If attempting to clean the ignition lock cylinder, always begin with safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying debris. I used a clamp and a flathead screwdriver, but snap ring pliers would have been much easier. Need some help I turn my steering wheel while the truck was off and in park and now I can't get the key to move and start the truck nor can I get the steering wheel to move. We use cookies to analyze & improve your experience, & to personalize content and ads. If this works and it doesnt happen again, its probably a one-time thing you dont need to worry about. MaritzCX moderates public reviews to ensure they contain content that meet Review guidelines, such as: No Profanity or inappropriate defamatory remarks, No Personal Identifying information (e.g., customer phone number or email), No Competitor references (e.g., another brand or dealership), Dangerous behavior (e.g. A little clicking around revealed some relevant information: a magazine article from 2002 detailing how to remove a stuck ignition cylinder, and a service manual describing how to get to the cylinder in the first place.http://www.motorage.com/motorage/data/articlestandard/motorage/472002/38913/article.pdf http://www.mbremerart.com/misc/Focus%20Manua/2003%20Focus%20Ignition%20Lock%20Cylinder.htm If the notches match, then you've found one that will work for that position. Find the ignition switch plate on the steering column and use a screwdriver to loosen the panel, then remove it and put it somewhere safe. Choose your category to find related content. If you do not, you can obtain a spare key by writing down your cars Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is found on the drivers side windshield or inside the door jamb. I will be calling him back for service on other vehicles as then comes around. T20 Torx screwdriver ratchet Pull down and shuffle it out of the way, and place to the side. It is time for FORD to open their eyes and correct this. Posted by barb_hallinaon Whatever you do, dont start trying to rip it out of the ignition. January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. Take your time, and only press the cover on as tight as necessary. Now i am screwed. When driving under 40 mph my car has started to sound like something is stuck in the engine. Is it time to move on? So therefor I say we all start getting loud the right way.. Can't turn on car - now it's just sitting there unusable. Then turn off key and pull it out and just put in new key with no other keys near ignition and turn key to on all within 5 seconds. To take it out, I inserted the key to raise the tumblers, hooked the paper clip under the part, and manipulated the bar on the side of the cylinder until it came free without forcing. Eventually, youll need to replace the key. I want to rewire the "Front power point" to turn off with the ignition key. That can cause bigger problems. I've tried disconnecting the positive The truck will start eventually with a jump, but will not start . Bent keys can sometimes enter the ignition cylinder, but once inside will not line up correctly to allow the car to start. Here's where the instructions for accessing the cylinder come in handy. #2 Philips head screwdriver Very scary bc we were alone and far from home. The whole job took me about 4 hours, but I had to figure out how a lock works without much help. Most due to her being a teenager.. Bad clutch,brakes, and general maintenance. Key in ignition won,t turn 2004 ford escape. WTF isnt there a class action suit about this bull? So now turn key and you hear the fuel pump running, it will not crank until fuel pump stops running. My mechanic friend came over and said the ignition or tumblers needed replaced and he would do it, that was two weeks ago. You can use some grease on the spring to keep in in place. If you want to use your old key in the new steering column if you replace it just call a locksmith its only about $125 to have them come to you and repair it so I hope you enjoy the video and all the hard work it took to show you this really super trick. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. Been dealing with it for months and months There is the possibility that your ingition switch has been changed. If the steering lock is causing a bind, this will relieve the pressure and get the key out. This happens most often when someone has more than one car key on their key ring. I had it repaired once already, $400 dollars, not to mention all of the motors blew in every window except the front passenger window. Vehicle sales in Alabama were also robust in 2012. Last Updated: April 26, 2023 140,000 miles. The oil pressure light will usually come on when a few things could be happening. How Often Do Spark Plug Wires Need to Be Changed? How to program your Integrated Keyhead Transmitter - Ford Get a regular non-PATS key made at the lock smith. After some research on the problem, it sounds like the issue is very well known, and pretty common. 