Key Barrel weakness - What has Ford done? - Page 2

fordwood · 11-01-2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweeked

The last two new Fords I have bought, a 2004 GT and a 2005 Territory Ghia have both fallen foul of the ignition key gremlin. This is now becoming one of the most common issues with the B Series and Territory. The problem with the issue is the cost of repair - around $1500. It seams to be the old 10 cent part causing the problem.

Is anyone aware if Ford has addressed this weakness from FG on?

I am looking at buying new again but this is enough to scare me away from a new Ford if they think that since it normally happens outside the warranty period (about 5 yrs seems to be when they start to go) that it is acceptable.

ps - I am going to have a look at the "recrimp fix" listed in the B Series area to see if i can fix myself.

Had this happen to me a few weeks ago, went out to my car one night and found the key just spinning around in the slot. Next morning I found the two ball bearings on the floor and after removing the column shroud found the entire backing plate had come away. Extremely hard to fix with the column still in the car (gravity really works against you when trying to line the bearings up in the right spot. Was lucky to land on a locksmith in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne that said he fixes these constantly. He has made up a new part out of billet aluminium which he says is a lot stronger. So far my ignition has been a lot tighter and feels solid, hopefully it holds up. Was $550 including GST and installation with a 5 year warranty.

sprintman1 · 11-01-2016, 02:24 PM

My BA had same, common as dog balls. My auto electrician said they could do it but Ford dealer had a special on 'em. BF column with BF keys $1,500. Wasn't happy but there you go...

Qwerty321 · 11-01-2016, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordwood

Had this happen to me a few weeks ago, went out to my car one night and found the key just spinning around in the slot. Next morning I found the two ball bearings on the floor and after removing the column shroud found the entire backing plate had come away. Extremely hard to fix with the column still in the car (gravity really works against you when trying to line the bearings up in the right spot. Was lucky to land on a locksmith in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne that said he fixes these constantly. He has made up a new part out of billet aluminium which he says is a lot stronger. So far my ignition has been a lot tighter and feels solid, hopefully it holds up. Was $550 including GST and installation with a 5 year warranty.

Jesus. I didn't realize the issue was that bad. My barrel feels loose now and I just turn it back into on after starting it up, and that's given me no problems. But damn! To have the key spinning around in the barrel, how hard do you guys turn your keys!

sprintman1 · 11-01-2016, 05:05 PM

Mine was like it when purchased. ***** (lawyer) forgot to mention it....

fordwood · 12-01-2016, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Jesus. I didn't realize the issue was that bad. My barrel feels loose now and I just turn it back into on after starting it up, and that's given me no problems. But damn! To have the key spinning around in the barrel, how hard do you guys turn your keys!

If your barrel already feels loose my advice would be to pull the steering column shroud off and check the back plate of the ignition (it has electrical wires connected to it) it might be coming loose. Before it falls off completely see if you can cable tie or recrimp the ****y little metal tabs that hold it in place. I definitely never had any weight in my keys or would ever turn the key too hard, it's just a poor design of component that is more than likely to fail given time (ten years in my case).

Franco Cozzo · 12-01-2016, 09:09 AM

We've done heaps of BA and a BF, no one wants to pay new price so we just source wrecker ones, $750 installed and away they go.

We can get the column out/in, key transponder across and all working again in about 15 mins.

Boza · 13-01-2016, 02:00 PM

Whole family is in the taxi industry never had this problem at all and you should see what the indian boys do to the cars your jaw will drop, but never heard of this issue we have a few b serie's ex taxi wagons we use for household duties and they all have over 600k and still have original key's

Olbucko · 13-01-2016, 03:10 PM

According to some other threads on this subject Ford changed the design of the switch in mid 08. The new switch is now easily replaceable and can be purchased for $50- $100. Unfortunately the new switch will not fit the older steering columns.

sprintman1 · 13-01-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olbucko

According to some other threads on this subject Ford changed the design of the switch in mid 08. The new switch is now easily replaceable and can be purchased for $50- $100. Unfortunately the new switch will not fit the older steering columns.

And BA columns all gone too

Kable72 · 13-01-2016, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprintman1

And BA columns all gone too

BA Columns all gone? As in nill supply? First I've heard of that, though now checking Metro stock levels, they got none. Might have to ask a few questions, I think... Might buy one or two for spares on the just in case.

sprintman1 · 13-01-2016, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kable72

BA Columns all gone? As in nill supply? First I've heard of that, though now checking Metro stock levels, they got none. Might have to ask a few questions, I think... Might buy one or two for spares on the just in case.

Yep stealership could only get a BF which of course has different style keys. I didn't get the door locks changed to match($$$$) so I have one BA style key for manual door unlocking (if remote battery dies) and a BF style for the ignition. Not ideal but OK

Kable72 · 13-01-2016, 06:08 PM

Oh, I see what you mean now. Looking at the catalogue, Only the BA ones are available. That's frustrating...

sprintman1 · 13-01-2016, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kable72

Oh, I see what you mean now. Looking at the catalogue, Only the BA ones are available. That's frustrating...

