I Googled "Ford Focus ignition" and found, literally, dozens of sites with
postings from angry owners. I found some that are on their third ignition.
Interestingly, many people report having tow operators say the same thing
about towing many Foci with broken ingnitions. I wonder which dealer in the
country HAS seen this problem before?
In my research, Ford has never acknowledged the problem or issued a
Technical Service Bulletin regarding it (however, I did find TSBs covering
my broken windshield wipers and horn).
I'm considering taking this up with the consumer unit of the local
television station to see how many cases of this obvious defect it stirs up.
I'll keep the group posted.


"Basic Wedge" <ca> wrote in message
newscwIe.116887$%.. 
to 
the 

I have seen another 2003 ZX5 posted on the group a few months back with a
key the wouldn't turn.
She was a realestate agent and she was stoping and starting her ignition a
lot.
I have a 2003 ZX5 as well, and I realize that it is just a matter of time.
Using Lock Lubricant can put off the inevitable, but it will only delay it.


"rufus20" <net> wrote in message
news:gdxIe.13721$.. 

Actually, from what I've read, the tumblers are made of an inferior alloy
and they just wear out.
Ford has not redesigned the part, so it will continue to happen.



"Dan" <net> wrote in message
news:RjxIe.85332$%.. 
it. 
with 
ignition. 
thing 
covering 
Foci 
their 

rufus20 wrote: 

To be precise, its the pins, they are made of brass. When I had
my first ignition lock replaced the mechanic showed me the warn
pins that came out of the lock.

To avoid having to tow the car, insert the key in ignition lock,
strike the end of the key a couple of times, this should set the
pins to allow the key to turn.
 

--
John in the sand box of Marylands eastern shore.