How common is the ignition switch problem?

assistance.

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" 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" 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

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" wrote

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

Talked to Ford rep today. It was like farting in a thunderstorm.

Ron

There you'd at least have some chance of getting ignition.

Do what I did with a OBD sensor that went bad. Had sensor replaced. Drove for a bit. Check engine light came on because the converter went south. Original problem. Took longer to get the converter than the dealership said it would. Told them that if I could not get this rectified soon, I'd take it to the area rep. if that person couldn't help, I'd take it to corporate. By corporate I mean Ford HQ in Michigan. Had problems resolved in a matter or hours.