Locked steering wheel and ignition in 2004 ford focus?
Would I get a locksmith to help solve this? And what's the cost looking like?
It's happened multiple times and I was able to fix it myself but no matter what I do and try it won't unlock, I think it may be a problem with the cylinder in the ignition
Sometimes it is not the ignition lock at all, it could be the linkage. Or even just parking on an incline, where the transmission pawl binds when not using the parking brake before locking the steering wheel. (rolling binds the pawl)
The average cost for an Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement is between $311 and $441. Labor costs are estimated between $123 and $156 while parts are priced between $188 and $285. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.
[*] On some upper class vehicles, the key alone is $500.
Did you try a different ignition key yet?
Take your title to the dealer parts department and they can use the VIN to make a brand new key on a special code cutting machine… Not just a copy of an old worn out key. It's usually the key that gets worn down. You can have a cheap key made that just turns the lock if you want to see if that works before having the more expensive chipped key made. They require the title to show proof of ownership.
There are many safety interlocks on modern car ignitions. The brake must be pushed and the shifter must be in park and there are likely others also. I had a car once that the brake light switch went bad and caused problems with the ignition lock. I think you might have better luck looking this up on YOUTUBE. Many people give detailed explanations on how to do many things on cars on that website. One thing to check is the fuses in your fuse box. Make sure none are blown.
Are you sure it's just not locked because there's pressure on the lock pin? Try rocking the steering wheel side to side slightly while turning the key. If it is the problem, it will then unlock.
First try your second key… The spare one. And rock the steering wheel while you try to turn the key. This is what a locksmith does. There's no magic. 2004 sounds old TO YOU but I do not see this problem all that often in 30 - 55 year old cars. It is a rarity. Most times the steering is hard against the locking pawl., or the shifter needs to be moved a bit. Chevy Cavelier affected the ignition with a steel wire that interfered. (what designer though of that is serving LIFE in GITMO (I hope)
Try moving the wheel from side to side while turning the key. OUr van did this ll the time. Also press the brake I do not know why but this helped with our stubborn van.
It sounds like the tumblers in the ignition switch, something you can try is… If you have another key, put it in and try it to see if it will work.
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