2023 The instructions require the key code, getting it is worse than pulling teeth, but if you don't destroy the old cylinder taking it out the plungers are numbered. My in-laws swear that they love the Ford Focus but with this happening, they might change their mind too. Component 3: Battery. Unacceptable that this is wearing after so little usage - car only has 89000 miles. How do I unlock my vehicle without a key? Low voltage can keep the ignition lock mechanism from properly functioning. If it doesn't come out, try turning the key a little further or a little less as you push on the screwdriver. The ignition column lock module is the part at fault in this case. Ford Escape Key Won't Turn - RepairPal putty knife I will say that the key has in the past locked up before and has refused to come out of the ignition before, but never to this degree. When you remove the key, press each tumbler down with the paper clip and check that the bar sticks out from the side. clean, light-coloured work surfaceOptional: Keep up the great work! Hooray! No portions of the video can be copied and re-distributed in any shape or form without written approval from root 66 and or the Clay way Channell! AUTOMATIC. YourMechanic All rights reserved. If you do drill out the cylinder, be extremely careful not to lose any parts from the broken cylinder, or the rest of the job will be either difficult or impossible. If you slide the key into your ignition but cant turn it, you may be scratching your head trying to figure out whats going on. Browse Categories . Dont force it too hard or youll break it off in the cylinder. My car has 192000 miles. Don't have one? If you still have one of the old programed keys from the other steering column all you have to do is hold it near the ignition when you turn on the key to see if it starts this way. Component 2: Gear selector. Now comes the hard part - you're going to take the tumblers from the old cylinder, and match them up with the tumblers in the new cylinder so that the new matches the old. Flat rate pricing based on labor time and parts, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance. I used a couple of notebooks as workspaces to keep parts easily visible. CLICK HERE: https://www.patreon.com/southmainautoCHECK OUT OUR \"SMA SWAG\" STORE! The shift linkage can have problems that the vehicle is not getting all the way into park so the ignition can not be turned all the way off. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. 2001 ford escape the key won't go into the ignition - Fixya Dealership didn't acknowledge that a problem DOES exist with the focus. Now go have a coffee or something. Close the jaws of the vice-grips loosely over each side of the cover, and turn the adjustment knob until the jaws touch the cover. Please see our, Pontiac Sunbird L4-2.0L - Ignition key does not turn - Oakland, California. With the key in the lock cylinder assembly, line up the small notch that sticks up with the release hole that you used to remove the old cylinder. ", of the problem. Apparently this happens to the Ford Focus a lot. 01-22-2005, 03:53 PM. Then turn off key and pull it out and just put in new key with no other keys near ignition and turn key to on all within 5 seconds. i tried wiggling the steering wheel and continued to try to turn the key but it didn't work. Made with in Silicon Valley. "This article's been very helpful to me. owners, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical Keep the ignition on for at least six seconds. Flat rate pricing based on labor time and parts, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car He arrived early which was a plus. The methods listed above are great ways to get your key turning if it refuses to budge. Don't worry - you won't start the car, because hopefully your battery is still disconnected! Made with in Silicon Valley. That link for step 5 doesnt work. This instructable will show you how I solved the problem. Q: Turn off theft lock Ford Escape 2001 - YourMechanic Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to remove any foreign material that may be stuck to the key. You can then attempt to start the car again. avoid hitting any plastic or electronic components. But, since this requires almost no effort to check, why not start here? Should have been a recall because there have been so many failures. There can be problems turning the key due to issues with the pins or springs. The quickest fix is to turn the wheel, hear a click, and turn the key. If you have no key to duplicate, many manufacturers can use the VIN number to cut you a brand new OEM key. Try sliding the key in and out a few times to clear away any debris stuck in the ignition cylinder. the steering column is not locked . to fix it tell me what need to be fixed? You've got to remove the lower dash cover, steering column cover (upper and lower), and only then can you get to the ignition lock cylinder. Good luck, everyone! If that doesnt work, you may need to get the ignition cylinder replaced. Now open your vise-grip pliers up wider than the lock cylinder. Be careful of the black ring around the lock cylinder - that's part of the PATS system, and if you bust that, it's probably going to be troublesome and expensive. guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance I have been to dealer and several mechanics. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. Dont use your keys to open packages or do anything else other than start your vehicle. If this works, the key is just on the older side and the edges are wearing down. The bar is what keeps the inner cylinder from rotating until the key has been inserted. solution: try a spare key if you have one, or place the key on a block of wood and use a wooden or rubber mallet to gently flatten the key. How to program your Integrated Keyhead Transmitter. 