2010 Ford Focus Start Switch Fix

Easy fix for ignition/start/key issues with 2010 Ford Focus

[@davidcooper6618]

Thank you Don! not only did you just save me headaches, hassles and hundreds, I got my sons car fixed the same day without waiting on any parts or service! I just had a guy contact me about buying some used LS swap parts I have. I will pay it foreward and give him what he needs! thank you again for your time and knowledge!

[@TheStrumminking]

Hi David, you're welcome, so glad it helped. Like I have said so many times, had I known it would have helped sooooo many people, I would have done a better job on the video but it was such a last minutes decision WHILE I was doing the modification on my own car!!! The repair/modification is such a basic one, I guess it really didn't require an Academy Award production because the majority of folks got enough out of it to get the job done!!! Again, glad it fixed your car!!!

[@davidcooper6618]

@@TheStrumminking your video was great! Anyone who needs more detail to do this should probably ask for help from someone who has a little more experience with basic automotive wiring. Thank you again!

[@TheRetroRocketts]

Glad it helped Ron! As I have (more or less) previously stated, we are aware of the lack of professional quality regarding the video. We realize that some people have made us aware of that. Regardless of the lack of quality of the video, we will remain satisfied that our efforts to at least get something filmed that has helped so many people with this issue. So far, as of this public comment, nearly 65,000 people have viewed this video and it is gratifying to know that such a simple, easy to do modification we came up with has helped so many people. Very few people will take the time to post a comment and we appreciate it when people let us know that it helped them but it is unimaginable that nearly 65,000 have had a problem with a starting system in a vehicle model. We hope that the repair modification will continue to help endless people to simply start their cars! Happy 4th of July!

[@CharlesWilliams-xv1lo]

Thank You very much for this ignition switch remedy. I have a 2010 focus with 157,000+ miles key stopped working period to start the engine.. Had my uncle do exactly what your video showed and now can start my car and go with no issues I Thank You again and so does my wallet.

[@TheStrumminking]

Glad it helped (yet) another person Charles! With some basic mechanical/electrical abilities, it's really fairly simple. Glad your uncle was able to use the info in the video to quickly fix the issues. Thanks for sending the positive comments!

[@dcollins91989]

I can't possibly thank you enough! I happened to come across your video before I shelled out $600+ on this exact issue. $5 later and it starts up like new! THANK YOU!!!

[@EWLGG]

Do you have the link for the Push Start button?

[@user-rl3jw1ud5g]

Awesome fix, took about 30 minutes but fixed the problem!

[@michelleapril7883]

My sweetie just fixed his 2010 Ford Focus and if he could, he would buy you a beer or two and thank you a million times! He is so happy he fixed his car!! By watching your video. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you

[@TheStrumminking]

Hi Michelle! So glad that the video helped fix your car! No need to reward me/buy me a beer, etc. Just so glad that people like you take the time to reach out and share your positive results with us. Over 76,000 people have seen the video and as I've mentioned in previous replies, had I known that it would have been so helpful to so many people, I may have produced a better quality video. Having said that, it appears that it's still adequate enough to help people with a starting solution for their Ford Focuses. All the best!!!

[@NVSLUXE]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been stressing about this issue even on vacation in Cabo. I showed my cousin's husband what you did and he did exactly that and my car works way better than it did before. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!

[@mrgreen2484]

This Worked great for me on a 2010 Ford Focus, I spent no time doing this it was so easy and fast. I got my button at Home Depot store. Thanks

[@Ljmaticz7]

Thank you so much...was able to do this without splicing any wires...and now my daughters 2008 Focus is like new...great post....I too will pay it foward......what a great money saver...............

[@jakeetter2950]

Hey Lawrence, what kit did you use that you didn’t need to splice any wires?

[@Gooelf]

Yea, we could use answers to some of these questions..

[@tdcjunkmail]

@@jakeetter2950 ​ @John Davis See comment below. I don't know how Lawrence Jachimowicz did it but I was able to insert the wires into the back side of the wire harness connected to the starter switch. I then secured it with electrical tape, taping them individually to the parent wire #4 &#6, then wrapping around the whole wire assembly before and after the two wires diverged. I intend this as a temporary solution. You want to disconnect the car battery before doing this.

