Thank You!!! This Grandma was able to fix my 2008 Escape today!!!

BEST video for this fix that I could find! All of the others I saw had me pulling off the steering wheel and replacing the whole ignition lock module (more time and an additional $75 purchase). Followed this guy's instructions and the problem was solved with ZERO dollars spent! Thank you!!!

So I had this same issue with my 2010 Ford Focus. It turns out that instead of cutting off part of the stop for the key cylinder, it's REALLY EASY to remove and replace the starter switch, which is the module where the harness plugs into on the opposite side of the steering wheel column from where the key goes in. 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.

I love this video . A family member called with an Escape ignition issue so I went over with a Dremel , a burr , a 5.5 mm socket and driver , and a Leartherman multi tool and had her up and running in 30 minutes , cementing my place as a mechanical genius . Thanks very kindly !!

This repair procedure worked perfectly and cost me nothing!!! It took about an 2 hrs to complete.. We struggled for a year getting the car to start and was getting worse and worse. It got to the point my wife couldn't get it started at all and that is not GOOD. I took it out and apart, I used a small 4mm endmill and ground the clearance per the video, reassembled, reinstalled. The past 7 months the car starts no problem at all. NO PUSHING IN THE KEY AND TWISTING TO THE POINT YOUR HAND/ WRIST HURTS! Wife is HAPPY. Thanks for the help!!!

Not much of a DIY driver myself, did a bit of troubledhooting in my Escape 2008, and after seeing this clip, decided to make a break to save me $$$. Took about 2h. To grind off the metal bump I used the tool my wife uses to trim our dogs nails. Worked an absolute treat! Cant stop thinking I did it all myself! Awesome tip! Well done Waco boys!!,.. Gerry/ Poland

Back after the repair to leave my comment and say thank you!! Wife’s escape did this starting delay for years and always bugged me about fixing it. This fixed the problem. Nice quick starts!! To remove the material in the cylinder, I used a 1/8 inch drill but almost as a mini reamer. Took total about 30 mins. Now time for her to repay the favor .....

@bobrich1950

2 жыл бұрын

Is that fix still doing the job for you ? How hard was it to put that outer ring back on the cylinder? Thanks

@themrfabio2459

2 жыл бұрын

@@bobrich1950 still works perfect. Wasn’t hard at all

@mylestesdahl3208

5 ай бұрын

Just did this today after spending 200$ on starter. 200$ on ignition housing 80$ on a new tumbler and 37$ on ignition switch… this was the solution I can’t return the parts I bought because I installed them but I’m just glad to have my backup car reliable again.

Cant thank you enough. Just fixed my husbands truck in about an hour. It has been parked for a week not cranking. Thank you sooo much! My husband is in for a big surprise when he gets home. I see an all expenses paid spa day in my future.

Thank you for this video, worked great. Some notes. In the 2008 Ford Escape I was working on removing the security ring was not necessary. The release pin was accessible with it on. The press fit retaining ring (4:57) was quite a bit more difficult to get off than in the video, took about 10 minutes to work off, could go faster if one wasn't worried about marring the metal. Main thing is to just slowly keep bending the edge more and more. I used a Dremel and had the most success with the Dremel 455 Chainsaw Sharpening Grinding Stone. I marked the maximum movement of the key, so I could see how much more I could twist the key. 7/32 socket worked since I didn't have a 5.5 mm.

God bless you for sharing your knowledge with us and posting this video. I have a 2008 Ford Escape that didn't start on morning. I was stressed a bit knowing I don't have the money to take it into a shop to have it fix by some professional. I've watched a handful of videos and gravitated to this video. It took me 3 hours of my time and 11 dollars for the bit to shave down the ignition. IT WORKS ON THE DIME!!!! THANK YOU FROM ALL MY HEART! LOVE AND ALOHA FROM HAWAII!