2001 Ford Focus ignition locked up and key will NOT turn. Starting with the tumbler nearest the tip of the key, remove one and only onetumbler, and examine it closely. There are three main factors to remember when looking over why your key will not turn, and with some troubleshooting, these tips could help you start and drive off safely in just a few short steps. Postmaster Thread Starter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Henrico, VA Posts: 3,743 Likes: 0 Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts Key won't turn and Wheel is locked in place? Find the anti-theft alarm wire. The key might be incorrect, the key tumbler might be binding, or the vehicle might not be in park. Ford Escape Questions - Key ignition won't turn with key in it - CarGurus Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. While it would seem like the most likely cause for a key to get stuck in the ignition at first, compared to it being a bad key, this is not nearly as likely. You will then want to contact your dealership to get a new key made. Here are some of the most common reasons why the key would get stuck in the ignition. HELP!!!!!! Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Some newer cars have key codes attached to a set of keys. Not only did the car have to be towed time was lost from work due to being stranded and then waiting on the tow. When you've got all the tumblers in place, it's time to check if the new lock works with the old key. If theres nothing wrong with the key, try turning the steering wheel to check if its locked. I can't get ahold of him and I'm desperate and short on cash. as you turn ignition, should pop in and turn. Turn the car off and disconnect both cables from your car battery, negative first. My car has an automatic transmission. 892 satisfied customers. The radio light with work. are trademarks of Autobeef LLC, All rights reserved. I was at the store with my Son (12 years old) and my grandson (3 years old), when we went to leave the key would not turn and the steering wheel was locked up. If you can't turn the key in the cylinder, follow the instructions at this link:http://www.motorage.com/motorage/data/articlestandard/motorage/472002/38913/article.pdf Having severe cold weather key will not turn in ignition, tried WD1040, tried warming key, nothing works. How do I unlock my vehicle when the Intelligent Access Key is not working? Check the life of your battery to verify this. Extremely annoying when you're away from home and your key won't start your car! Search Fixya. This lock can bind the ignition switch and get the key stuck from time to time. The Escapes ignition lock cylinder itself can go bad over time. Problem 1: Obstruction. Press it down with the paper clip tool. It's often easy to unstick the key. If it is, the key should come right out. Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Tip: Always make sure your parking brake is on to keep the vehicle secure when following these steps. the key is worn out or damaged In many vehicles, removing the key locks the steering wheel from turning. Below are the two most common problems associated with the ignition lock cylinder and the key not turning. 1 helpful. Although I bought mine independently, there is a helpful fellow online who appears to be a good place to get ahold of a replacement. Why isn't Ford recalling this vehicle? 2001 Ford Focus ignition locked up and key will NOT turn. You can try to re-spray if necessary. This is a great Instructable. The cost of a new key will depend on how fancy the electronics are. The pins and springs inside the key cylinder conform to the unique shape of your key, so that only your key will work to turn on your car. I did not know of this issue until it happened and I researched it online. Ford has a passive anti-theft system (PATS) where each key has a chip, and they have to be programmed in. When I try to start it I just get a blinking theft light. The total cost of the repair was the price of the part - $72.99 with tax. If you can still manage to turn the key in the ignition occasionally, this step is fairly straightforward. Give the wheel a wiggle while lightly trying to turn the key out of the ignition. replacement lock cylinder (comes with 2 chipped keys) Its often easy to unstick the key. If the key is warped, worn, or cracked, it may not work correctly. Turn the wheel rapidly from side to side. The trouble codes Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. Key won't turn and Wheel is locked in place? - Ford-Trucks.com Mine was different key so it was little different than what you suggested. It took several tries before it would turn and I was late. 1. This went on for about 6 or 7 minutes before the key turned for no apparent reason just as it had just stopped turning for no apparent reason. I'd just check to make sure key is in all the way, but For a worn key, try pulling the key back slightly as you turn it or gently wiggling it back and forth in the ignition. If the vehicle is in park, shake the shifter slightly to ensure it is in the right position and try again to turn the key. ( Friends) tell me its a on going thing. checked to make sure it was in park. Try jiggling the steering wheel and checking the battery. Jul 29, 2012 2001 Ford Taurus. If that happens, check the cover. They "get all the money" but you can code it to your old key. If it is very loose and in