[@mcunni4462]

Just did this today on 2010 Focus I purchased for my daughter. Before I had to giggle the switch. Now the pushbutton works great. I can still giggle the key if I would like to. Thank You!

[@danleffel6302]

Have 2009 Ford Focus. Replaced the ignition switch twice, and problem continued to get worse. Tried this fix and VOILA, no more problem. Thank-you for this fix and I agree with the assessment of Ford's ridiculously complicated starting switch mechanism.

[@rbyard2225]

Worked great for me on a 2009 Ford Focus, I spent more time looking for the right button than doing the fix. Had better luck at a hardware store, the momentary starter buttons at my local auto parts stores were too big to mount next to the key cylinder. I recommend using splice clips on the wires, makes it much easier. I used 14gauge wire, but 18 gauge will wrap around terminals more easily, or fit into small spade connectors as shown in video. I suggest covering with electrical tape as well. Also you will need a 5.5mm ratchet to remove the three screws that hold in the bottom half of the steering column shroud.

[@queenlove23333]

Do you suppose to cut the starter ang hot wire led to connect your new wire?

[@markcope6935]

Thank you, I was having the same issue with my '09 Focus. It got so bad that I even had to walk home from work. I did some checking around after that incident, and found your video. It worked great. Thank you again.

[@MickRonH]

Just another 'confirming' comment. This flat out works! I had same problem, installed a new ignition switch a year or so ago, and that did not address the problem. So, enough of that. Just spent $9 for a starter switch, and followed the video. Besides working like a charm, my 17 year old son thinks it is really cool to have a push-button start! Thank you so much.

[@user-vs7ou8ed4i]

Thanks for the info!! I had same the same issue on my 2010 manual trans focus, ordered the GSW-22, installed to the Blue/White wire on the outside of the connector and Red/Blue wire in the middle of connector and this works like a charm!! The GSW-22 needs a 1/2" hole to install.

[@tophatginger4658]

Thank you, you were a huge help I was stuck in a auto zone parking lot thinking my ignition switch went out again, you helped me hot wire my car and get me home ❤

[@stjester]

OMG ty very much for this fix got the same switch for $4.99@home depot worked like a charm. It's very easy to do and fast just pay attention to the correct wiring and disconnect the battery before. Ty Again you save me a lot of money

[@Adriennehend]

Thank you so much for this video. It worked perfectly on my mother-in-laws car.

[@chadfran4955]

I never really do my own maintenance on my car, other than basic stuff. But this video just saved me tons of money I don’t have, and made me feel pretty stoked I was able to pull it off first try.

[@abrothermichaelr]

This fix works beautifully and I'm very appreciative! I replace the ignition switch on my 2010 Ford focus s model and it didn't improve my starting at all! I did this fix and it worked beautifully! Thank you so much!

[@red7912]

Did the same thing worked for about 5 months then came back. This worked, plus a good anti theft device.

[@Baldeagle529]

Thank you for a detailed description of how to fix a poorly engineered ignition system. It works my Ford Focus perfectly. It kind of give me a sports car feel as far as having a push button starter!

[@Impala1965]

Thank u for this video. My 08 ford focus was doing the same thing. I sent this to my nephew that works on cars. He did this to my little work car and i haven't had anymore problems since.

[@vernonb4641]

As for me, My 2010 Ford Focus was towed because of not starting, I changed the ignition key tumbler, Ignition control, and cleaned all grounds/neutrals that I was aware of, a mystery to myself and my mechanic . We finally figured out that the ford component that accepts the parts was worn, no longer reliable. I took your advice and added the Start Button, // I am thankful for this KZbin Video ""!! Thanks Much! As for me, this idea Works Great!! San Diego Ford Club--- Number 1 in my book!!! :)

[@moparguy37]

After pushing on the ignition switch for over 3yrs last night I could barely get it to start. Figured Id have to install the push button switch today and it went well!! The only issue I ran into was I purchased the wrong push button switch. It was worded "momentary usually on" When I hooked up the battery the dash was doing all kinds of weird flashes and wouldn't respond to anything. You have 6 wires to your ignition switch plug I have 5 but I went with the center wire (hot) and the end wire as you mention the one that goes to the starter. It works sweet!! cost me $7.00 for the switch and $2 for electrical tape. You got me out of a pickle thanks for posting!!