Great video! This saved me a ton of money. I've been struggling with my truck starting every now and then for about a year. But last week, after being stranded twice and two mechanics telling me how much it would cost and that they couldn't get to it for a couple of days, I researched the issue and I'm glad I came across your video. I decided to attempt your fix on my own. It took a couple of hours but my truck now starts with ease. At the 4:57 mark, removing that ring is not easy. I initially used an extremely thin flathead screwdriver then moved up to bigger sizes once I got it pried open enough. And in the end when placing that ring I used 8in Groove Joint Pliers to secure it as best I could. It took some time and the ring didn't look as smooth as before but I knew that part was going to be covered anyway. And at the 7:05 mark you pointed to one side of the lip to grind but at 8:08 you grinded the other side. I made sure that I grinded the same side you did and it works perfect. Genius!!! Thank you.

Tried this today on a customer's 2010 Escape, and it worked perfect. Awesome.

What a legend! I was late for work this morning trying to get the car started, and then waiting 30 minutes after work to get the car started to come home. In 2 hours I completed Fred's fix and car all put back together and good to go. Thanks Fred! Legend!

Wow, this worked like a charm and it only took me a couple of hours! My 2007 Escape Hybrid was getting harder to start every day until one day it just wouldn’t turn on. I was able to do this with a 6mm socket wrench, utility knife and a few screwdrivers. Pulling off the ring took the longest but I just kept at it with a small gauge flat screwdriver. Instead of the power grinder I just used the sharp blade of some metal sheers to grind back that groove by hand. I only shaved off a few millimeters but it made a big difference and the car starts easily again. Probably saved me several hundred 💸. Thanks!

Busted ass knuckles and header burns? I trust this dude. 100% serious and not facetious. Thank you for the video. This is what I get to do this weekend. =/

Thanks for posting this video. I looked at other videos for "solution" to this problem but many involved taking off practically half the steering wheel or buying new parts. Still, I had the gut feeling that your ignition hack may just work. And it did!!! I can't thank you enough.

You sir are an animal! Thank you very much. Easy fix, took me less than 40 minutes including cleanup. Works like a charm. No pushing or wiggling, all we do now is turn the key and it fires right up! Thank you again.

Can't say thank you enough, this is a legit fix and took under 30 minutes. You guys are truly awesome!

Thank you so much for posting this. I was skeptical at first not sure if this was going to solve my issue. I talked with a few people at work and they said it makes sense. After reading all of the comments I decided this would work. Not bad of a job, had a hard time getting the cylinder back in when I was done. It did the trick, thanks again for posting this!!!!! You are the man!!!!!!!!

Wow. I didn't think I'd be able to do it, and at one point I started second-guessing myself and wishing I hadn't even tried in the first place, but your video helped me get the repair done. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. Saved me hundreds of dollars and all it took was a few hours of labor. You are a blessing!

My 2009 Mazda Tribute (same as a Ford Escape) had the same problem. I replaced the ignition switch to no avail. Found this video and followed instructions. 1:45 and all done, works perfectly. Getting that crimped ring off was the worst part, as other have mentioned- about 45 minutes of constant prying with a micro flat head screwdriver- quite tedious as, obviously, the factory never intended that part to be removed. I used a Dremel with a tiny grinding bit instead of the air powered grinder in the video. SO HAPPY FOR THIS VIDEO. A fantastic contribution. Thank you!!!

Thanks so much for the post. Ive been dealing with this for about a year now on my escape. I replaced the ignition module about a year ago but never seemed to operate properly after and a few days ago just would not work at all. I purchased a ignition lock cylinder and remembered your video from my previous you tube search prior to replacing the cylinder and took your advice prior to cylinder replacement, works great after the modification. Thanks again.

Sir, I’m a fellow Texan and Mechanic from way back who’s not afraid to take on anything and this was pure genius. My daughters 2008 ford Escape had this problem for years and she actually developed a rather strong right arm having to push the key in while turning the key, but I came across this vid and thought I would give it a try. I just bought a carbide tip like you had and just used a regular drill. Took about an hr. And all is good. Thanks so much for putting this video together you guys did an amazing job and I’m very thankful. Have a great holiday.

Thank you very much! My recently widowed Mother couldn't afford to pay for the repair. I followed your instructions and it now works perfectly. If you open a shop in Minnesota, you will have a customer!

Great little trick. I filed the stop on the top of the cylinder as I didn’t have a dremel. It did the same thing as it allowed the key to turn further. Worked like a charm. The ring around the cylinder did take a while to remove.

