Seems to be a fairly common problem in these cars. Its a 2001 focus and it seems the ignition cylinder is locking up. You have to play with it to turn. I priced out new cylinders and it says you need a scan tool im guessing to disable the anti-theft system.
Im thinking about pulling the old cylinder out and having new tumblers put in. In that case is it neccesary to need the scan tool or can i just pull it out and replace it with the fixed one?
If it is needed anybody know who has one of these scan tools and can anyone guide me in replacing the cylinder? I just dont want to jump into it without some sort of idea.
I have the SCT Xcalibrator2 scan tool, but I do not know what it would be able to do other than electronically read your car’s “strategy”. If this is what you need I can help out, but I have always heard of people taking it to a locksmith and having the entire ignition cylinder replaced. If you go this route I highly recommend the locksmith on the corner of union and george urban next to mcdonalds.
Im really not sure as to what scan tool is needed. I have a new cylinder but i was thinking if it was cheaper to get the old one rebuilt id just bring the new one back.
I planned on going to that locksmith you reccommended. Do i just bring him the cylinder or just bring the car to him and have him replace it right there?
Pretty confident there is a re learn procedure needed
you can buy the cylinder, it’s easy to swap. then tape the old key in the “halo” to drive over to the dealer and have them program the Pats system. saves an hour of labor and a tow… the halo just pops off once you have the column trim off and if it sees the old chip in the old key it’ll start and run. or you can leave it tucked away and forget about it… but that’s on you.
a locksmith will cut open the existing key and put in a new cylinder, he will cut the key to get the chip out, and place that chip into the new key and you SHOULD be set…otherwise you might have to swing to the dealer to have the PATS system programmed