[@williambasch9214]

This did work on my 09. The car in the vid has more wire than mine so it was tight to work with, but it is nice to know the car will start easily again. As a common sense reminder for novice, remember to take the neg off the battery. Thanks much for the idea. I will send any that has this issue to your feed. Have a great day brother.

[@charmainewalton7857]

Is there any kind of step by step to do this with s 09? I'm having the same issues now. And the car will not crank. Is there a way to see exactly what u did. And all the good.needed?

[@williambasch9214]

I added a bit of primary wire and used crimp connectors. I would recommend push together connectors. I also wrapped them with splice tape. But my car still works great

[@ronmartin3713]

Thank you for this video of how to fix focus ignition problem. Better than the ignition tumbler I bought and matched key to, which only lasted a week. The switch looks professional and works 100% of the time.

[@donbach9619]

You're welcome Ron, so glad it worked out for you. It's amazing how simple things should be but made overly-complicated for necessary repair trips to a dealership. I'm not going to throw Ford under the bus, even the best have their weak moments. . . .

[@zncjdubbs2798]

I completed the fix in less than 15 minutes. Worked like a charm!! Appreciate the advice.

[@TheStrumminking]

Thanks for the comments. . .glad it worked so effortlessly for you. If anyone out there has seen the movie 'Contact' with Jodie Foster, her co-star Matthew McCaugnahey mentioned Occam's Razor in the film. The definition of Occam;s Razor is : '

[@georgeasamoah2218]

Thank you so much and God richly bless you. You save me ton of money during this pandemic. I would have had to tow my car to the mechanic, Diagnosis, parts and labor. Followed your video and I did it all by myself and my car is up and running again.

[@timcox6275]

perfect fix, i already dropped 150 bucks on a new housing and switch, swapped it out,, same thing, this is the best fix, and no tow trucks,, thanks man

[@donbach9619]

Hi Tim, I am a die hard Ford fan but even the best laid pans fall short, even for good companies. This whole design is overly complicated and destined to fail sooner or later, it's just a matter of time. There are three main elements that should require a lot less. There's a key tumbler, flange and switch. They're all frail in design and function. What's worse is that even the Ford dealerships don't really know how to address the problem other than to throw parts at it costing customers, hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I believe in the theory of KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. This was the simplest, least expensive design I could think of and it's an easy fix that will last and last. I am glad that it worked for you and I hope others will benefit from the video. All the best! Don

[@BOBBYRawUncut]

I’m going to try this wish me luck and thank you for the video! Thank you for the taking the time to help others! We need more of that in this world.

[@TheStrumminking]

Glad to help. It's amazing that this Focus ignition system (factory) flaw has impacted SO many people. As of today, nearly 82,000 people have viewed our video. If the information in the video has helped even half of them, that would be fantastic. Good luck!

[@stevenchanthavisay6812]

So I had this same issue with my 2010 Ford Focus. It turns out that instead of rigging up a starter button, it's REALLY EASY to remove and replace the starter switch, which is the module where the harness plugs into that he ran his "hot wire" button to in the video. And a new Motocraft (Ford OEM brand) starter switch from Autozone costs only $62 plus tax. With mine I didn't even need to replace the $62 starter switch (yet). All I did was open up the starter switch and clean out all the excess dielectric grease with a few Q-tips and then put it all back together. It was super easy and that has fixed the problem on my car.

[@donbach9619]

Glad it helped Mark!! Some times the best solution is the simplest. Like I've said in previous comments, not really sure what Ford was thinking with this system using multiple components for basically one function. I guess even the best can get it wrong sometimes but lets leave the 1971-1973 Mustangs and the Mustang IIs out of the conversation, at least of now. . .This Focus start issue is a nightmare. Share the fix with our fellow Blue Oval fans!!!!

[@jimcummins8614]

It worked great $4.99. Was actually easy other than locating mounting spot. Switch I bought made that one look like a toy. I ended up mounting in dash strait across from key. Thanks so much.

[@saxmanusa]

Thank you so much Bro. Work perfect, now all my friends want to see how I repaired my 2010 Ford Focus

[@seancartwright7672]

Your fix worked perfectly. Easy to do too. Some of these automotive engineers have no idea what the real world looks like, always over engineering things that should be kept simple and trouble free. The end result is the consumer always gets shafted with their silly ideas.

