my key goes to position 2 but wont go to 3 and start the car had the barrel looked at and he said its not that so found the wire that starts it connected it to a switch with a live so now i put the key in to pos 2 then press the button it works but is it ok?
A few tips to add. I released the steering wheel adjustment lever and pulled the wheel closer to the driver seat- to give me more room to work. I did not know it adjusted that way. Also I used a large peperclip to release the old tumbler- it worked better than other tools I tried. The retaining clip I had to adjust- after pulling the old timbler out and looking at how it was set on the old- I matched it to the new one.
I just ran into this problem yesterday and missed school due to this. I tried clicking on the URL to the ebay account btu found that they arent selling any right now. Do you know where I can find this piece for a reasonable price? I called Ford and they quoted me $159 and when I said thats 'steep for a college student' the guy laughed at me.
Thank you for the information. It worked pretty slick. The lock was a little tricky to get right. Saved me $500 the dealer wanted. I bought the kit for 40 bucks -free shipping and support was good from safeandlockstore part nummer:Strattec 707592 Thanks again.
@dino3721 Hey dino, i have a 2001 ford focus and of course the ignition has locked and I have been looking on the best way to fix it and saw your comment. Just wondering if you had any problems when you replaced it yourself? Thanks i would love a reply
had my 2003 ford focus ignition tumblers jammed .Got the car brand new at the dealer has 100,339 miles on it . Lock smith is here wants $240.00 to replace the lock . That's a lot of work to do and the time to wait for the parts i can't do ,need that car every day . well better
$240 then dealers $500 . Signed at the mercy of the craftsmen.
this video almost made me feel like I could try to replace the ignition in my 03 Focus...such a dssapointing day when relaible transportation turns to no peace of mind! disgruntled isnt event he word for it, but I digress. Thank you for posting your video, in a worse case scenario I may have to endeavor this!
Good video. My BIL has a Cobalt and holy shit, the key got stuck, we had to cut it off, and then drill out the cylinder. Total cost of fix though, 85 USD (20 for the key and 65 for the cylinder- all from GM). Total time to fix, 13 hours (alot of drilling, beating, and cussing). Those zinc cylinders are a MF to get out if you can't use detents. His GF has a 2001 Focus so I am doing my homework. Thanks for the video.
Great video! Saved me a lot of time and money. Got the new lock on E-Bay and had more trouble putting the plastic shroud on than assembling and installing the new ignition lock. Thanks.
OK, I've followed the tutorial and changed the ignition tumbler, I turn the key, all the dash board lights come on, radio works, however there is no power to the ignition, ie it won't start, any suggestions ?
@Michin725 Did you get a new key? If so, you'll have to activate it. For Chevy Cobalt, it took 30 minutes. If you have an old key that used to work, then it should work. You might've knocked the connector off of your ignition switch, then you can have the signs that you describe.
If you dont feel like completely replacing the assembly, you can remove it and spray it out with your choice of solvent (engine degreaser, WD40, Carb cleaner, ect). just keep spraying and soaking until it comes out clear. It is probably not as effective as complete replacement, but it does improve the operation (I just did it to mine)
Thanks for the fix! I actually used the Motorcraft SW6285 for my 2003 Ford Focus and it worked great. Just had trouble putting the retainer clip on the back of the assembled tumbler (the retaining clip is the black metal circular piece). Had to use a snap ring plier to pry it open enough to slide it on. Thanks for the vid and hope this comment helps others.
Thanks for the tutorial! Was having a major problem trying to turn the key in the ignition, but after hammering the key in the ignition (with care), I was able to get it to turn. Will have to follow up with this fix next.
Great tutorial! The last half, anyway. I can't speak for the first as I ordered my ignition from fradonlock who keyed it for me from a photograph. Their service was truly excellent and I highly recommend them. The replacement actually went much, much quicker than I had expected. I had a little trouble with the retainer, but it turned out that's because I had the key in the wrong position. Just turn it *one* click. Once I did that I was able to push it in with a 1/8 hex bit very smoothly.
