Ford Focus Escape Ignition Won't Crank (Temp Fix)

Buy the replacement here to fix it the right way amzn.to/3CmBbGL.
This year focus is a 2008, but many fords including the escape will be very similar, and use this same key switch. You get electric power and all dash lights come on but no crank engine. This is a quick and cheap fix to get you going again. Obviously the "right" way would be to replace the lock cylinder but it runs about $80 online depending on where you look. This should be noted that it’s just a temporary fix. Ford PN: SW6285
Due to factors beyond the control of Hank's Garage, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Hank's Garage assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Hank's Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Hank's Garage, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Hank's Garage.

[@crism777]

The size of the nuts under the steering column are *** 5.5 MM ***...he doesn't bother to mention that...good video nonetheless.

[@salvadorzarate7779]

LOL I'm pretty sure the video is about how to temporarily solve the 80% of Ford focus not starting mystery , the size of socket or what type of pliers, tape etc to use that should be the least of your worries

[@Optimysticmisanthrope]

I didn't even notice. Fortunately this was about the third video I watched and I'd already heard it enough that I knew.

[@noisyboy2329]

he prolly forgot🤷🏼‍♂️🤣

[@dbkonkle]

7/32 fits close enough to work if you can’t find your 5.5 mm socket.

[@warshipcommand714]

Thank you

[@terriwical529]

I'm a 67 year old Grammy with a 2010 Focus that had this issue. I watched this a few times and went at it. I fixed it! Thank you so much!

[@lorrainestolo7293]

I tried this and it worked PERFECTLY!! This is an old car with who knows how little life it has left otherwise so we weren’t wanting to invest in replacement parts for the ignition. What a golden nugget you gave us here. The hardest part was fighting with the casing to get it off without breaking anything. Otherwise, easy peasy! Thanks!

[@lynamor2959]

Well, I’ll be a SOB…lol. I’m a 57 year old woman having this same exact issue with my 2011 Mazda Tribute. I can do this. I just know it. Thank you for this video!!! Probably the best quick fix video I have ever seen for a person whom is desperate to fix their car with ZERO money to fix it through a shop. Thank you sincerely!!! 👍❤️

[@jim1connie2you]

Have a 08 Focus which I bought 4 years ago, had a problem with the ignition switch since I got it, would have to push in really hard to get it to start, sometimes several times before it would contact. Watched this video, what the heck, worth a try. Did it and now it works perfectly, Thanks for solving this problem for me. Another option was to install a push-button start. decided to use this option first. Great video saved a lot of grief.

[@marykalinowski3730]

I'm having the same problem so was it the ignition switch or the ignition key cylinder.

[@Shotis]

So: I finally tried it and thank you Hank! Bolt size is 5.5mm or 7/32". This made starting up the old girl MUCH more reliable.

[@dangerusdave44]

Thanks, worked wonders. Was getting quoted $600 for this repair but after finding this it took about an hour to fix. Used gorilla tape just because it is what was laying around.

[@sidneyperry7623]

You saved me. After putting in a $54.00 switch assy on the left of the column, that didn/t fix the no crank, I found your vid. It was easy to get to and taking the tumbler assy out by turning the key to the release position. I used heat shrink tubing two layers. Bingo, worked right away. Find it hard to believe that the cam must have worn just a very small amount to cause the problem. I could start the car with the remote start but not with the key. Thanks for saving me big bucks.

[@TopDownKickz]

Having the same issues.. I put a new ignition switch on an that got it to start up but I still had ignition issues until I came across this video. Now my car starts up on first try! Big thumbs up!

[@josemoreno1154]

Sir, you've just saved us at least a hundred bucks in repairs, thank you!

[@josephcoffey5225]

Man I know this video 3 years old but I love this dude man saved me hella trouble

[@lordvader479]

My God... It actually worked! Lol I spent $75 on a tow truck I wish I didn't. Thought it was the battery or starter but I took the cover off and did exactly what you said and it worked beautifully. Thank you from the future!

[@user-qm3ne7yo4j]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Been dealing with this issue for a bit now and so glad to see there’s a cheaper way to get this fixed! Such a helpful video!

[@Apollonova001]

Thank you so much man! Fixed my 2009 Focus using your video today. Starts on the first turn now!

[@jerryherndon6766]

Thank you so much for this hack! Praise God it worked on my 2010 Mariner. The backstory - 7 years ago I replaced the ignition switch and it fixed the problem. Fast forward to a year ago - the problem reappeared but this time replacing the ignition switch didn't fix the problem. Saw your post and gave it a try. Now it's starting on the first try. You saved me $200. I was thinking of installing a remote start to bypass the ignition.

