Last night, when I was about to head home from work (raining outside), my steering wheel locked as soon as I was about to put the key into the ignition. After that, the key wouldn't unlock the steering wheel no matter what I did. I moved the steering wheel a bit to the left and right, etc. but no luck.
I came back into the office and googled the problem. Turns out that it's a common issue on the Focus.
Seems like something mechanical inside the ignition key module gets stuck (probably due to the high humidity in my case)
I sprayed WD-40 in the key-hole, pushed the key in and out, tried to turn it back and forth and at some point, it unlocked.
Haven't had a problem yet but I'll keep a watch.
I'm not a fan of using WD-40 but I didn't have a choice at that point.
I usually use something like this (dry, graphite lubricant):
32 Gram Bottle, Of Extra Fine Graphite, Dry Powdered Lubricant For Loc
This is probably worth using before you run into this problem.
Just thought I'd write it up in case someone else runs into it.
Probably worth trying before you call AAA or a lock-smith or a dealership.
0
Ford Contour Steering Wheel Won't Unlock
Started by 99ContourLX, Feb 09 2010 02:04 PM
5 replies to this topic
#1
99ContourLX
-
- Moderators
-
- 1,198 posts
Senior Member
- Gender:Male
-
Vehicle owned:
1999 Contour LX (Zetec)
Posted 09 February 2010 - 02:04 PM
#2
TheKidWithTheSE
-
- Members
-
- 2 posts
Junior Member
- Gender:Male
-
Vehicle owned:
99SE
Posted 29 December 2011 - 08:54 AM
I'm having the same problem with my 99 SE....tried PB blaster and it didn't work. Anyone have advise?
#3
99ContourLX
-
- Moderators
-
- 1,198 posts
Senior Member
- Gender:Male
-
Vehicle owned:
1999 Contour LX (Zetec)
#4
BuckeyeSVT
-
- Admin
-
- 6,085 posts
FCO Admin & Webmaster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Hall of Fame city, OH
- Interests:Contours of course..lol Engines, electronics, speed and anything else interesting enough to keep my attention.
-
Vehicle owned:
1999 Contour SVT 3.0L
Posted 30 December 2011 - 12:40 PM
Normally all the locks on our cars are becoming problematic..
Trunk lock?. Normally corrodes and stops working within 2 years. Drivers door cylinder? Works for about 5 without lube and attention. Upkeep is essential - Locks do need lube, they are not lifetime lubricated from the factory and can hang up after time.
-Dom
Trunk lock?. Normally corrodes and stops working within 2 years. Drivers door cylinder? Works for about 5 without lube and attention. Upkeep is essential - Locks do need lube, they are not lifetime lubricated from the factory and can hang up after time.
-Dom
#5
Aussie Ford
-
- Members
-
- 1,631 posts
Senior Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Portland, Orygun
-
Vehicle owned:
1995 Contour GL 4banger
Posted 30 December 2011 - 08:07 PM
Does someone actually use the trunk key lock???? LOL
BTW I keep a complete keyed up set of locks for my cars handy just in case... Everyonce in a while I find a car at the JY with the keys in it and grab all the cylinders. It is much easier to deal with if you have the keys.
BTW I keep a complete keyed up set of locks for my cars handy just in case... Everyonce in a while I find a car at the JY with the keys in it and grab all the cylinders. It is much easier to deal with if you have the keys.
#6
BuckeyeSVT
-
- Admin
-
- 6,085 posts
FCO Admin & Webmaster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Hall of Fame city, OH
- Interests:Contours of course..lol Engines, electronics, speed and anything else interesting enough to keep my attention.
-
Vehicle owned:
1999 Contour SVT 3.0L
Posted 30 December 2011 - 09:11 PM
Lol, I deleted my trunk lock and am really considering tossing the two front (I'll have a jump point hidden in the rear so if the battery is dead I can get into it...lol). It's really simple and adds one more thing that can't freeze up or be jimmied by some dilitant..
-Dom
-Dom
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