[@TheStrumminking]

Glad it helped you!

[@donbach9619]

We posted the basic video trying to help people with a simple cure for a frustrating bad factory design. We're grateful that it helped so many people. We weren't trying to win an Academy award.

[@jeffshern]

This fixed my issue of getting stranded when my 2009 Focus decides it doesn't want to start for 10-40 minutes. I noticed that if I am running several small trips, after the 3-4th time I turn off the engine (For example to run into a restaurant to grab lunch) it suddenly decides it doesn't want to start again until it gets a coffee break. I installed the switch, then ran several errands, got back home, turned off the car, tried the key... nothing... But the Button worked!!! (I did it a few more times, to make sure it wasn't just a coincidence.) It's hard to see in the video, but for a 2009, it is the white-blue wire + blue-red wire. And you either you have to use a 5.5mm wrench or 7/32 socket driver to get the screws out. I used crimp splice joints that I got at a hardware store, some old speaker wire (14 gauge) and a momentary push button switch I got at home depot. Also, upon initially watching this, I was very curious about what happens if you push the button without the key in the ON position. Off -> It will play a warning beep-tone inside of the car, nothing else Acc -> Nothing. On -> Start the car Running -> Nothing. (Flashes digital odometer) Thanks again!

[@TheStrumminking]

JavaJeff, Thanks so much for sharing the info on the different color wire traces on a 2009 compared to a 2010. This is great information that may help others with different year Focuses with the same issues! As I have mentioned in some previous replies, had I known (in my wildest dreams) that nearly 85,000 people would have viewed our start switch repair and 190+ people would have commented, we would have done a much more detailed and higher quality vide0. Who knew. I suppose, bad quality video or not, it seems to have helped endless people with an easy, inexpensive fix to a very complicated design flaw. Again, thanks for sending us a comment and for helping others! All the best!

[@onyekachinwobu6723]

this worked perfectly for my Ford Focus 2010. Thanks!! Just so you know, you'd need a 5.5mm l-shaped spanner to get the cover off.

[@TheStrumminking]

Glad it fixed your car!!!! Also thanks for sharing the size of tool for the cover removal!

[@TheStrumminking]

We appreciate your positive - thumbs up and (even) negative thumbs down. At the end of the day, you cannot make everyone happy. We found a cheap, easy fix and felt it would help others save a bunch of money. We were actually in the middle of the repair, took out a cell phone and shot a quick video. We wanted to help others save lots of money, not win and Academy Award. Could our video have been better? Sure but it is still affective based on the positive comments. If our video helped you or for some reason it did not, we still know we did the right thing in posting it. Over 75,000 views in 4 years (as of June 12, 2021) tells us there are a LOT of people out there dealing with these start switch issues. If we helped just half of the people that viewed the video, we're ok with that.

[@jamesconnors5653]

Cuts to the chase. Works. Forget haters.

[@donbach9619]

As stated in a previous comment, we realize the video is not a major production with perfect, clear resolution. It was a last minute idea, (actually while we were coming up with the solution) thinking it would help others easily fix an overly complicated, (sometimes never having a solution) repair. We appreciate all the positive comments, it's great to know that it's helped so many people. We regret that some people did not find the video to be useful. This particular fix may even work with other similar issues in other cars but cannot say for sure.

[@twonine8217]

I just installed a push button in my 2010 focus got stuck one to many times pushing the key trying to get it to start ,thank you very much for the fix!

[@cody010786]

What was the symptoms...I turn key and all I get is a rapid clicking noise..I was leaning more towards starter myself...is this the symptoms?

[@savagebikerx1357]

Mine is going out now. 185k miles. Thanks a bunch

[@danzimmer5955]

Great video, just finished up putting the push button switch on my 2010 Ford Focus....it works great. Thanks

[@tdcjunkmail]

Thank you very much. I had the same issue. I was able to get the car started! I bought wire splices but was able to shove and wrap the new wires in the back of the #4 & #6 wires in the cable harness connected to the ignition switch. I then wrapped those wires together next to the parent with electrical tape. I intended this as a temporary solution. I should have unplugged the battery because I let one of the wires ground out when I was wiring and I had to replace the fuse. I used the 15 amp push button momentary switch from off-the-shelf at autozone, but should have used the 20 amp, because it was a 20 amp fuse in the circuit. Thank you.

