Ford Focus: How common is the ignition switch problem?

Freedom55 wrote: 
 
able 
car. I 
assistance. 
 
but 

There are TWO different problems that can cause this.

There is a problem with bad ignition switches. There is also a
problem with bad shifters. I had the second. I occasionally
couldn't get the key out of the ignition. They replaced my
ignition switch but it didn't help. I explained that I could
feel that the shifter wasn't quite going into park. Usually,
when it happened, I could move the car back and forth a little
and it would clear up.

I could always start the car. I occasionally had to leave the
keys in the ignition. I locked the car and carried a second set
of keys with me. After they replaced the shifter, my problem went
away.

"Freedom55" <"joinertake this out"@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote
 

It's a known defect on early model Foci. Happened to me. The good news is
it's not particularly expensive - it merely requires a new lock cylinder,
which is set for your key. Cost me a couple of hundred plus tow, as I
recall.

A lot of people think it should be a recall but since there's no actual
safety issue (by definition it happens when the car is parked) no such luck.

"Waste" <com> wrote
 

I see no evidence of this. Newer Focuses don't seem to have the problem (at
least to anything like the same degree) and you can be certain that Ford is
using the same lock cylinders that go into the newer cars. The entire auto
industry - Ford included - uses "just in time" delivery which means that old
stock is used up in production, and new parts are freshly made.

What may be confusing you is that the part number may not have changed,
which gives the appearance of a part of the same quality. But production
tolerances, selection of materials etc can change even with the same part
number.

But I do agree with the sentiment that Ford could have done a better job of
fixing this problem. They certainly have been good at fixing other early
defects, including the warrantee extension on the fuel pumps.

Having been bitten by this, I squirt proper lock lubricant (not oil or
grease) into my lock once a year, along with all the door locks.

Waste wrote:
 

My first '88 Probe had the lock go out, I could remove the key while the car was
running, and the key in the run position, the dealer said teh police pay extra
for that feature.

and my '00 ZX3 had the ignition fail also, check out a locksmith, they probably
could do it cheaper, took my brother ~ and hour to remove it, i put it back in
myslef.

"Waste" <com> wrote

<... I do not understand what your point is!

If you got a life it would be easier.

I have a 2000. I am on my third. Usually, it will give you some warning
before it goes. So far, this one has lasted.
"Dave Gower" <ca> wrote in message
news:ca... 

Freedom55 wrote: 
It ended up costing me 251CDN which appears to be par for the course. I
still resent having to pay that amount for something that is clearly a
defect.

Would speaking to the area rep have any effect?

Ron

"Freedom55" <"joinertake this out"@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote
 

As far as I know, no, but it can't hurt. If you do, let us know the result.