Ford Focus Ignition Problems

Ford Focus Ignition Problems

Most Ford Focus owners have complaints against the vehicle that either the key sticks in the ignition or it doesn’t turn. All models of Ford Focus right from 2000-2003 have this issue. It was not a cost issue until the cars were under warranty but after the warranty expired, the value of the cars steadily depreciated in the used car market. Plus the owners have to shell out quite a bit to get it repaired at their own cost.

The time period while the ignition works well depends but whether it is two months or 5 years, the bare truth is that it will get jammed. You may have issues with the car key getting stuck in the ignition and only jiggling the ignition will allow you to start which is a sure sign that you need to call in a professional to get the ignition repaired or changed. But if you own a Ford Focus, you just cannot get away with this problem.
Many believe that the reason for the jamming and ignition switch issue is related to poor design and cheap quality manufacturing by Ford. The 1990s made Ford ignition switches were known to catch fire, thus it is best to keep in mind that any malfunction could leave you stranded anywhere.
The connection between the Ford ignition and the car’s computer is through the Transponder microchip inbuilt within the car key. Changing the ignition switch, which is a professional and complex operation, needs an expert auto locksmith to do the installation. You can’t just take it to the dealership for getting this done due to high costs.
So why does this problem arise?
Well, the basic reason is that the ignition assembly is not of the quality that is desired and thus gets worn out very fast, leaving you with numerous glitches. Other experts believe that there is a design issue that adds to the problem. Generally this kind of a situation arises when the wafers jam the ignition and the cylinder bends, leaving then latched in a position which does not allow them to move.
Check if you are having any of these issues with your Ford Focus car:

• Difficulty in turning the key in the ignition
• Sticking ignition
• Key is dirty after removing or turning
• Unable to remove the key
• Key locked in a position
• Completely ‘frozen’ key

Help is at hand.LAE Locksmith can do this job efficiently and at half the cost of getting the ignition assembles replaced at a dealership. Different locksmiths handle this problem in their own way but usually fix the ignition but in extreme situations need to replace the ignition and reprogramming it to mach the rest of the car locks and the key.
If you are wondering about the charge of fixing this issue, LAE Locksmith charges in the range of $200-$300 while the same work done at a dealership costs way over $500. The only solution most people came up with was to leave a key in the ignition permanently!

Ford Focus Ignition Problems in Years 2000-2006 has a known problem regarding the ignition. It could be six months, or it could even be six years, but eventually the ignition will stick! The key itself might get stuck in the ignition, or you may have to jiggle the ignition in order to have it turn - a sure sign that you should have a professional replace the ignition. Either way, if you own a Ford Focus, there is a high probability that you may come across this issue.

Many consumers feel that the general cause of this ignition switch problem is due to poorly manufactured parts by Ford. The manner in which the Ford Focus ignition communicates with the car's computer is via the Transponder microchip, which is located directly within your car key, so replacing the ignition switch can be a highly complex operation, and is exactly why professional installation is strongly recommended. Yes, at LAE Locksmith we can do this job for you, this is not a task where you'll be forced to seek services from the dealership!

The problem comes from the ignition switch not being of the highest quality and is therefore easily worn out. What happens then is the wafers get stuck into the ignition, and also the cylinder itself becomes bent, making them latch in their current position disabling them from moving. Ford Focus owners need not despair! There are locksmiths out there that do have a few ways of handling this issue ranging from, when possible, fixing the ignition to, in serious situations, replacing the ignition and recoding it to match your key and the rest of the car locks.

Bike Lock - Which Type is Best?

There are three main types of locks. Choosing the best bike lock is an individual choice based on three factors:

1. The rate of crime in the area you are in. If bikes are stolen every day, it means there are criminals that are good at stealing bikes. You need extra protection.
2. Is your bike outside overnight?
3. How far do you have to carry your lock? Will a fifteen pound lock in a backpack on your back cause problems?

Cable Bike Lock - A cable lock is made of a wound steel cable. While it is generally easy to snap with bolt cutters or power tools but in a low-crime area it is a lightweight, easy choice for medium security needs. Always make sure to thread the cable lock through the wheel and the frame. If you only put the cable bike lock through the wheel, it can be removed and the rest of the bike is easily stolen.
U-Bar Bike Lock - The U-bar style lock comes in mini or light varieties that only weigh a few pounds all the way up to a six pound U-bar heavy-duty lock. The U-bar is generally only going to be defeated with a hacksaw and time, but each U-bar bike lock is different and it is important to also look at the locking mechanism to make sure it cannot be easily picked with a pen or other small object. Reading online reviews can help you determine if the U-bar style is the right bike lock for your needs.
Chain Bike Lock - Even in the chain lock category there are differences based on the padlock that clasps the two ends of the chain together. Chain bike locks come in lengths from two and a half feet to over five feet. Chains specifically made for bike safety are tempered and resistant to bolt cutters. Chains are the ideal choice for high-crime areas where a bike thief may actually carry a hacksaw or bolt-cutter around under a coat or in a bag. Of course, the chain is only as strong as the lock that holds it together. While a dual action disc lock system resists everything including freezing, if you have a disc lock on a base that can be cut through with a hacksaw, it is vulnerable.
The key is to balance your security needs with your comfort. If you are in a low-crime area you may only need a light cable bike lock that is easy to carry. A high-crime area requires a sturdy, heavy chain bike lock that cannot be easily broken - that means you will be carrying a nine to fifteen pound lock over your shoulder or in your backpack. If you are not in a high-crime area, but want more security than a cable lock provides, a U-bar bike lock will serve you well.

What Is an Auto Lockout Service?

What Is an Auto Lockout Service?

Are you going to need an auto lockout service? It’s one of those situations that no one can really predict. If you’ve ever slammed the car door and realized at that same instant that you just locked the keys inside, you know what a sense of panic that can create. If you’ve planned ahead, you may have a spare key available and the problem is solved. Unfortunately many of us don’t give it much thought until we find ourselves peering in the car window at the keys still hanging in the ignition. The good news is that an auto lockout service is just a phone call away and most are available 24/7 so no matter where you are, day or night, there’s someone waiting to answer your call.

If you’re close to home or in a familiar part of town it may not seem so bad, having to wait for a locksmith to come and unlock your car door but if it’s 2am or you’re in a strange neighborhood it can be very scary. You need to take extra steps to ensure your safety. As soon as you discover you’re locked out, find a store or coffee shop. Call the auto lock out service and ask the locksmith to meet you there.
Once you’re back on the road again, give some serious thought to having an extra key made or even two. Keep one in your purse or wallet and another attached to the exterior of the car. You can purchase magnetic cases that attach to your vehicle’s wheel well or any out-of-sight but convenient location. The next time you slam the car door a split second before you realize the keys are still inside, you’ll be prepared.
Also remember that the fee for an auto lockout service may be covered, at least in part, by your auto insurance policy if you have coverage for emergency roadside assistance. It really depends on your state and the type of policy you have but it could save you quite a few dollars if you do need to call an auto lockout service.