Procedure To Remove Focus Ignition Lock

Step 1 - Tool Needed To Break Cylinder Cap Off:  The first thing to do is fashion (Grind Down The Tip) of a screwdriver with a Square shaft. It should fit snuggly inside the cap of the ignition lock. It should go into the opening far enough to be able to Break Off the Front Cap. Also Long enough to be able to put fairly Large Adjustable Wrench to turn it once it is inserted snuggly into the Front Cap. Note: The longer the screwdriver - the more chance of it bending or breaking. I bent my first one. Note: A tool made specifically for the Ford Focus is sold on the Internet at http://www.lockmasters.com/ 

Step 2 - Break Off The Cylinder Cap: Insert the modified screwdriver or (tool mentioned in note of Step – 1), into the opening of the ignition. With plenty of pressure against the end of the screw driver - use the Adjustable Wrench on the shaft of the screw driver, Slowly start to turn the cap like you would be starting the car - I went backwards very slowly also - and after a little work it should now have broken the front cap off the cylinder. Note: A tool made specifically for the Ford Focus is sold on the Internet.

Step 3 - The inner cylinder guts will now be visible, (the part that houses the Tumblers)

Now the inner cylinder guts will have to be driller out. I used 3 different size drill bits ranging from 1/4" - 3/8". The object of the drilling is to free the cylinder so you can remove the outer housing from the steering column. Once the inner cylinder is drilled out enough and the tumblers have been drilled out - the outer casing can now be removed from the steering column. 

Step 4 - Start Vehical/Remove Outer Casing: The inner cylinder should now turn. You can also now start the vehicle. The procedure is - (Hold the key up to the column near the lock were the key would be, then turn the inner cylinder with whatever will fit. or pliers.)   COMPLETION OF STEP 4: There is a release lever that you can now depress with a very small screw drive such as from an eyeglass repair kit. (Any other long thin and strong piece of metal will also work.) Note: I drilled mine enough that the inside cylinder sides collapse; I then just pulled the outer casing out of the column with pliers.

Step 5 - Remove Inner Cylinder: The only thing in the column should now be the inner cylinder. Turn the cylinder like you are starting the vehicle, and remove the inner cylinder. Note: There is a retaining clip that prevents the inner cylinder from being removed until it is rotated to the start position.

Starting Procedure

The vehicle can now be started by the following procedure: 1 - Hold the ignition key up to the column by the opening.  2. Insert a medium size screwdriver into the open into the square slot inside the very back of the housing and turn just like you would start normally. Note A: The vehicle will now continue to run with out the key near the column. Note B: The vehicle can be shut off with the tool used to start it - then follow the above procedure when the vehicle needs to be restarted.   The vehicle is now ready to have a replacement ignition lock installed.

Replacing Ignition Lock

Insert screwdriver into switch inside sterring column and turn - 1 click (Accessory Position), remove srewdriver.

Then with the key inserted into the new cylinder lock rotated clockwise, were the (Accesory Position) would be - insert the cylinder with the key inserted, into the housing on the steering wheel, you may have to turn the key very slightly while pushing the cylinder in - it will go into place and the outer casing will latch.

The Replacement can be ordered from here - http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/NAPAonline/display_conditions_kw.d2w/report   Select * Year    *Make   *Model from the drop downs ---- then on the right side of the page in the orange under Search Catalog – Key Word,  type in the word ignition, then click Go. Around $100.00   I found it at my local Parts Dealer - $75.00.  Both sources have to order it. ( I ordered my from my local Auto Parts ( Fergans Auto Parts). $75.00 included 2 keys without the access flap. One I drilled out with a drill-press - and I bought a blank from the dealer with the access flap. have one extra now but it saved work.

Key Coding New Key

Unless the above steps are made,  follow steps below.

To now start the vehicle you will still need to hold the original key up to the cylinder while starting the vehicle with the screwdriver. (IF YOU TRY TO START THE VEHICAL WITH THE NEW LOCK AND KEY HOLDING THE OLD KEY TO THE STEERING COLUMN - IT WILL NOT - DO TO THE FACT THE NEW KEY HAS A CHIP IN IT AND YOUR OLD KEY HAS ONE TOO) YOU MUST REPLACE THE NEW CHIP - OR DRILL IT OUT, THE CHIP READER DOES NOT LIKE (2) CHIPS AT THE SAME TIME.

You can have the key coded but there is an easier way to accomplish the same end result with the following procedure.

Step 1 - On the original key and new key are access flaps to the transponder (chip) inside the key. Pry the flap open (Located on the button side of the keys.), with a small knife and carefully take the chip out of the keys and switch them.

(The new keys that came with my lock had ACCESS FLAP, I drilled them out with a drill press then epoxied the old transponders in it.)

You can purchase a blank replacement key from the Dealer that has the access flap.)

(BE VERY CAREFUL AS THE CHIP IS GLASS AND WILL EASILY BREAK) The new key will now start the vehicle normally.  Note: You will still need the original key for the door locks and trunk of course. 

NOTE: SOME OF THE KEYS SUPPLIED WITH THE REPLACEMAENT LOCK DO NOT HAVE AN ACCESS FLAP.  I BOUGHT A BLANK WITH THE ACCESS  FLAP FROM THE DEALER-$25.00. I THEN  HAD THE BLANK CUT TO THE NEW ONE THAT CAME WITH THE NEW LOCK AT TRUE VALUE FOR .89 CENTS - THEN CHANGED THE CHIP.

I'm not sure if light will clear the code - so I chose to switch the Chips in a Dark Area.    IF YOU CHANGE THE TRANSPONDER CHIPS AND IT DOES NOT WORK - I CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE, IT WORKED FINE FOR ME WITH THE ABOVE PROCEEDURE.

I hope this helps everybody who is need for replacing your ignition and don’t have the Time or Money for the dealer to replace it with the same thing, to only wonder when it’s going to happen again.

Ending Note: The links listed are a good source for the items mentioned and there maybe other sites that offer the same types and at different prices.

Hope ALL had a Great Thanksgiving and Have a Great Christmas and New Year!!

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Thank You.

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