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Ford Focus Ignition
Ford Focus has a problem with the ignition not turning. It appears to be caused by the
extreme angle that the ignition is mounted (turned about 15 degrees counter clockwise and
canted at a backward angle) and the fact that the key is pressed in about 1/8” each time it is
turned. This causes the user to exert excess force on the key tip each time the key is
inserted. Observe the tip of a well used Focus key and you will notice it is chisel-shaped.
This force is transferred to the interior of the lock and causes the first three brass wafers to
become bent, or deformed, and the aluminum channel to become deformed. As the
deformation increases you may notice the key becomes hard to turn. At some point in time,
the key will no longer turn at all.
The lock that was originally used has a dual locking function. It uses both the wafers and a
sidebar to lock the lock plug in the cylinder. Most automotive locks use one or the other of
these functions, but not both. The Ford Focus also uses a computer chip, called a
transponder chip, in the key head to disable the engine if the correct key is not used.
At Sandfly Locksmith, we remove the defective ignition and replace it with an after-market
STRATTEC ignition that is less prone to failure at this extreme mounting angle. We make
the new ignition use the same cuts as the existing key, which also works the doors and
trunk. We however recommend that the old key be replaced because of the chisel-tip and
excess wear that will cause undue wear on the new ignition. Sometimes the old (worn) key
just will not work at all in the new ignition.
Call 912-354-4566 for prices on having your Ford Focus ignition replaced.
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