You sir are a genius I had to mess with my key for 20 minutes to start my car but I used your trick and had it back together in 45 minutes and it works flawlessly. Thank you so much for shareing this trick.

@keyman1202

5 жыл бұрын

Guys...call a locksmith..this is at best,, a very very temporary fix.... the housing on the column is shot...!! that is why it requires key switch to turn farther to get results....

Made the fix this afternoon in my 09 Escape. Thank you! Had me worried for days but found this video and took me about an hour to fix.

I’m so grateful that you shared this! Saved me $1000. That is what ford was quoting. I have 2008 Ford Escape and this worked for me.

Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. My niece's 2009 Ford Escape been having this issue for a long time, and I couldn't figure it out until now. All I've been telling her is to just turn the key a little bit harder to get it started -- now I know where the problem is at... thanks a bunch for sharing this with everyone.

Great KZread!!! My sons Escape was having this same issue, so my friend and I took it apart and we did exactly what your video suggest, and it worked!!! I was so faithful for this to be the answer, and sure enough!! Thank you for taking the time to figure this out!

I needed to push the key very hard many times to start my 2008 Escape Hybrid, it was getting to the point that I would need to try to start the car over ten try's and then take a break and try again. I used a Drummel tool to remove the slot just like they showed in the video and now the Escape starts by just turning the key every time. Thanks for posting this amazing video.

just did this today, took an hour or two, 5 bucks worth of carbide bits from harbor freight, skipped the rotary tool and just used my drill, wasa way easier than i initially thought it would be. im a total hack as a mechanic and even i found this simple so basically anyone can do it. thank you for this video, it saved me time, money, and many headaches

It would save me another 100 bucks if I found this video earlier. The ignition problem happened in my 2008 Escape in 2018. I assumed that it should be the old ignition switch issue after searching online, so I bought and replaced the ignition switch which is very easy to do. That worked for about two years then the problem was back again. So I replaced the switch again, but this time it worked only about 1 year before same problem came back. Two switches cost me more than $100, and it seems like endless spending, I began to think if that is a real solution. Now I am so happy to have found this video. I completed the job following the instructions in little more than an hour, the result is very satisfying. I noticed that some reviews were posted 4 years ago, so this fix should be the real solution. I believe that Ford could make some improvements on their ignition switch to avoid the ignition failure that could be fatal in some situations. Many many thanks to this excellent video.

I had this issue with a 2008 Ford Escape. I followed the video and it worked like charm. Took me about an hour. I was worried I would mess it up initially. Turned out to be easy solution. Thank you for the help.

God bless you my friend...and whoever invented the youtube. Saved me good chunk of money and hassle

Thank you so much as well! As many here i replaced the switch then when it did not do the trick anymore i found your video about making key run longer so it could engage the switch while turning and starting the car! worked beautifully. I actually filed it down about 1/8" and it was enough for me!!! You are the man!!!!!!!

My 2008 AWD Ford Escape Hybrid has the same issue. After watching this video I removed the key cylinder from the housing and removed enough from the inside of the housing for the key to turn about 20 degrees more. Moreover, once this cylinder is removed, you can troubleshoot if this issue is your problem by inserting the key cylinder without the housing to connect with the inner slot while having the key reader in place, if you can crack the vehicle with no problem then your issue is the same as this video goes over. Just to note, I used a Dremel with a tungsten carbide bit to remove the metal inside the key housing. No issues grinding and smooth grind finish. After reinstalling the key lock, easy crank every time!

Your remedy for this faulty ignition problem worked flawlessly! My buddy's 08 Escape was intermittently being a pain to start, until a few days ago, it left him stranded at his job. I started searching you tube for answers, and found your channel. Within 2 minutes of getting the bottom cover off, I had the car running. I drive it home, took the ignition key lock out, followed your instructions and within 40 minutes I had it all back together and it starts every time now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the public. I'm sure that this saved him many hundreds of dollars, including if it needed to be towed to the ford dealer!

I’ve had intermittent problems with it for years, finally stopped working completely. This fixed it. 2009 escape, not one of the Vins included in the recall for this exact issue. Thank you so much!

I haven't had this problem yet but after researching it I feel like I will. I saved this video and will use it when necessary. Thank you so much for great details and for not just rambling on like so many other youtubers do.