BF not BA

robster · 14-01-2016, 09:44 PM

Never heard of this problem myself, my BA still feels tight after 11 years.

sprintman1 · 14-01-2016, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robster

Never heard of this problem myself, my BA still feels tight after 11 years.

Buy a lottery ticket!

peterbrock · 15-08-2017, 12:52 PM

Bump. Just happened to me this morning, have to wind it back 5mm to get everything to work, would hate the missus to be driving to work, hit a bump and **** goes mental... What's the solutions here-
A.Pay $1500-2000 at Ford?
B. Or get an auto electrician? How much usually for them?
C. ?

mike_nofx · 15-08-2017, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boza

Whole family is in the taxi industry never had this problem at all and you should see what the indian boys do to the cars your jaw will drop, but never heard of this issue we have a few b serie's ex taxi wagons we use for household duties and they all have over 600k and still have original key's

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Jesus. I didn't realize the issue was that bad. My barrel feels loose now and I just turn it back into on after starting it up, and that's given me no problems. But damn! To have the key spinning around in the barrel, how hard do you guys turn your keys!

I wonder the same. Not sure if BF is much better than BA but my BF barrel felt like new at 11 years old with 400km on the clock. The BA I had with 200km on it also felt fine.

Do those who are having issues have lots of keys on their keyrings? Maybe the extra weight of keys causing wear. Turning the key too far and too hard, or trying to turn the key with the steering wheel lock engaged?

peterbrock · 15-08-2017, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

I wonder the same. Not sure if BF is much better than BA but my BF barrel felt like new at 11 years old with 400km on the clock. The BA I had with 200km on it also felt fine.

Do those who are having issues have lots of keys on their keyrings? Maybe the extra weight of keys causing wear. Turning the key too far and too hard, or trying to turn the key with the steering wheel lock engaged?

So excited to get a notification that someone had replied to me, annnnnnd...
You read the thread you can answer all them questions.

**Raptor** · 15-08-2017, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterbrock

...

What's the solutions here-
A.Pay $1500-2000 at Ford?
B. Or get an auto electrician? How much usually for them?
C. ?

A) ahhhh, nup

B) probably if it's already happened. Will cost less than Ford.

C) MAINTENANCE

Being on AFF you'd be well aware of the risk and consequences so you'd spend the 5-10 minutes requires every few years to remove the cover and ensure the little tabs holding the mechanism all together are still tight. Maybe give them a light tap just to be sure. Then avoid having to worry about A) and B) for the life of the car

.

peterbrock · 15-08-2017, 07:19 PM

Never heard of this problem man

**Raptor** · 15-08-2017, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterbrock

Never heard of this problem man

This thread dates back to 2012 and there plenty of others too.

Where have you been, man

.

peterbrock · 15-08-2017, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

This thread dates back to 2012 and there plenty of others too.

Where have you been, man

.

Driving around in my territory with zero problems = No need to browse this forum

**Raptor** · 15-08-2017, 07:48 PM

Hey, I've got a Territory too. Exactly the same issue is possible there too.

Same parts man.

Ignorance is bliss - until something breaks hey.

.

Sancho · 15-08-2017, 08:10 PM

Dad's BA XR6 started doing it.

It's had all sorts of problems though, this is just the latest one.

XC_Lizzard · 15-08-2017, 10:35 PM

The actual ignition switch is the same from the XC to at least the BA (I can't comment on BF or FG, as I have not seen them). The only visible difference is the plug on the end of the wires.

The worst thing about the BA is the switch was retained with break-off bolts rather than grub screws, so it is very difficult to remove from the steering column.

It seems strange that the issues only seem to be with BA's, something other than the design must of changed. Weaker materials used in manufacture is about the only thing that seems possible.

Olbucko · 15-08-2017, 11:49 PM

According to the Haynes manual the FG ignition switch is retained by easily removable screws not breakoff bolts like BAs and SX-SY Territorys.

peterbrock · 16-08-2017, 12:49 AM

Bla bla. Can anyone please give me advise about my 06 territory...

amiers · 16-08-2017, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olbucko

According to the Haynes manual the FG ignition switch is retained by easily removable screws not breakoff bolts like BAs and SX-SY Territorys.

Haynes manual? I thought Ford banned aftermarket books when the FG arrived.?

**aussiblue** · 16-08-2017, 09:32 AM

This seems a good solution https://www.frk1.com.au/

GASWAGON · 16-08-2017, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiblue

This seems a good solution https://www.frk1.com.au/

Thats very impressive!

Lifetime warranty too.

My local Bursons has 2 of these kits in stock (Frk-1-SU).

RRP $365.

Hell of alot cheaper than Fraud.