Focus mk1 getting into bonnet after replacement key options.

[chr15b]

My brother lost the key to hos 02 reg Focus when he visited recently. on the recommendation of a friend in the trade, we got a mobile company to come out and cut a new one, and code it to the car.

There was no spare, so this was done i believe off the drivers lock.

We've since found out that the new key although operating all door, ignition and boot locks, does not do the bonnet.

I've read a post on the net that suggests there is a way to release the lock from under the car, but it looks tricky. this appears to be the favorite when the lock has failed.

I've also read that someone went to Ford to get a new key. Ford wanted £750 when it was a car with no key, now we have a key, is it worth going for a 'spare' or are they likely to just cut from this one meaning we end up with an exact copy that although good enough for the doors, doesn't quite match the bonnet.

I'm led to believe there were no issues previously with the bonnet lock, it wasn't stiff at all.

Cheers.

[kdri155]

This might help a bit a how to guide for a Mk3 Mondeo.

http://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php?title=Bonnet_S...

[Emeye]

You are turning the key left then right?

Have a read of this - the useful post is further down.

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25465...

[chr15b]

Emeye said:

You are turning the key left then right?

Have a read of this - the useful post is further down.

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25465...

Yes mate, interestingly you can feel the key wants to turn on the right, but when turning it left it feels like the wrong key..

My gut feeling is the key hasn't been cut 100% to pattern, and with the rest of the locks having 14 years wear they are a little more tolerant to it - that could be total bs though

[Emeye]

chr15b said:

Emeye said:

You are turning the key left then right?

Have a read of this - the useful post is further down.

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25465...

Yes mate, interestingly you can feel the key wants to turn on the right, but when turning it left it feels like the wrong key..

My gut feeling is the key hasn't been cut 100% to pattern, and with the rest of the locks having 14 years wear they are a little more tolerant to it - that could be total bs though

Well hopefully that thread will help you get in without too much hassle.

[chr15b]

Emeye said:

Well hopefully that thread will help you get in without too much hassle.

Yes thanks, that's what I was referring to in my opening post. It's the last post on there that makes me wonder if getting a key cut by ford is worth a stab.

[Billy_rfc]

Get the guy back who cut the key?

[chr15b]

Billy_rfc said:

Get the guy back who cut the key?

That is an option that is being explored. Problem being that my brother lives 3 hours away and the key was lost whilst he was visiting so we need to get him back here when my brother is here. In the meantime he can't refill the washer fluid or check the oil level. Which is why I'm looking at all options.

Edited by chr15b on Sunday 15th September 11:35

[Spangles]

The keys aren't cut from each other, well they shouldn't be. Each key has a lock code that can be read visually from the key and a new one cut from that code. I'd try getting a new blank key cut, doesn't need to have the chip in it and should cost less than a tenner. The other option is the bloke reading the key code from the barrel has got it slightly wrong due to wear in the barrel.

[chr15b]

Spangles said:

The keys aren't cut from each other, well they shouldn't be. Each key has a lock code that can be read visually from the key and a new one cut from that code. I'd try getting a new blank key cut, doesn't need to have the chip in it and should cost less than a tenner. The other option is the bloke reading the key code from the barrel has got it slightly wrong due to wear in the barrel.

This is my thoughts too, though I'm interested in this reading the code thing, I thought it was something printed..