What happens if that black ring is broke?? I had a guy attempt to install remote start on my grand prix and it "locked up". He said this was normal and it'd just take time to reset...but he really broke that ring and then wouldn't return calls etc. So my car has just been parked for mth and half with no remote start and or even able to drive it! Help!!
You can re-configure the wafers without replacing the cylinder. Just mix and match them. Pretty simple. Try one configuration, insert the key and if everything is flush you are good to go. You might have to remove one or two of them, but it won't cost you anything.
hey i have a 1999 dodge stratus and i popped the steering off and found the release tab. my video tells me to insert key and turn to on postion and then push release tab but i cant turn my key at all, any suggestions?
@macioce85 this was also a problem for some people with the Focus. Some have gotten it to work by tapping the key pretty hard with something heavy (or screwdriver handle). When that doesn't work, some people have to drill into a certain spot on the tumbler. That is a last resort, but there are other tutorials online (mostly in forums) that you can Google to see how and where to drill. Hope this helps.
I found out that the lock is not neccessarily the problem. It may very well be the switch behind the lock, which is more logical. This switch is very easy and cheaper to replace. I would recommend to replace the switch behind the lock at first.
if the key wont go in the hole, or if the key wont turn, or if the key wont come out.....its the tumbler cylinder. if the cylinder actuates and no ignition then look else wear but if you cant actuate then it must come out.
if the key wont go in the hole, or if the key wont turn, or if the key wont come out.....its the tumbler cylinder. if the cylinder actuates and no ignition then look else wear but if you cant actuate then the cylinder must come out.
Thanks for the video. That seller doesn't exist anymore, but I was able to buy the same thing from another Ebay seller. Cost me $32 and just replaced it. I didn't use every actuator, as it wasn't as smooth as I would have liked. I went back and forth with 3 of the actuators. Ended up just using just 4 of the 7. Works great. Super smooth now.
this worked for me. i had to create my own tool to get the plastic retainer pushed in, though. took a fork, bent three of the prongs completely down, and then bent the tip of the remaining prong about 20 degrees to create a bit of a hook. with that, i had no trouble getting the retainer pressed. otherwise i could only press on that metal piece just to the left of it.
Excellent instructions! Had to replace ignition lock and this took me today about 10 minutes, although I must admit I asked a locksmith to fit the key, so the only thing I had to do was exchanging locks.
I used a 5/32 flathead, approx. 25cm long, and it was a piece of cake.
Nonetheless I am wondering what makes the old lock getting stuck.
the tumblers are failing, getting bent or not springing back, some report the lock bar sticks. after reading all the complaints i decided not to by another cylinder, i just removed the tumblers from mine. the key is loose but i will never get stranded, and key must have chip to start so the tumblers are almost useless.
Another problem, 2 days ago I put a new CV shaft on my driver side... Now the fucken transmision is having problems going into 3rd gear... It will either just seem like its in neutral or I will just get no power at all and like finally it will kinda jump then run normal
Dang... Well My key wont come out in my 05 ZX4... It turns all the way to the off position... and when it is like that I can grab my shifter and without pushing the break in or pushing the button in it will slide all the way down 2 first gear and back up too park lol... with the key in the off position... Any idea why?
I too am having this issue, I currently use the hit the end of the key while in the ignition to get it to turn over method to start the car
but the ebay suggestion for buying the tumbler comes up with no results and toysortools isn't a store, any suggestions on where to get the tumbler with the springs/wafers or will any of the other ones on ebay right now for Focus Tumblers work?