[@rkjellbe]

Thank you! Worked like a charm. I have ordered a new cylinder and will replace it. This fix buys me time and peace of mind (it is my daughetr's car). I saw another video where they used the tape but watching yours helped me understand where the crux was (the cylinder wear).

[@TheCatagator]

Followed this video, fixed it from almost not starting EVER. Thank you so much!!!

[@kamranasif5371]

Awesome followed your instructions and got it done. A bit of struggle with getting the ignition cylinder out but turning the key in to on position got it done. Thank you very much

[@zj9689]

i spend almost 1 month fixing this issue change 2 ignition switch with no lcuk just saw your video fixed it it 5 minutes i used heat shrink Thank you so much

[@TheEnd0117]

Man you are a lifesaver. I was stressing so much over this. Took me a bit to get the right amount of tape and now it starts right away.

[@GHS911]

Just wanted to take the time for a proper Thank you. Almost didn't make it to work this morning. Big thanks to you. Keep it up the great work

[@ithinkiatecatinchina]

Does it still work?

[@philipplante168]

This is great. Followed your instructions and my car starts on the first try every time now.

[@IzPigeon]

Dude, you’re literally a life saver! I’m 20 with a 2008 Ford Focus. I don’t know anything about cars but I do know how to put tape on stuff lol 😂 Thank you so much man! 😄

[@Pipdondada]

You and me both thank the lord !!

[@redbeard161]

My 2010 Focus is starting up everytime now! Thank you sir from the bottom of my heart!

[@hanksgarage_]

Glad to hear it!

[@theDYNAMITESTUDIOS]

Thanks man! Just did the deed as well and she started right up. Took me a attempt or two but once I got the right amount of tape I got it to start!

[@ohcrapitskyle]

Just saved me and my wife’s day and money with this. Holy crap thank you

[@Luke_Isaac]

Great video. I bought a focus for parts and was able to get it running with this fix. Worked great

[@robertperez3219]

This worked for a solid year. Time to do it again. Thank you.

[@tryingtoenjoylife1290]

Okay, you are my hero. This was the simplest solution and a REAL life saver for me. So thank you. Just a couple things to keep in mind for others: Somebody mentioned that the nuts are 5mm but most of the hardware stores don’t know what that mean - that is 7/32”. Also, you HAVE TO put the plastic thing that covers the ignition block back before trying to start. Apparently it is the anti-theft part and it does not start without it. I lost 30 minutes trying that. Thanks again!

[@gorillagoldhunters]

Just saved me in the middle of the woods bro!! Thank you!!!!

[@russellll2302]

Awesome video. Had a hard time releasing the cylinder and had to take a layer of tape off, but this works great!!! Great time and money saver!!! We thank you bunches

[@justin9618]

After not putting on enough tape the first time, and looking into what it would take to replace some parts, I figured I'd put more tape on first. Second time around it was about 2" extra I had added on that I removed and voila, started perfect. Moral of the story - start with more than you think and then just trim down if you can't get it to fit back in. Thank you very much!

[@CloutTheGoat]

used your trick and it worked like a charm

[@acabrisas1981]

Man I would've never have thought about that. Absolutely amazing video. Issues for Months solved brother. Thanks.

[@udaho9267]

This is the issue I’m having. Same car and everything. I’m hoping I’ll be able to tape it and keep her going until March/April and get a newer car then. Thank you for the hope this video gave me. If I can get it done I’ll come back and praise you lol 🙌🏼

[@udaho9267]

You did it man. WE DID IT!

[@hanksgarage_]

Sweet!

[@karmakramer100]

You’re a Saint my guy. This worked perfectly for me and saved me a ton of stress.

[@IronjustBlaze]

Right!!!!

[@aldiasmaestrada2960]

I've been doing this for almost 2 years because of your video, thank you sir!

[@m0nki76]

I completed this on my car and it fixed it! Thanks for the video.

[@kingalexander21]

thank you so much, first try fixed my 2009 Ford Escape, you saved my day, Blessings!

[@desireefischnar627]

My car was having the exact same issue, I would turn the key, the electronics and the air would start up, but nothing, no engine no spark. I did some research and eventually I came across this video, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try so I told my dad about it. We tried everything we could think of, seeing if it was the electronics, the security code, the lock cylinder itself, and still it wouldn't start, all while I patiently waited and hoped it would work, yet still insisting that we try the tape trick I'd learned from this video. He finally went and got the electrical tape and, lo and behold, it worked like a charm! I know it's not a permanent fix and that I'll have to replace it at some point but at least my car will start on the first try now!!! Thank you so much for the information!!! It has saved me about $100, at least for now.