[@TheStrumminking]

You're welcome, glad your car is fixed.

[@rjabba88]

Appreciate the video. Just did my wife’s 08 focus and I used 14 ga. Wire and I will let her decide where to mount it before I trim the excess. Can confirm the auto parts store momentary is too large to fit comfortably next to the ignition switch so I will figure that out tomorrow

[@TheStrumminking]

You are welcome! Yeah, not sure of exact mounting areas on an 08 but I'm confident that there will be a spot for it!

[@rjabba88]

@@TheStrumminking mounted on the left side of the steering column just behind the turn signal lever

[@TheStrumminking]

@@rjabba88 Perfect! Glad it worked out.

[@rudyross5394]

That’s a great idea thanks don your the man great job helping the man out on spending a axx ton of cash you rock bro 👍

[@donbach9619]

Well, I cannot really help you diagnose your precise problem but it certainly sounds exactly what was going on with my Focus. I too had to press the key in really hard and sometimes the starter would engage, some times and most times it did not. That is when I decided to (more or less) bypass the key cylinder, flange and starter switch. I don't know if the repair we came up with will fix your issue but it sounds like it would. Either way, you'll only be out $5 and some time to try it. Good luck.

[@unclephil4494]

Just followed this guide today with successful result. Be sure to disconnect the negative battery lead. I did a check before I actually installed the switch on the steering column and it worked. While routing wires I shorted the switch and blew the 20A fuse (passenger fuse panel #27). If I had disconnected the battery again after the test, I wouldn’t have blown that fuse. Replaced fuse and assembled steering column. Works like new! So grateful for this video! Saved me a second $535.

[@TheRetroRocketts]

Thank you for your input and kind comments. Anytime you do anything electrical on your car you should always consider disconnecting the battery cable(s), particularly the 'positive' side, not necessarily the 'negative' side. Disconnecting the negative is 'old school' however, either side is beneficial in cutting off complete system circuitry. We are so pleased that such a simple fix has helped so many people not only get your car back in functional operation but has saved everyone, collectively, thousands of thousands of dollars. I am very surprised by now that the Ford Motor Company has not responded to this obvious and (frankly dangerous) design flaw. I would LOVE to hear from a Ford engineer that could attempt to explain to me why something was designed with such complexity and/with faulty parts. As Ford enthusiasts, lets not give up on the overall company and their successes since the early 1900s but rather hope that design engineering in the future will never take us down this seriously over-complicated path again.

[@fredmanie2926]

I did this, but wired mine directly to the starter relay under the hood, this looks like a better way, I might rewire mine

[@christinave5156]

How did you do this?

[@fredmanie2926]

@@christinave5156 I bought some cheap wire from the hardware store, I forgot what size, put one wire in the positive and one in the negative hole where the starter fuse is, then ran it into the car and put a 3$ switch, it's called a "momentary switch"

[@fredmanie2926]

@@christinave5156 pretty much exactly what he did, but I ran the wired to the fuse box instead of the started itself, it was a lot easier and it's still my daily driver

[@fredmanie2926]

@@christinave5156 you still have to turn the key into start position

[@libbiecombeewindley6114]

wow!! it works perfectly easy for someone like me . my Wife and son can now start my car . wires were a different color on 2010 ses , but same slots on harness, thank you !

[@GetUrPhil]

What colors were the ones on your car?

[@jcole9720]

Thanks I had the same problem so I tried your way seems to be working just fine

[@rogeliomondragon2556]

THANK YOU SO MUCH MAN!!!😉👍 sharing your video help me a lot and safe me a lot of money as well. Just like you said $4.99 and 1 hr of work.