It looks like the guy I got it from is currently sold out. There are others who have it, such as michaelr788766, under title FORD FOCUS AUTO IGNITION CYLINDER, and fradonlock, under title Strattec Full Ignition Repair Kit Ford Focus 707592. Basically, you are looking for anyone selling the ignition cylinder made by Strattec, item number 707592. Hope this helps.
got the part, and it's all set, I just can't get the old cylinder out, am I supposed to jiggle the retainer around till it finally pops out by hoping for the best, or is there a trick to getting the cylinder out? thanks for the speedy response on finding the cylinder on ebay too by the way
That's why I said it took me a while in the video. For some people this comes out easy, but for others it's a lot of work. It takes a lot of pushing hard with a very small point on the retainer while pulling the key hard. I also had my key turned too far, so you might want to try turning the key closer to the "off" position while pushing in the retainer and pulling the key. I probably spend about an hour or more on this. Fortunately everything else is easy. Let me know how it turns out.
@ConleyMali I couldn't get it, I spent a good amount of time on it, had several others try it for a while too, just feel like i'm digging at the retainer.. it's not locking as much as it used to though, and the hitting the key on the end of it while it's in the ignition method seems to be working for now so I'm not worried about it till it really needs to be replaced
thanks anyways though, it's good to know what needs to be taken care of
Well I'm sorry to hear that. One more tip that I don't think I mentioned in case you try it again is to push the key in hard while trying to depress the retainer button, to move the cylinder a little to the left. The retainer might be too tight against the right wall of the hole to depress. This is one of the things I started doing before mine came out. I also know it will not depress unless the key is in the exact correct position.
@anothertrend hey how did excatly start the engine without the tumbler ignition..my ignition tumbler came off..cant put key back in tumbler ..and cant put the tumbler in housing..tumbler is locked...
when I couldn't start my ignition it was when the tumbler was locked in the housing.. I put the key in the ignition and if it didn't turn I would give it a little whack on the end of the key while in the ignition and magically it would turnover
I'm not sure about your tumbler came off and can't get it back in the housing issue sorry
I thought that at first, but this kit that I show in the video for $45 includes the springs and wafers so you actually make the lock fit your key. I had never done any locksmith work before, but it was easy and the instructions are easy to follow. There is no need to reprogram through this method.
my key goes to position 2 but wont go to 3 and start the car had the barrel looked at and he said its not that so found the wire that starts it connected it to a switch with a live so now i put the key in to pos 2 then press the button it works but is it ok?
captainuk001 2 days ago
Searching google for Strattec 707952 got me the part for $40 with free shipping. Support was good also. safeandlockstore.
dino3721 1 week ago
A few tips to add. I released the steering wheel adjustment lever and pulled the wheel closer to the driver seat- to give me more room to work. I did not know it adjusted that way. Also I used a large peperclip to release the old tumbler- it worked better than other tools I tried. The retaining clip I had to adjust- after pulling the old timbler out and looking at how it was set on the old- I matched it to the new one.
dino3721 1 week ago
I just ran into this problem yesterday and missed school due to this. I tried clicking on the URL to the ebay account btu found that they arent selling any right now. Do you know where I can find this piece for a reasonable price? I called Ford and they quoted me $159 and when I said thats 'steep for a college student' the guy laughed at me.
ashaleemarie89 2 weeks ago
Thank you for the information. It worked pretty slick. The lock was a little tricky to get right. Saved me $500 the dealer wanted. I bought the kit for 40 bucks -free shipping and support was good from safeandlockstore part nummer:Strattec 707592 Thanks again.
dino3721 3 weeks ago
@dino3721 Hey dino, i have a 2001 ford focus and of course the ignition has locked and I have been looking on the best way to fix it and saw your comment. Just wondering if you had any problems when you replaced it yourself? Thanks i would love a reply
vega1221 1 week ago
Thank-you for posting the video!! Everything worked like a champ.
OutdoorsWithJim 1 month ago
Thanks a lot for this video..!!!! you made me save a lot of money. I have followed all your instructions and it worked fine..AAA++++
Benellisupernova12 2 months ago
I still sell and install these locks.
Just haven't listed on Ebay in a while.
