[sm=smiley5.gif] The key will go in my ignition, but it will not turn at all. It is now stranded at a gas station here in Orlando. I've tried yanking the steering wheel back and forth, putting it in different gears and neutral, and even rolling it backwards trying to get the steering wheel to unlock. I noticed that a little rectangular on/off button with about a 3-inch wire connected to it had fallen off the bottom of the steering wheel, but I cannot find what it connects to or if that even has anything to do with it. I think it has something to do with the chip in the key, but it's never done this to me before. Please help! My nearest family is 1200 miles away.

 

you'll probably have to have the lock cylinder drilled out and replaced by the sounds of, its pretty common

 

ITs likely your ignition its a very commone problme in focus esp yr 99, 00 my has been changed twice the factory for ignition replacement is the same piece of crap it was built with . A lock smith can re do it for about 100.00 with a good unit and that should solve the problem . If you need to start it still simply tap the key with a hammer or wrench as you turn it and it will start . The last tumbler is likely the worn out part. A tow truck driver told me about that focus problem and it works .

 

yeah, i had my ignition replaced already, too. at less than 10000 miles.

 

ok, had this problem twice already and got too expensive to replace i currently have it.... What you do is take the key put it in.
then take either the palm of your hand or somthing to tap the key with do that 3-4 times then turn. you're good to go.
infact i dont take the key out of mine i have another key i lock and unlock it with