2004 Ford Focus put key into ignition and it won't turn

2004 Ford Focus

QUESTION:

'04 Focus with 28,000 miles. Problem: put key into ignition and it won't turn, steering wheel NOT locked. called local Ford dealer, said recurring problem on Focus, needs new ignition. Too expensive for me, so Ford dealer mechanic said to 'hit' the key into the ignition. It worked but now have to carry rubber mallet in car to hit key to turn ignition to start car. What's going on? Is this a recall issue? Why should a 4 1/2 yr old car with LOW mileage have this problem? I am not happy with this Focus. There have been other problems that were partially resolved. I still get very poor gas mileage but that's another problem for another time. What about this ignition problem?

Answer:

Yes this was a common problem and they did redesign the new cylinder to prevent this from going bad again. And no Ford never did issue a recall on this problem. So yes unfortunately you will have to replace the lock cylinder to prevent carrying a hammer around. And the hammer trick will not last forever. So yes I see why you are upset about the car but no company ever issues recalls every time they have a common problem they all have them. I wish you luck Steve
PS there are programs that dealers are provided with the option of helping the customer out one time after the warranty has ran out. If you have a good relationship with the dealer and if you are NICE then they may help you. But they do not HAVE to.

I want a new car for Christmas

After Christmas Sale

All I want for Christmas is a shinny New Car wrapped in a bow. No better time than the present to get a present for you or a loved one. Car sales are down and dealers past hungry and moved to starving for sales. They are willing to deal like never before. If you have been waiting for the right time, its NOW. End of year sales are going on at every dealership country wide. Take advantage of this great opportunity to put a smile on someones face this holiday season. Is there a better gift idea ?

1996 Chrysler Sebring the key is stuck in the ignition

Question:

I only had 1 key to my 1996 Chrysler sebring, so about a month ago I went to a local locksmith and they made me a copy of the original key. I am not for sure, but I am guessing that my original key has a chip in it because it is a factory or dealership key w/ black top. My sebring is equipped with the anti-theft system, of which when I purchased the car used, I did not receive the key-less remote to. Anyways, my question or problem is this: I have been using the copy key for the entire month with no problems until a week ago...the key is stuck in the ignition on acc. and will NOT turn all the way to lock so I can get it out! It is STUCK and WILL NOT COME OUT!!!! What could be causing this and how do I get it out? Is it because it isn't the chip key and if so how could I use it before now without any issues? HELP!!!!



ANSWER:

Any Chrysler's keys with a black top do not have a chip, they are usual blank keys.
Keys with a chip ( transponder) have a gray top, like this one:




Your anti-theft system contains the switches that are located inside the front doors and when you turn your door lock cylinder ( driver or passenger) a switch send an ON or OFF signal to the Body controller.
Your problem with the stuck key is only mechanical failure of the ignition lock cylinder.
There is nothing related to a "chip" technology.
You should replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Advice on Questions to Ask When Buying A Car

2009 Smart fortwo

When Purchasing a New Vehicle there are a few things you may wish to do before walking into the car dealer. Know the questions to ask when buying a car. Be sure you are prepared with all the information you can get. Spend time deciding what it is you want and stick to it. There are a few tips listed below to help you prepare for your next vehicle purchase.

The best advice I can give you is to take your time when looking for a car, and don't make any rash, emotional car buying decisions.
Every car salesman you come into contact with will have only one thing on his or her mind; to get you to buy a car "today!" These people work under the assumption that you will never come back, so they have to close the deal while you're in there the first time.
Don't give into the pressure. Take your time and sleep on it . . . for several nights! You'll be amazed at how different your perspective will be on a car deal after a couple of days.
Don't let the car salesperson talk you into giving them any .... read more

Blower Motor is rubbing and vibrating the whole dash board

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevy Impala and the blower motor is rubbing on something and it vibrates the whole dashboard bad can i fix this and how?

Answer:

You can fix it by replacing it with a new one, but make sure the one that is already in there has all the retaining screws (no empty holes). I have added the replacement procedures below.

Heater System Blower Motor
Removal & Installation

To Remove:
1) Remove the insulator from under the right side of the dash.
2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the blower motor.
3) Remove the blower motor retaining screws.
4) Remove the blower motor.

To Install:
1) Install the blower motor.
2) Install the blower motor mounting screws.
3) Connect the electrical connector to the blower motor.
4) Install the under dash insulator.

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery cables of for a few minutes, but did not help. 97 Cadillac Deville. let sit four hours, took positive cable off battery for a while, now my battery is dead used another car and booster cables for battery no luck

Answer:

There is a problem with the "passkey ll " system. The best way to diagnose that would be the "interrogator" tool. Most lock smiths will have that. There are 13 different resistance values in the diodes, (in the key) and most times it is a problem with the ignition switch sending the correct information to the decoder module.

The best thing to do would be to get a lock smith to come and check it. They will normally charge about $65, which is less than the dealer, minus the tow charge. They will pinpoint what part is needed.

heater blowing cold air

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar that blow out cold air in the front. car has 2 blowers, front and rear. rear blows out warm air front blows out cold. noise comes from inside dash
Answer:
The Hot/Cold blend door actuator is stripped out. This is why you hear a noise and why it won’t move to hot air flow. Have it replaced.

Where can you find free online auto repair manuals ?

You Found it !!! The place online that you can get automotive repair manual information FREE !!! Just submit the vehicle information you want and we will email it to you. We can not, of course, send you a full blown copy of a repair manual due to copy right laws and publisher disapproval. But, we can send you specific sections or parts of a manual.This is a free service that is here to help those that need it. To Submit a request for free information apply Here, As this is a free service it receives an overwhelming amount of requests and may take up to a week or longer for a response.

Free Online Auto Repair Manuals

I have a 1996 GMC truck that has a p0154 code

Question:

I have a 1996 GMC 350 truck that has a p0154 code replace the o2 sensor.It was bank 2 sensor 1 replace. The code came up the same what could it be?

Answer:

The computer is not seeing any action from the drivers side front oxygen sensor. Either you changed the wrong sensor or the wire from the sensor to the computer is damaged somewhere.

I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado Reg Cab 1500 and I changed the battery but it still doesn't start.

First determine what it is or isn't doing.

1) Engine turns over, but will not start
2) Engine does not turn over when attempting to start (nothing Happens except the lights do come on)
3) Clicks Once
4) Clicks repeatedly
5) No lights, no noise.... nothing
6) Starter motor spins, but does not engage

Then diagnose properly. Car won't start Diagnostics