Questioni am trying to replace key cylinder in ignition switch .problem is key will not turn so i can push release button.i tried to drill out realease button and it did allow cylinder to come out about 3/4 of an inch.any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerHi,
I am seen many Focuses with broken keys over the years from ignition locks sticking.
The lock has a tailshaft that hooks into the actuator. On these the ignition lock has to be in the RUN position to clear the tailshaft.
There are locksmith tools out there that can assist in force rotating the lock so that you may get it in the RUN position. Before Ford used the tailshaft, what you did would have been sufficient for removal.
You are also dealing with a brittle magnesium lock housing that you do not want to break.
In the situation you have it sounds like you will have to sacrafice the ignition lock. Force rotation sound like it will be out as well.
I don't want to tell you to thread a screw in the keyway and pull it out with a slide hammer because you will break the tailshaft off the ignition lock, but that might be the only thing you can do now that it is not tight in the housing.
The tailshaft is made of cast. Once the lock is out you can rotate the tailshaft to ON and get it out.
I wish I could give you better news, but that is one of Ford's bright ideas.
Good luck!