[@hanksgarage_]

awesome, yea its temporary but works for a while. the cylinder itself can be found on rockauto for cheap as well

[@desireefischnar627]

@@hanksgarage_ thank you again!!

[@denisportarescu9247]

I wanted to write yesterday that this idea doesn't work for my focus 2009 After I tried too much tape doesn't work I deed today less tape and I'm happy no more stress starts right away Huge thank you

[@Caaaave]

Amazing little temp fix. Thank you sir

[@gilbertofraticelli9677]

thank u man u saved my life today i been fighting w this for months and had too walk alot... now im riding thanks

[@onlyhuman1276]

This absolutely saved my kids twice thanks so much God bless you in Jesus name

[@jamesbuchkoski8556]

Your the man, thank you for this video. Did this today to my 2008 focus. Works great.

[@rektdedrip]

Finally a video about the exact issue I'm having!

[@thetippings]

Just tried it and worked perfectly. Thank you so much!

[@billy18773]

Man thank you!!!! Today it just stopped turning over. I did exactly what u said it worked 100% thanks again!

[@ithinkiatecatinchina]

Does it still work?

[@willy_g27]

This worked for my ignition issue! Have to keep the key in when you're removing the cylinder. Thanks for the video. 2010 Mercury Mariner

[@Shotis]

Oh wow Hank Didn't know this is what the "tape method" was. Glad it's so easy. Going to try this on my Focus tomorrow

[@Watercrown86]

Ran into this issue. Thank you so much. This fixed worked perfectly.

[@WilliamFou1]

Thanks man, worked like a charm used teflon tape on my 2011 focus and it started first crank!

[@MaJestic1988]

I can 1000000% confirm this works I just did this and car starts perfect now

[@mike77517]

Extremely helpful and accurate. Thanks for your video.

[@wyattandwill12]

Nice. I’m working on my mother’s Focus, trick she does is she pushes the key in. I wanna offer to do this and it’ll probably fix it for a bit

[@Optimysticmisanthrope]

Totally fixed my problem, much obliged.

[@JTCashman]

Works like a charm! Thanks so much for the video.

[@angelortiz2169]

Just tried it worked perfectly. Thanks for posting!

[@ithinkiatecatinchina]

Does it still work?

[@joshuapalmr]

Not every hero wears capes. thank you so much for the helpful video

[@derickjdr]

This Saved my Daughters car, thanks for this Video!!!

[@bretsmith7150]

This worked perfectly! Thank you for posting this video!

[@svoboss]

I didn't use tape. I cut a piece of old credit card the size of the flat area & used a dab of grease to hold there when I put the cylinder back in. I am thinking it will last longer than layers of tape. Works fine. Thanks for the video.

[@akarez83]

This worked like a charm! This is what KZbin should be meant for LOL💪

[@jamesjoseph9674]

Thank you. Worked like a charm.

[@slimeballslatty]

this is hands down best method. my Ford Escape 2009 had this issue too for a while, and it would turn on by luck for months, but it came to a point where you’d sit there for 30 min trying to turn over the engine. I changed the ignition switch, and that didn’t work. I think the only solution is to buy a new ignition switch cylinder with a new key. But if u cant buy that just yet, this will work like a charm for suuurree💯💯

[@boomerguy9935]

My 2008 Escape with 148K miles on it has a tremendous amount of slop in the key movement while in the cylinder. I'm going to have the lock assembly housing professionally replaced. If the "trigger" still won't extend enough, I will definitely use your temp fix with the tape. Thanks!

[@henrydox142]

Thank you bro did it on my ford hybrid 2008 it work just fine ! Had that issue for about a year

[@hanksgarage_]

yup, fords all use a similar key switch

[@drsavitar7021]

Thanks for this video! I love it my ford focus is working like a pro!

[@amunhorus1344]

Thanks for the video man! This helped me out alot

[@isaicontreras2567]

Works for Ford Escape 2009 as well, good quick fix, thanks 👍🏾

[@hanksgarage_]

No problem 👍

[@wn8022]

My 2010 Ford Escape is doing this as well. Did the take hold up on your 2009 ?

[@zenning74]

Worked ! Many thanks man !

[@kwikrex7054]

Worked perfectly. Thanks for the video

[@christopherfierro4084]

RESPECTTTT!! Thank you so much for making this video!!!