This is probably the best video I have seen compare to others where they encourage you to buy the whole system. This cuts corners to the simple solution and I am greatful and so far so good. Thanks to Fred's Auto Waco.

THANK YOU FRED'S AUTO WACO. YOUR VIDEO WAS EXACTLY WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!

Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. Just repaired my brothers wife’s Escape, in about an hour and a half including a trip to Home Depot for Dremil tool. Money saved ✅

Well as I can see everyone on here has said it all. Amazing your video I just fixed my escape. A million thanks sir!!!

My '09 Escape had the same issue. I changed the switch 2 years ago, and the problem returned. After using this fix, I'm confident it's fixed for good!!

Thank you very much, I jus finished repairing my ignition lock using your directions and it worked like magic!

I used your video, It worked great!!! My wife is very happy with her working car and I am happy because of zero cost!! Wow, we are both happy at the same time!

Took me about an hour from set-up to clean-up. Worked 1st try. Thank you!

My son and I just completed his 2011 Ford escape. Starts like a champ. That you sir for the help.

You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks for taking the time to post this. You've saved myself and tons of other people thousands of dollars. If I lived in Texas I'd buy you a beer.

I watched your video tutorial about 20 times, and this afternoon, I finally dug in and fixed my ignition problem. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience--and so clearly, too. I’ll be sure to pay your good deed forward. Best to you.

@bobrich1950

2 жыл бұрын

Is that fix still doing the job for you ? How hard was it to put that outer ring back on the cylinder? Thanks

@pBirdX

2 жыл бұрын

@@bobrich1950 Yes, my ignition is still firing up after all this time. And, no, it wasn’t hard to get the outer ring back on. I just secured the cylinder in a lightly squeezed clamp (as seen in the vid) and crimped the ring back with a flathead screwdriver and needle nose pliers. Good luck, Bob!

Thanks for the video the ring was hard to get off took about an hour ground down the stop with a dremmel tool did it all at the kitchen table worked great.

Thank you very much for this video. My wife was the only one who could start the truck with two hands on the key, shaking the hell out of it and whole bunch of cursing. Now it’s like brand new. My son is also very grateful. He can start driving it again.

Must admit I was incredibly dubious about this technique. 40 minutes from start to finish later and all doubts were gone. Our non-starting Mazda Tribute now cranks with a simple twist like new every time. Thank you so much for posting this very helpful video!

Thanks! The explanation was spot on. Managed to fix my Escape and have it starting with no hassle following the steps.

All I can say is thank you for posting this video! Saved me a lot of money and trouble!

this is wonderful! Took my son and me an hour and a half on 10/18/21 to complete this as you instructed. Thank you so very much. 2010 Mariner!

I never comment on anything on KZread. I was having the same problem with my wife’s 2009 escape and went down the KZread wormhole and seen this video. One of if not the only video that doesn’t require any type of cost for this type of fix. Good on you guys. Need more mechanics like you. Did exactly what you did in the video, now it cranks like new. Can’t thank you enough for making this video.

Thank you so much! Shop quoted my wife $350 today. Took me an hour after watching this video. FYI to anybody watching, prying that metal ring off sucks. I have a 2008 Escape and this worked. Used a dremel with the same bit as this video.

Thank you!!!! Worked great....about an hour (taking crimp off was hardest). Now I have my car back to go to work. We would have had to save for some time to pay to have this done. Fantastic!!

This really worked! I have been stranded multiple times and this did the trick! Starts right away no pushing the key and jiggling it after this fix!

Seriously, thank you from me and my family. 2010 Tribute. Worked perfectly.

Like some people I thought I was gonna snap a key here lately.... trying to convince the car to start.... did this whole process took me like 30 minutes..... car cranked right up no excessive force or pushing/pulling/wishing required. Thank you sir!

Thanks to your video, I fixed a friends 2008 escape with this exact repair this morning. Thanks for posting this. Lots of details that I was able to bring just the right tools.

Had replaced just the switch on the left 6 months ago. Started acting up again. Ran across this video while researching taking the whole column apart to replace the rest of the assembly. This fix literally took less than 30 minutes and worked like a charm. I am a hero now. Thank you sir.

