goatbrother

Got in my 2001 focus zx3 after work tonight, inserted the key in the ignition and it would not turn, key won't turn and the wheel won't unlock. I turned the wheel both ways and still no turn. Temperatures have been below freezing the last few days so I thought maybe some how water got into the lock so I got some lock de-icer and squirted half a can in it and still no turn. Put a heat gun to the metal and warmed the metal up but still no turn.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this trouble and if so what was the problem?? Any ideas???

thefonz

Umm, big problem. You could try a shot of WD40, work your key in and out rapidly about a dozen times. Try it, jiggle the key up and down, in and out, jiggle, jiggle, jiggle. If you get it to turn,DON'T,DON'T DON'T turn if all the way to the off position.
Then either remove to key cylinder yourself and replace it, or have the dealer or a locksmith replace it.
I suggest a locksmith, they can set a new lock to your existing key.
It's obviously cheaper if you drive your car to them, rather than them coming to you.

goatbrother

Thanks for the reply. Ended up calling a locksmith. He replaced the lock with updated parts so this should not happen again, I hope. Cost me $140.00.