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Ford Focus Recalls and TSBs

160 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2012 at 10:11 AM

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 11 of 17

#94 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [aland1] by mu681137

Apr 03, 2006 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: aland1 (Mar 23, 2006 3:25 pm)
Awwww.....I have replaced 3 ignitions to 2 seperate cars. 2000 and 2003 Focus. The 2000 was replaced in Atlanta, GA by a guy named Cowboy, he guarantees the ignition for the life of the car. Cost about $300, including an extra key. The 2003 was done twice in Houston, TX...first time at the dealer which lasted about 6 months and second time with an individual who replaces them for a living....well, that one is going bad too. Taking the 2003 to Atlanta, GA for Cowboy to fix right! Everyone that I know that has a Focus has replaced their ignitions too. I complained to Ford, they said the same thing....I laughed at them and sent them my bills. But Ford keeps offering me "specials" to buy another Ford......NOT me! I'm buying Honda instead. Have one and getting another one soon.

#95 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [mu681137] by retiredguy

Apr 03, 2006 (7:04 pm)

Replying to: mu681137 (Apr 03, 2006 4:00 pm)
I have a 2003 wagon (I guess that makes no dif) when an ignition switch fails..do you get any warning..or does it not work and leave one stranded? I guess there is no mileage est to failure, is there? TIA

#96 of 160 my problem child by racergirl

Apr 12, 2006 (2:00 am)

Since several of you are having so many problems with your foci, I hope maybe someone can help me. I have only had the fuel pump problem a year ago that was covered with the recall until now. I have a 2000 ZX3 with an automatic on the floor. About half of the time that I go to shift out of park the button will not depress to go into gear. I realized after a bit of poking around that there is a "just in case" slot I can poke a screwdriver in to engage it, but it gets aggravating looking like I am rigging my car to drive each time! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

#97 of 160 Re: 2003 focus 4 dr sedan [explorerx4] by creakid1

Apr 18, 2006 (12:40 am)

Replying to: explorerx4 (Jan 04, 2006 3:34 pm)
"the 'mazda' engine is the 2.3 liter version. the other engine size is 2.0 liters. easiest thing to do is check the owner's manual. the engines do look different."
 
That's right! The Mazda-engineered Duratec 2.0 didn't come out until the '05 model year. So if the '03 Focus has 2.0, then it's the problematic Zetec.

#98 of 160 Re: 2003 focus 4 dr sedan [creakid1] by retiredguy

Apr 18, 2006 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 18, 2006 12:40 am)
I have a 2003 ztw with the Zetec engine..what are the usual problems and at what mileage do they start to occur? My car has only 15k miles..TIA

#99 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [mu681137] by krusty_schmitt

Apr 22, 2006 (4:48 pm)

Replying to: mu681137 (Apr 03, 2006 4:00 pm)
What did Ford do when u sent them your bills? Anything?? I am a young student and have had to fork out student loan money for 2 ignitions now getting kinda upset!!

#100 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [grad] by krusty_schmitt

Apr 22, 2006 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: grad (Jun 05, 2005 11:15 am)
ABSOLUTELY!!! i cannot afford to keep replacing these had my car for only three years and already put two new ignitions in it.

#101 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [krusty_schmitt] by oldescortlover

May 25, 2006 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: krusty_schmitt (Apr 22, 2006 4:48 pm)
I have a 1992 Ford Escort (which I love) and am about to replace because of rust. A couple of times, I would put the key in the ignition, and the key wouldn't turn. A mechanic told me to just jiggle the steering wheel a bit and then try the key. This has worked for me on the few occasions that the steering column essentially locked up.
 
Also, I noticed that the ignition "keyhole" gets kind of dry. (My brother broke the key forcing it once.) My mechanic told me to squirt some WD-40 in there once in a while. I've been okay ever since. But this is the only car that I've ever owned that's needed this.
 
I am thinking that this ignition problem has been around for a very, very long time and that Ford has not fixed it yet!

#102 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [maureen9] by snub

May 25, 2006 (12:32 pm)

Replying to: maureen9 (Feb 16, 2001 10:56 am)
I have a SE 4 door (ZX4) and have just come across this similar problem today, last night my car was fine, this morning, I couldnt get the key in the ignition, I "co-erced" it in a bit, and got it in, though sticky/tricky, and the thing is locked up, steering and all.
I had no warning about this prior that something was fatiguing or wearing down. I called the dealer and they said this happens a bit with all foci, "however",the rep said, "at this time it is not considered a recall?"... Crap!. they estimated about $300 inc labour for the fix to the "tumblers" I think it is?

#103 of 160 ignition lock-up by snub

May 27, 2006 (10:13 pm)

Well, alternative to taking the car to the Dealer to get fixed, I called in a Locksmith here in town (Edmonton, Alberta). They fixed the problem by drilling out the old and re-installing a replacement(after about 2 hours of work) for $200 CDN, PLus they guarantee their work and are with the BBB (Dial Locksmiths of Edmonton). New Key was not needed. They say they do 2-3 foci a week with the same problem. Better prices than the dealer and no tow fees!. I wouldnt pay ford to do it anyway!...As soon as I find out whom to write to, I'll be writing a letter to Ford.
 
BTW, my car is a 2000/yr model and has 65000 K's

Messages Page 11 of 17

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