Contact me if you need one.
cityautolocksmith 2 months ago
had my 2003 ford focus ignition tumblers jammed .Got the car brand new at the dealer has 100,339 miles on it . Lock smith is here wants $240.00 to replace the lock . That's a lot of work to do and the time to wait for the parts i can't do ,need that car every day . well better
$240 then dealers $500 . Signed at the mercy of the craftsmen.
basicwebmember 4 months ago
this video almost made me feel like I could try to replace the ignition in my 03 Focus...such a dssapointing day when relaible transportation turns to no peace of mind! disgruntled isnt event he word for it, but I digress. Thank you for posting your video, in a worse case scenario I may have to endeavor this!
aj92507 5 months ago
Good video. My BIL has a Cobalt and holy shit, the key got stuck, we had to cut it off, and then drill out the cylinder. Total cost of fix though, 85 USD (20 for the key and 65 for the cylinder- all from GM). Total time to fix, 13 hours (alot of drilling, beating, and cussing). Those zinc cylinders are a MF to get out if you can't use detents. His GF has a 2001 Focus so I am doing my homework. Thanks for the video.
mts0628 5 months ago
Did you really have to put that crappy ass music with this video? My God that is terrible NOISE!
Quick2000 5 months ago
Great video! Saved me a lot of time and money. Got the new lock on E-Bay and had more trouble putting the plastic shroud on than assembling and installing the new ignition lock. Thanks.
gbogart1 5 months ago
As an automotive locksmith I repair these almost daily.
You can insert the key and lightly tap on the head of the key to
vibrate the tumblers into position and it will turn.
But it will only get worse until you have it repaired.
Happens with many Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, as well as Ford
cityautolocksmith 6 months ago
OK, I've followed the tutorial and changed the ignition tumbler, I turn the key, all the dash board lights come on, radio works, however there is no power to the ignition, ie it won't start, any suggestions ?
Michin725 7 months ago
@Michin725 Did you get a new key? If so, you'll have to activate it. For Chevy Cobalt, it took 30 minutes. If you have an old key that used to work, then it should work. You might've knocked the connector off of your ignition switch, then you can have the signs that you describe.
mts0628 5 months ago
If you dont feel like completely replacing the assembly, you can remove it and spray it out with your choice of solvent (engine degreaser, WD40, Carb cleaner, ect). just keep spraying and soaking until it comes out clear. It is probably not as effective as complete replacement, but it does improve the operation (I just did it to mine)
.
kford2014 7 months ago
Thanks for the vid. In and out in 20 minutes.
pharaoh319 7 months ago
Nirvana? Hahaha cool just noticed .......now this was a great tutorial music and all!!
r1casill 7 months ago
thank you for posting
r1casill 7 months ago
I am going to try this and I am hoping that it works because I dont want to pay tons of money for someone to do this.
proudmomma112 7 months ago
Thanks for the fix! I actually used the Motorcraft SW6285 for my 2003 Ford Focus and it worked great. Just had trouble putting the retainer clip on the back of the assembled tumbler (the retaining clip is the black metal circular piece). Had to use a snap ring plier to pry it open enough to slide it on. Thanks for the vid and hope this comment helps others.
zenchinc 7 months ago
Thanks for the tutorial! Was having a major problem trying to turn the key in the ignition, but after hammering the key in the ignition (with care), I was able to get it to turn. Will have to follow up with this fix next.
JamesYShih 8 months ago
thanks for posting ... must be a Nirvana fan? or perhaps Wierd Al ????
1onlyphil 10 months ago
thanks for posting ... must be a Nirvana fan?
1onlyphil 10 months ago
good video sir. my question is, my steering wheel is locked in a straight angle and won't move. Do you have a solution for that? thanks
TheBrownPinoy 10 months ago
Does everyone have to add music to their videos! So annoying!
grissomairport 10 months ago
Great tutorial! The last half, anyway. I can't speak for the first as I ordered my ignition from fradonlock who keyed it for me from a photograph. Their service was truly excellent and I highly recommend them. The replacement actually went much, much quicker than I had expected. I had a little trouble with the retainer, but it turned out that's because I had the key in the wrong position. Just turn it *one* click. Once I did that I was able to push it in with a 1/8 hex bit very smoothly.
goddardtp 10 months ago
What happens if that black ring is broke?? I had a guy attempt to install remote start on my grand prix and it "locked up". He said this was normal and it'd just take time to reset...but he really broke that ring and then wouldn't return calls etc. So my car has just been parked for mth and half with no remote start and or even able to drive it! Help!!