[@amandaakers6751]

Yes ,thank u for the help , it does work i just had my husband fix mine with the wires and push button switch , it does work and i am thankful , just temember to put the box of wires back after installing switch theres a sensor and if u dont car is dead, mine is fine after we realized that , i got 2009 ford focus se , god bless

[@mattnicholson8526]

I have had just about enough with Ford giving me the run around. Telling me it’s one thing then something else. Like everyone else I don’t have that kind of money to throw around. Going to give this a try. Hope it works

[@michaelpollak3435]

ford dealers do not know. there are no "campaigns" for this problem. ford has decided it is cheaper to quit building the car than to fix the problem. this is a serious design/engineering defect. sadly there is a lot to blame, so they will always shove it off at our expense. i have talked to two local service managers (who require anonymity) (suffice it it say i am in central FL) ... they do not know what to do. they have no workarounds. they keep on fixing until the warrnty runs out. i think this is the answer. you must still have the pats key in the ignitiion, this process just bypasses that to start the car. does not apply to any other vehicle function. from an independent mechanic, cost is less than $100 installed.

[@MichaelDavis-gz9dx]

I have a 2011 ford focus se 2.0 and I figured it out today

[@Ffihxubv]

Yours work?

[@austinrivers6935]

I just had to pull out my lock cylinder and wrap duct tape on it to get her to start up. Gonna give this method a shot one of these days. Beautiful idea to bypass the whole screwed up ignition that as you said, Ford blew.

[@gerrysuira6698]

Thank you so much watching your video helped me fix my car, I’m definitely dropping a big like on this amazing video, thanks to you I saved so much money!

[@TheAbomb]

I would have liked to see what it was doing before you did that.great video and very informative.not being negative in any way i just dont know what the exact problem was that caused you to do this.appreciate the time making this.thank you

[@TheStrumminking]

OK, so here's the back story. . . . . .Basically, turning the key all the way to start the car became impossible. It would simply not move enough of the multi-part start mechanism. In basic terms, the key was not able to talk to the ignition switch through a flawed over-engineered system. We would try pushing the key in (toward) the steering column, we tried jiggling it, we tried taking it in and out of the key slot, it got to a point where it was nearly impossible to start the car. The ignition system on a 2010 Focus is extremely complicated with three main components, The key tumbler, the middle flange and the ignition switch. All of these have to work in perfect mechanical harmony but once one of them starts to get worn out, etc. one are all of these components have to be replaced. This is over $700 not including labor. We changed our key tumbler twice, the flange once and the ignition switch once. Still wouldn't start the car so basically we just 're-invented- Ford's wheel and bypassed all the poorly designed parts and made a jumper switch. I am happy to say, 4 years later our $4.99 switch is still working perfectly to start the car..

[@enano0176]

Than you for the info. You saved me a lot of trouble

[@BadKarma714]

My sister in-law has a 2010 Ford focus or something close to it It takes like five times to start her car and she has a new battery AAA came out and said that the starter is fine and the alternator is fine I live in Garden Grove California how do I find out if it’s not the Neutral safety switch?

[@TheStrumminking]

Not sure what you are doing 5 times before the car will start. If you're saying that you turn the key with no results and then try it 1-2-3-4-5 times and the starter finally engages the engine and starts the car then it is very likely the repair (fix) we have described will take care of the problem. If it's something else unrelated - not sure what I can offer for you to try.

[@midulcesrecuerdos]

Omg awesome thanks!!! Very much. I’ll work on this.

[@donbach9619]

If you're careful you shouldn't have to however whenever you're doing anything electrical on a vehicle, you should disconnect the battery.

[@TheStrumminking]

Do not remember the wire traces, we did the modification over 2 years ago. It might be stated in some earlier comments. The switch we used was a Gardner/Bender, GB 'Momentary On' push button switch we bought at Home Depot. Part number - GSW - 22. You can use just about any make of switch and they are available at parts stores. We realize the quality of the video is not the greatest but we didn't make it to win an Academy Award but rather did it in disgust for such a pathetic Ford ignition system design and we just wanted to make the case for how simple it should have been from the factory. It wasn't until a Ford Club member suggested that it may help a lot of people if we posted it, so we did.

[@dman13341]

Thank you so much for this fix. I was getting ready to tear out starter when I saw this post. The only problem I had was I blew out the ignition fuse and did not realize it. Once I replaced fuse the fix worked perfectly

[@vincentosborne1880]

Dude u just saved me from getting fired from my job thanks

[@NVSLUXE]

Vincent Osborne I second that motion except I'm quitting my job.

[@jesusromero5567]

Fixed... thanks for the video...

[@red7912]

THANK YOU! Worked like a charm.