danger of slipping out, you might want to put some grease on it to "glue" it in place. This is particularly true on hills. Consider it a practice run (because you probably won't need them, but hang on to them just in case). When I turn the key in the ignition all the lights - Ford 2001 Escape question. YourMechanic provides certified mobile mechanics who come to your home or office and can easily diagnose why your key isn't turning and make the necessary repairs. On the inner lock cylinder, you will see a flat bar that sticks out, and about 90 degrees around, a thin piece of sheet metal covering the tumblers. The key wouldn't turn in my mother-in-law's 2004 Ford Focus wagon. I haven't checked [hey, I sell the Ford stuff!] Once new keys are programmed it should start with the new keys. Then turn off key and put in another key and turn on ignition. Customers are invited to participate in a survey administered by MaritzCX, an independent, third-party supplier. Insert it into the hole as illustrated, and pull on the handle of the key - the cylinder should slide right out. I have to push the key in and Now that you're done, put your keys away, and drink beer (beer not shown). on Introduction. There's a capacitor in most airbag systems that needs a couple minutes to discharge. Has happened hundreds of times, have to keep putting key in and taking it out and eventually it will turn ignition! My ignition in my 2004 ford exscape wont turn, Contains hate speech or attacks an individual, Nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content. Take the title with you, just in case you need to prove the vehicle is actually yours. (If that's not a good explanation, search for "Program a PATS key"). If programming was not successful, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1 through 9. That would really hurt their pocket book. How do I fix this? CarComplaints.com is an online automotive complaint resource that uses graphs to show automotive defect patterns, based on complaint data submitted by visitors to the site. 2001 ford taurus key won't turn ignition. It's raw and uncut video! If the vehicle still starts it should be fine. Check the tumbler cover to see if the corners are still at 90 degrees. Keys that are worn out are actually very common, particularly on older vehicles. Browse Categories Answer Questions 2001 Ford Escape Ford Escape Car and Truck Ford Car and Truck Cars & Trucks All Recent Join Sign In Even if it is in park, push the shifter up higher toward park while gently turning the key. I cannot afford to have Ford fix it. butbworks every time. Please comment if you've had this problem, or if I've helped you out in any way. If your model is the wagon (as shown here), the lower dash panel will remain attached by the trunk release handle and the OBD2 diagnostic port. Ford Escape : You Have To Turn Key Really Hard To Start It If your key is bent, do not try to straighten it out. I looked around online, and found a few different solutions to the problem. A bad ignition coil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement) can cause this if it is beginning to fail, resulting in intermittent starting problems. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. Replaced plugs, coils, fuel filter and now fuel pump. If any debris was successfully removed, the key should slide in more easily. It sounds like your ignition cylinder is seriously damaged (or you're using the wrong key). It was very cold outside, after about an hour I got a hold of someone to come pick us up. I went through each, "I would not have guessed my steering wheel was locked. I just replaced the whole steering column with key and now it will not start up. There are a few easy to fix reasons why your Ford Escape's key might get stuck in the ignition. Insert the key into the lock, and turn it to the ACC position. Local Ford dealer wanted $360 for the repair/replace AFTER towing it there--crazy! This small action helps to relieve the pressure on the lock. You can buy the Strattec replacement cylinders on line, already keyed to your vehicle just by emailing a picture of the key. No car, cant pick my daughter up at her friends house (she is stranded), cant take my Grandson home and have to figure out a way to work tomorrow. He is very knowledgeable about all types of problems, does quick and efficient work, and makes suggestions on possible work that might also need attention. I did have a problem at first with the passenger door. and it is getting harder and harder. 2001 Ford Focus Key Won't Turn In The Ignition: 72 Complaints The black snap ring sticks out a little bit, and you have to line that up with a groove in the cylinder "receiver" so you may have to turn the key a little one way or another. It worked, and I feel very grateful about it. If your car key isnt turning in the ignition, first check to make sure your vehicle is in park. Ignition key does not turn Inspection Cost, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. This is the second time this has happened!!!. To program the new keys, I removed the ignition switch from the opposite side of the column, and used a screwdriver to turn the ignition with the various keys in the lock. RECALLS! Some resources recommend tapping the key with a hammer, or other object, while it is in the ignition, but it is not recommended due to the high risk of not only breaking the cylinder but also breaking the key.