I wanted to tell you how brilliant you are and to thank you for sharing this video. I have had trouble for more than a year cranking, jiggling, getting up on top of it to the point my little hand was screaming at me... so, I went and bought the part just in case. The next morning I started my project. Pin hole on my 2010 was on top but I could never pull it out, had it in run position, etc but very hard to pull out said my mechanic. Anyway, put it somewhat back together and took it too him. I told him to first try the shaving down fabrication and it worked like a charm. He charged me $56.00, I gave him a 10.00 tip and took my 70 dollar part back. I think I love you. Rosa I can now start it with 2 little fingers from the other side of the room.

You are the man!!! Followed your video after my daughter spent 1,000 dollars on prior repairs for the same issue and it started right up. I only spent 10.00 dollars in a dremmel bit. Thank you my friend.

Thanks for the great video. Just did this on my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid even after replacing the ignition switch module. This mod works much better!

Great modification for this poorly designed ignition switch system! Like others on here I had replaced the ignition switch a few months back and the problem came back quickly. I was thinking about doing the housing and all the rest when I ran across this video. Less than two hours later and it starts perfectly. The hardest part of the job is getting the metal ring off and then getting it back into place snugly. Just takes some patience.

I was skeptical of this video because he had clearly pulled the screws out for removing the trim pieces but it made perfect sense. I read several comments as well and people kept talking about how thankful they were to find this video. I followed it and instantly everything worked perfect. Really easy to do and glad to no longer fight to get the car started.

Just completed the repair on my 2010 Escape. Note: Used a 7/32 socket on a nut driver to remove the 3 screws on the lower cover by hand. A small tip straight slot screw driver worked better for depressing the tab to remove the ignition switch. Removing the metal bezel from the front of the ignition key cylinder was the most difficult part. Mine was hardened steel and a very tight fit it was difficult to bend the flange with a screw driver. I didn't have a vice so used 2 Channel Lock Pliers to hold the key cylinder. One with pipe grip jaws which is better for holding the cylinder. First rotated the bezel with the pliers to loosen it a bit then used the flat screw driver leveraging on the pliers to prey off the bezel. I used a Dremel Tool with a straight bit to grind out the flange. Once together for the final test the Security Ring must be in place for the car to start, mentioned in the video. Without the Security ring on, it will act like it's still not working. I replaced the LS1258 ignition switch 3 years ago. It worked until recently. Tried a new ignition switch again, prior to watching this video, which didn't work at all. I was able to return the $54 switch. Great video, this was the fix. Thanks

🎉 thank you so much!!! I have a 08 escape that has been hard to start for years and it finally half way left me and my family stranded yesterday! So this morning I watched your video did the work(about a hour) and VOILA! Started amazing now! Life saving video lol

Took me less than an hour and worked exactly as you demonstrated. THANK YOU FOR THIS POSTING!

Hey Fred......YOU ROCK!!!! I can’t thank you enough. If ever around my way, I’ll treat ya to the best bbq, EVER!!! Thank you very much for sharing this mod. This was my daughter in laws car and my son asked “did you do that trick you showed me on KZread?” I said, “son, knowledge isn’t a trick”!! Thanks again buddy!!

Thank you, I was able to use your fix on my parents vehicle and it now starts every time!

Now that's how a real mechanic gets it done! Great video. Thanks!

Thank you so very much!!! My husband was skeptical but like I told him we can try it and if it doesn't work we will already have it apart to put a new one in. I had hurt my arm and thumb tryin to crank it but it just wasn't cranking any more. I watched your video and stepped them through it. It worked great!! Thank you sooo very much!!

Thanks man, you totally saved me $1500. God bless.

Thank you! Great directions and video. I had an appointment for Friday and now I can cancel. I used a Dremel with grinding bit. The ring was the challenge. Using a small curved chisel worked nice to work it around the crimp.

Great video indeed! Followed the instructions and everything went as seen in the video. Hardest part was getting the cap that's machined pressed onto the housing off to get to the inside of the switch. All it cost me was getting a $10 Dremel cutting tool. Great fix! Thanks for putting out a great video!

Amazing! Thank you SO much. Took less than an hour, no parts just my time. Was quoted $500 just for parts! Absolute genius fix, so easy. Cant thank you enough....