[@TheRetroRocketts]

Wow, nearly 100,000 views! So glad our short, amateur video has helped so many people. If we knew that shooting the/a very basic video would have saved so many people time and money, we would have made a much more professional one but nevertheless, it did what it had to do!

[@Ffihxubv]

Did you strip the wire to expose it and use the wire gauge to tie them around each other and wrap with tape ? Then use the other end of the gauge wire to the momentary button ?

[@isistwyman3]

Thank you I did this on my car and it worked!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donbach9619]

Glad it helped you David. I am still trying to figure out why such a great car company with an entire 'Electronics Divison' and also 'Aerospace Division' can possible make something so screwed up and problematic. It is nearly incomprehensible that they could have designed anything worse than what they put in these cars to simply try to make then start up. Seriously, it is laughable that it takes three entirely separate complicated, expensive, cheesy, weak, poorly designed, components to just 'start a car'. Stupid. Crazy. Idiotic. Unnecessary. Ridiculous. These are just a few words that come to mind. If there are any factory Ford engineers out there that see these comments, maybe you can enlighten us as to why this was designed this way from the factory. We'd all seriously like to know.

[@jalesaucedo]

Thank you … Great help !!!!

[@morbugs63]

i was skeptical at first, but i did the 'fix' - yes it was the problem, Ford needs to a re-call on this !!

[@edwardmartinez3297]

Thanks a lot man great hack, works like a charm!

[@TheJeremyCupp]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@wisdomwisdom817]

Awesome job thank you so much

[@tayaria7280]

These cars are lemons it's insane

[@seizethemeansproduction]

I tried to do this but now the car acts like the battery is dead... Any ideas?

[@outkast2045]

Thank you I as well did not have to splice any wires.now it starts right up great post I did spend a Little more because I had to buy About four feet of wire and some Connectors.no more then $10.00 in parts.so I saved $590.00

[@donbach9619]

Michael, no idea why you're having an intermittent issue. The fix simply repairs the start mode connectivity to send to the starter. You may have other electrical gremlins completely unrelated which could range from something as simple as a bad ground to loose battery connections, the key itself, etc. Remember, the key has to be in the on position of course before you push on the starter switch fix. I realize you know this but my point is - there may be something going on in that connection as well. Perhaps someone else in these threads might have a suggestion. There is nothing worse than intermittent issues but in many cases it comes down to lose connections or severe weather conditions. Wish we could help you more but not sure what's going on. Good Luck!

[@michaelpollak3435]

i have checked every connection. no loose anything! ... i am sure the ignition lock cylinder is bad, but with all the lights coming on and the pcm not coding any issues, that is not a problem. the ignition actuator is probably bad, but it is bypassed.

[@jakethompson4962]

Back to the 1950's with the pushbutton start switch. I remember it well.

[@MadAustinite]

haha!

[@TheStrumminking]

The only actual parts you need are some wire and the switch. the rest is just splicing the two wires into the switch. The switch we used is a 'Gardner Bender, GSW-21', The switch is available at Home Depot, hardware stores, etc. or Amazon - www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-GSW-21-Electrical-Push-Button/dp/B00004WLKD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=gardner+bender+GSW-21&qid=1600537875&sr=8-1 It ranges in price from around $1.50 - $8.00

[@DL-rl9bd]

What is a description of the original problem? I had a crank but no start in my 2009 Ford Focus. Turned the key, starter would work, but engine wouldn’t start up. Took it to a mechanic, and started fine. He couldn’t “replicate the problem”.

[@jimburke3070]

Car starts now no problem, and thank you for that. The horn won’t sound now, however. Any ideas? Does the new connection blow a fuse?

[@coreyparsons5660]

Should I unhook the battery before cutting those wires?

[@michaelpollak3435]

HELP, PLEASE !! ... i have checked all circuits, all my wiring is good. still cannot over-ride the f'ing pats device. what can i do? i need car for work, and cannot afford to replace it. i have successfully bypassed the ignition, entirely. the dash lights up, the pats lite goes out in 2-3 seconds, and the car will not start. i have tried every comment i have read on this issue. the ignition does not try. sometimes 2 minutes, sometimes 10 minutes, sometimes not at all. i need help! ... please ... mike

[@michaelpollak3435]

help! i did the pushbutton (correctly!), still no start. can i take the spare key chip and glue it to the pats transponder? i am sure it is the pats that is causing my problems. cannot think of anything else. put in key, turn it on, lights come on and pat light goes off. nada, not even the bypass switch working. do i need a pcm? (even used ones cost more than the car is worth)!