Sweethang6 10 months ago
You can re-configure the wafers without replacing the cylinder. Just mix and match them. Pretty simple. Try one configuration, insert the key and if everything is flush you are good to go. You might have to remove one or two of them, but it won't cost you anything.
UberFAKnNooB 1 year ago
thank you!!!! very much!!! this has been a great help!!
LUSAHID1 1 year ago
phenomenally helpful!
trustonlythe 1 year ago
hey i have a 1999 dodge stratus and i popped the steering off and found the release tab. my video tells me to insert key and turn to on postion and then push release tab but i cant turn my key at all, any suggestions?
macioce85 1 year ago
@macioce85 this was also a problem for some people with the Focus. Some have gotten it to work by tapping the key pretty hard with something heavy (or screwdriver handle). When that doesn't work, some people have to drill into a certain spot on the tumbler. That is a last resort, but there are other tutorials online (mostly in forums) that you can Google to see how and where to drill. Hope this helps.
ConleyMali 1 year ago
Comment removed
macioce85 1 year ago
I found out that the lock is not neccessarily the problem. It may very well be the switch behind the lock, which is more logical. This switch is very easy and cheaper to replace. I would recommend to replace the switch behind the lock at first.
MultiPrefect 1 year ago
@MultiPrefect Not true at all...
Jacksonjames4 1 year ago
@Jacksonjames4
If it isn't true at all, I am curious to know why it isn't true at all
maximekirsten 1 year ago
@MultiPrefect
if the key wont go in the hole, or if the key wont turn, or if the key wont come out.....its the tumbler cylinder. if the cylinder actuates and no ignition then look else wear but if you cant actuate then it must come out.
cpistilli2 1 year ago
@MultiPrefect
if the key wont go in the hole, or if the key wont turn, or if the key wont come out.....its the tumbler cylinder. if the cylinder actuates and no ignition then look else wear but if you cant actuate then the cylinder must come out.
cpistilli2 1 year ago
Thanks for the video. That seller doesn't exist anymore, but I was able to buy the same thing from another Ebay seller. Cost me $32 and just replaced it. I didn't use every actuator, as it wasn't as smooth as I would have liked. I went back and forth with 3 of the actuators. Ended up just using just 4 of the 7. Works great. Super smooth now.
fatjackizback 1 year ago
Thanks a lot.This helped me out a good deal.this took me about 10 minutes.It all went smooth for me.
Manix25 1 year ago
I still sell and install these ignition locks, I just haven't listed any on ebay in a while.
The Ford Focus is known for this problem. Especially 2000-2004 model years.
If your ignition lock is sticking or hard to turn, it will only get worse.
The only fix is to replace it with strattec brand part # 707592.
Strattec is the company that supplies locks for the newer Ford Focus and other models that do not have this problem.
cityautolocksmith 1 year ago
this worked for me. i had to create my own tool to get the plastic retainer pushed in, though. took a fork, bent three of the prongs completely down, and then bent the tip of the remaining prong about 20 degrees to create a bit of a hook. with that, i had no trouble getting the retainer pressed. otherwise i could only press on that metal piece just to the left of it.
samvance 1 year ago
Excellent instructions! Had to replace ignition lock and this took me today about 10 minutes, although I must admit I asked a locksmith to fit the key, so the only thing I had to do was exchanging locks.
I used a 5/32 flathead, approx. 25cm long, and it was a piece of cake.
Nonetheless I am wondering what makes the old lock getting stuck.