@bobrich1950

2 жыл бұрын

Is that fix still doing the job for you ? How hard was it to put that outer ring back on the cylinder? Thanks

This was a very helpful video and it solved my issue. I had been pressing the key in to start my escape after a while(2years) it just stopped, and I did just what you said and it worked. I just what to say thank you very much.

You Sir are a great man. It is people like you that really make a difference in this world. Thank you for the help.

The ring was a pain to pry off but after 30 minutes I was able to remove it. Now it starts every time and saved me a bunch of cash. Great video 👍

I did this exact fix to my daughter's 2009 Escape this evening. I used a dremel for the ignition modification. It literally took less than 30 minutes start to finish and worked perfectly. I appreciate this video and you guys for creating it. My daughter has been fumbling around with the key and getting this started for the last two years and I had just had it. As I said above, this worked perfect and was easy. Thanks guys.

THANK YOU!!! we did this yesterday and it worked perfectly.

Thanks Fred for your great video. Followed your instructions and only difficulty was removing the key cap which was crimped very tight ,took about an hour to remove, perhaps cutting part of it off with a hack saw would work?. Used a dremel to take a quarter of an inch off and then installed key ignition back in slot. Worked very well - now the 2010 ford Escape is easy to start. You should be very proud that you have helped so many people.

Thanks for this. Way easier than replacing the whole darn module. I like fixes that fix the problem without expensive parts. You rock!!!

So good of you to show this fix. I know that it takes extra effort and time to video this fix. You deserve many kudos for helping out people that you don't even know. Thank you !!!!!!!!!!

My 2008 would fail to start occasionally. I'd have to return the key to the off position and try again. Then it would start. When that condition started happening more frequently, I did this brilliant fix. Haven't had the problem since. Thanks so much for posting this.

This worked great. It only took me about an hour. The crimped ring sucked to take off but patience pays. Thank you for the post.

Out of all the videos on you tube the one i never thought would work was yours. But i tried everything and i figured I had nothing to lose.. I was amazed to how well this worked Its the greatest fix ive ever seen nd thank you for that.

Right on point it worked for my 2010 Ford Escape I used a Dremel tool with carbide tip worked perfectly THANKS

Sir! I just tried it! It took me hours because we didn't have the proper tools. The drilling was done with an electric nail filer but it did the trick. Thank you so much. 💓

Thanks. Worked for my ford. Spent 7 dollars for tools and 1 hour my own labor. Fixed the problem

Waco guy, you are a gentleman and a scholar, this worked great for my 2010 Escape! It took about 3 hours, worst part was trying to pry off the trim ring that holds all of the innards together. But once I made it past that, a Dremel tool with a carving bit cut right into the pot metal. I crimped on the trim ring gently in case the issue comes up again. Now it starts every time and I'm not sweating when I try to leave for work and the truck won't start.

Thank you! Took a little over an hour to complete on my 2010 escape. Great video lots of details. Keep up the great work 👍.

Mr Waco! I want to thank you very very much for your tutorial on the Ford ignition. I kept telling my husband that he needs to buy a new ignition switch and a new ignition lock housing for my Ford Escape that I viewed on another video. He said, “Waaaiiit!!!” He said Mr. Waco has a better idea on fixing the ignition problem. Of course I did not believe my husband until I saw your video and read your reviews. My husband grinded the inner ignition housing as you mentioned. After he re-installed the ignition he then turned the ignition switch and my suv started right up. He turned the key several times to make sure engine would start. I cooked my husband a rib-eye steak for fixing my Ford Escape. Again, I thank you Mr Waco!

I just want to say pretty genius figuring this out. Thanks for the video. I’m wicked amazed it worked

Great tip I highly recommend this. Have had starting problems on my 09 Scape for 2 years. Last Sat it was no workie no more. Saw this during a google search. Ford dealer had quoted $650 for switch replacement. Did this fix in bout 3 hrs. using a Dremel Moto Tool and straight fluted cutter bit. Hardest task was prying the lock ring off. Just takes some time and care. I removed about 3/16 material which added about 15 degrees to the key rotation and it works like a charm. Total cost $0.00.