[@donbach9619]

Glad the fix worked!

[@Kenyel_lugo94]

Im confused on this because i changed the starter the car cranks but the starter doesnt engaged so its that for this situation!

[@TheStrumminking]

You realize that something should have been a recall when every conceivable component is replaced in the key/tumbler/flange/starter switch chain of purpose and yet the car still will not start with the key. You get tired of hearing. . ."Well, lets try this or lets try that". Hundreds of dollars later, you feel like installing a pull starter on the engine like a lawn mower. We're happy that this has helped so many people but feel bad that there may be some people out there that did not apparently benefit from this fix. It might be a different issue in your case. It would be nice to hear from a Ford representative or from a seasoned Ford factory mechanic to get their input regarding this issue. . . ?

[@TheStrumminking]

Not sure what the correlation would be to/with the starter feed wire. It could be solenoid related.I suppose. Perhaps someone else here in the comments may have an idea. You say that the car won't stay on, are you saying it stalls instantly when you take your finger off the start button or does it stop running after a few seconds/moments? Hopefully by now you have it figured out and you're back on the road.

[@AlcoholEndeavors]

Thanks for the help. FYI it works on manuals just the same as an automatic. Just the added step of pushing the clutch in when starting it. So far, no adverse effects are apparent.

[@donbach9619]

Yes. Recall. FOR REAL. The overly complicated starting mechanism components wore out in my car and countless other people's cars way before 100,000. In my case, 46,000 miles. I have a 1954 Ford F-100 that still has it's original ignition switch. Yes, parts wear out but this entire design of needing three different ex[ensive mechanisms that have to interact just to fire a signal to a starter is insane. My 1995 Ford LTL9000 Aeromax semi truck still has it's original ignition switch and the truck has 689,000 miles on it. People are blowing up social media talking about this and that they have replaced the key tumbler, or the flange or the switch - or all three components and it STILL doesn't fix the problem. It's been a nightmare for scores of people. We will stand by our opinion that this was a bad design from the factory. Period.

[@jaimereyesgarsia1490]

Que buenos videos sigue asi y gracias acabamos de arreglar un focus 2010 estaremos al tanto con mas videos mandanis saludos a durango dgo

[@mritron7649]

Is the symptom when you turn the key all the way to start the vehicle it will not start? Mine does that and I have to push Inward on the key almost like pushing and holding the key in deeper when I turn it to start and it worked for a while but now it's starting to malfunction and not crank at all even when doing that I guess it's a contact issue I'll probably just add a push button like on this video.

[@TheStrumminking]

That is PRECISELY the issue that our push button switch concept fixes. The turning, pushing in, jiggling of the key, etc. simply does not activate the starter anymore. The push button installation remedies the problem.

[@javiersantiago5981]

Thanks a lot 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@marcoruiz7799]

Thank you very much!!!! Grat post!!!

[@donbach9619]

It shouldn't matter if it's a standard or auto trans. The start switch modification shouldn't affect the clutch needing to be depressed to start the car but I have not used this fix on a manual transmission car.

[@kanekickz7818]

So I’m having problems before my car the ignition I would have to somewhat press the key firmly into the steering column as it has some play. Then it began to get worse and I’d have to turn the key more Often to try and get it to start, you can hear the relays clicking under the hood and the battery is good. Although my car won’t start anymore I did make a new key and it throws security lock when I insert it but my original key works just the car won’t start. Not sure if this would work for me, or if I need a new ignition switch, or lock cylinder or starter? Please help I’m trying to repair this thing myself

[@Lazariospann]

What wire did you use?

[@G_14440]

Thank you

[@joesmith6524]

good job dude!

[@danielb2373]

If I install a switch but want to try starting it with the regular key, will it work? Or will only the switch work to start the car? Thanks

[@TheStrumminking]

If you do not cut the wires in half and install the new switch wires but just 'tying' them into the existing wires, the key should still (technically) work.