Re: Ignition cylinder

My 2003 ignition cylinder would not turn either.  Gave no warning at
all.   After reading about so many problems with the same issue, I
decided to get a locksmith to fix it.  Fortunately it quit in my
driveway.  You can read horror stories about where others have had
their ignition lock up and not turn.  People got stranded for hours
until someone came to tow or fix the cylinder.  I have read that Ford
just replaces the cylinder with the same piece of junk that just went
bad.  It has caused people to have the same problem again and again in
the same car.

When the locksmith came to fix mine, he said the cylinder was
basically junk metal and was not happy with rebuilding it because it
could jam up again.  I suggest to remove the tumblers that were
binding and leave the others in.  The cylinder has eight and we left
three in.  Some people removed them all and will never ever have the
problem again.  Since the car will not start without the key (PATS),
you can get away with this.  I elected to not have someone be able to
turn the switch with just a screwdriver.

Google 'Ford Focus ignition switch problem' and you will see what some
have done to remedy the situation.  When the cylinder goes bad, it
gives you no warning signs in advance.  Just one day, you can't turn
the key and you are stranded.  Ford has had this problem since 2000
and when contacted, insists that it is not a problem that they have
heard of.

Jay