[@hanksgarage_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@butler386]

Fantastic job. I am sure I would have broken most all of the plastic and then started a fire. Thanks for the information and video. Stay safe.

[@hanksgarage_]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kendonald338]

Thanks for the video worked on my 2008 Mazda Tribute

[@CavenInToTheWorld]

2009 xlt works like a charm! Thanks!

[@qizuo866]

fixed my 2008 escape, thanks!

[@jasonlavery6449]

Thanks man I fixed my car on the side of the road. Thank you

[@andyjuarez163]

Thank you so much it worked perfect on my 2008 escape

[@ezekielleon1040]

This video really help me out . Thanks

[@fa20guy27]

Saved me in 2023, my 08 ford focus with 133k miles has been having this issue and its slowly been getting worse, I was about to just bypass the ignition switch but this will do for now lol

[@dineshra100]

Great... The tricks worked well on my 2011 Ford escape.. Thanks a lot..❤🎉

[@LisaSmith-fn6uy]

Omg you saved my life!! It worked!

[@julioborges871]

My 2010 ses coupe has the same issue. It’s not as bad but it’s going to be like this real soon. Thanks for the video

[@robertperez3219]

I just did this again. Instead of using electrical tape, I made a strip using a pop can and wrapped it around the base of the tumbler. I know it’s not permanent but it’s a cheap easy fix.

[@niyazikahyaoglu5756]

Thank you so much for the video. Yoh saved me ton of time and money. Love you buddy

[@hanksgarage_]

Glad I could help

[@CJKile]

THANKS A MILLION! This worked 1st try!!!!!

[@rodneywilson8920]

How did u pop the Ignition out?

[@CJKile]

@@rodneywilson8920 just wiggled out using the key and lil help from a tiny flathead screwdriver in the little hole on top

[@rayban7145]

Definitely works only expect it to work about 30 40 turns

[@dwaynecollins4974]

Awesome 👍 the hardest part is taking the cover off!😜

[@jisakoff]

For me it was putting it back on! 😄

[@jonathanlogothetti6265]

It works - thank you!

[@EricEllenbrook]

This just solved a 4-5 year old problem for me

[@CJKile]

Going to try this out now, wish me luck

[@DangusG]

Thanks for the help!

[@sleepypanda2907]

thanks! IT WORKED ON MY FORD FOCUS 2008 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@truthvigilante4263]

Hopefully it works for me too. Still working for you?

[@sleepypanda2907]

@@truthvigilante4263 Still works, ever since I fixed it 4 months ago, The issue is the lock cylinder doesn't turn all the way due to wear and tear, I thought it was the key or the ignition fuse but after wasting my money getting all those checked, I tried this and it worked.

[@robinhunt6644]

Yes this is a great video. Thank you! 😊

[@mouseclicksforu9724]

wow! I have a 2009 ford focus and if you can do 1624 million miles, then you need to maintain it really well lol! Well done!

[@salvadorzarate7779]

Life saver , you the best 🍻🍻

[@silvakilla7]

Saved me from buying a new lock and key and all that bullshit. Appreciate it man!

[@ithinkiatecatinchina]

Does it still work?

[@silvakilla7]

@@ithinkiatecatinchina Wow I'm surprised this was already 5 months ago. Yeah still works on the first try every single time I start it. Every once in a blue moon I'll have to do it twice, but atleast I know how to fix it if it gets as bad as it was. There'd be some moments where I'd be flicking my key on / off for 5 minutes straight with nothing.

[@silvakilla7]

@@ithinkiatecatinchina and even if the tape eventually wears down, taking the plastic covers off around the steering column takes 30 seconds with an impact and from there it's pretty straightforward

[@ithinkiatecatinchina]

@@silvakilla7 yup that's where I'm at now, sometimes over ten minutes of pushing to start it haha thanks, going to do this in a few mins

[@jisakoff]

Thanks. This works.

[@iananderson8363]

I bought an 09 Focus last week out of desperation. (It’s slim pickins in the used car market!) Three days later this exact issue manifests. The locksmith says it’s not the cylinder lock but after watching this I think taping to test is my best/cheapest option.

[@hangover312]

Hows the car been so far? Thinking of buying one

[@iananderson8363]

@@hangover312 it’s been great so far. I’ve put 6k on it and no issues. 👍 Good on gas too.

[@hangover312]

@@iananderson8363 thanks for the update! Just picked one up so hopefully it goes well

[@gatito339]

thank you sir.