Ford Focus: Ford Focus ZX3 Ignition problems

Your ignition lock is failing, a common problem on 2000 -2003 Ford Focus.
Your best bet would be to take the car to a locksmith as soon as you can and
have him replace the lock cylinder. It a lot cheaper through a lock smith
and you get a better quality lock. If it completely fails then you will have
to have the lock cylinder drilled - its expensive and problematic because if
it is drilled incorrectly the steering column has to be replaced. Go to this
URL for more information.
http://www.motorage.com/motorage/data/articlestandard/motorage/472002/38913/article.pdf




"finderinhere" <com> wrote in message
news:com...
I have a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3. Occasionally, when I try to start my car
the ignition will not do anything. I will put my key in the ignition
and try to turn my key, however it is as if I have locked my steering
wheel. I've tried pulling the steering wheel as far as I can in both
directions as I try to start my car. This has happend 4 times in the
past 2 months. Two of the times I could not start my car for 20
minutes. The other two took me 1-5 minutes to start my car. I have
also tried using my spare key, which has not resulted in anything. My
car is a manual, I'm not sure if that matters. The clutch is always in
when I'm trying to start my car. I've also tried jiggling the steering
wheel back and forth as I try to start my car. What is wrong with my
car? What should I do?
Thanks!
Erin

--
Posted using the http://www.autoforumz.com interface, at author's request
Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
Topic URL:
http://www.autoforumz.com/Ford-Focus-ZX3-Ignition-problems-ftopict113606.html
Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd). Report abuse:
http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=535414

finderinhere wrote: 

Been there done that. Tha crap lock cinder is starting to
fail, more precisely the pins in the lock cinder are starting
ware out.

In the mean time incert the key in the lock strike the key
a couple of times that should set the pins so you can turn
the key.

I am on my second ignition lock which has also failed. I just
leave a key in the ignition all the time and carry a second
key to unlock the car.

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

finderinhere wrote: 
Been there, done that, vomited on the FORD T-Shirt.

Your lock cylinder is failing or has failed. The pins are made of cheap
brass and wear out quickly. It has nothing to do with whether it is auto
or manual. Your key is coded so you pretty much have to go to a Ford
dealer to have one replaced. Fortunately, the newer lock cylinders are
more robust. Cost me about $300CDN when I had my 2000 done 3-4 months
ago. Don't expect to go after Ford for this since they have never had a
recall on this since it is not "safety" related.

Just so you know you are not alone:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_focus_ignition.html

Ron

--
And it really doesn't matter if
I'm wrong I'm right
Where I belong I'm right
Where I belong.

Lennon & McCartney