MultiPrefect 1 year ago
@MultiPrefect
the tumblers are failing, getting bent or not springing back, some report the lock bar sticks. after reading all the complaints i decided not to by another cylinder, i just removed the tumblers from mine. the key is loose but i will never get stranded, and key must have chip to start so the tumblers are almost useless.
cpistilli2 1 year ago
Another problem, 2 days ago I put a new CV shaft on my driver side... Now the fucken transmision is having problems going into 3rd gear... It will either just seem like its in neutral or I will just get no power at all and like finally it will kinda jump then run normal
GrantsPass23 2 years ago
Dang... Well My key wont come out in my 05 ZX4... It turns all the way to the off position... and when it is like that I can grab my shifter and without pushing the break in or pushing the button in it will slide all the way down 2 first gear and back up too park lol... with the key in the off position... Any idea why?
GrantsPass23 2 years ago
I too am having this issue, I currently use the hit the end of the key while in the ignition to get it to turn over method to start the car
but the ebay suggestion for buying the tumbler comes up with no results and toysortools isn't a store, any suggestions on where to get the tumbler with the springs/wafers or will any of the other ones on ebay right now for Focus Tumblers work?
anothertrend 2 years ago
It looks like the guy I got it from is currently sold out. There are others who have it, such as michaelr788766, under title FORD FOCUS AUTO IGNITION CYLINDER, and fradonlock, under title Strattec Full Ignition Repair Kit Ford Focus 707592. Basically, you are looking for anyone selling the ignition cylinder made by Strattec, item number 707592. Hope this helps.
ConleyMali 2 years ago
got the part, and it's all set, I just can't get the old cylinder out, am I supposed to jiggle the retainer around till it finally pops out by hoping for the best, or is there a trick to getting the cylinder out? thanks for the speedy response on finding the cylinder on ebay too by the way
anothertrend 2 years ago
That's why I said it took me a while in the video. For some people this comes out easy, but for others it's a lot of work. It takes a lot of pushing hard with a very small point on the retainer while pulling the key hard. I also had my key turned too far, so you might want to try turning the key closer to the "off" position while pushing in the retainer and pulling the key. I probably spend about an hour or more on this. Fortunately everything else is easy. Let me know how it turns out.
ConleyMali 2 years ago
@ConleyMali I couldn't get it, I spent a good amount of time on it, had several others try it for a while too, just feel like i'm digging at the retainer.. it's not locking as much as it used to though, and the hitting the key on the end of it while it's in the ignition method seems to be working for now so I'm not worried about it till it really needs to be replaced
thanks anyways though, it's good to know what needs to be taken care of
anothertrend 2 years ago
Well I'm sorry to hear that. One more tip that I don't think I mentioned in case you try it again is to push the key in hard while trying to depress the retainer button, to move the cylinder a little to the left. The retainer might be too tight against the right wall of the hole to depress. This is one of the things I started doing before mine came out. I also know it will not depress unless the key is in the exact correct position.
ConleyMali 2 years ago
@ConleyMali
Ordered my kit from fradonlock. Arrived with no issues.
Sockington 2 years ago
@anothertrend hey how did excatly start the engine without the tumbler ignition..my ignition tumbler came off..cant put key back in tumbler ..and cant put the tumbler in housing..tumbler is locked...
gaston24 2 years ago
when I couldn't start my ignition it was when the tumbler was locked in the housing.. I put the key in the ignition and if it didn't turn I would give it a little whack on the end of the key while in the ignition and magically it would turnover
I'm not sure about your tumbler came off and can't get it back in the housing issue sorry
anothertrend 2 years ago
I'm having the same issue with my Focus right now. :/ I'm thinking I'll have to get it reprogrammed.
IntenseSapience 2 years ago
I thought that at first, but this kit that I show in the video for $45 includes the springs and wafers so you actually make the lock fit your key. I had never done any locksmith work before, but it was easy and the instructions are easy to follow. There is no need to reprogram through this method.
ConleyMali 2 years ago
good job man, need more people posting on common problems like this. props
Musokai22 2 years ago