cheers for helping us out of a tight squeeze. we had the same problem and came across your video and helped my girlfriend fix the problem without the garage charging her.
well done to this chap. i have a mark one focus and hit just this problem, bonnet would not open. thank goodness i managed to find this video, i watched it a couple of times and then went out and bought a small cold chisel, got grill removed as per video, then used hammer and small chisel on metal surround. found it best to chisel on the side areas of the bonnet lock surround. didnt take long, hardest part was the hard inner plastic. but after a little while , got lock out, and as said, a flat head screwdriver and bonnet opens now, no problem, and grill put back, and no damage showing. problem solved. thank you again, top job.
Many thanks for your positive feedback, I'm really glad it was useful. Since doing the video, I've taken to carrying a large cross head screwdriver in the glovebox to open the bonnet, it just seems to locate in the slot that much easier without any fumbling to get it lined up.
Brutal but effective, a hack saw is a useful tool to get through the metal casing, and used a drill to get rid of the plastic, which is super hard. When you finally get the lock out, a posi screwdriver does the rest. Top tip.
I did this today Thankyou for your video or i would have been stuck . i used an angle grinder to take the front of the lock off , as you say ,getting the plastic liner out is a bit of a pig to do . Brute force and ignorance is called for . i had bought second hand grille in advance good job i did as i wrecked the one that was on . thanks again
Thanks for this! As you said, fairly time consuming but definitely works! We did try to use a chisel on ours but it wasn't sharp enough to get through the metal so we just ended up taking a small circular saw to break through the metal and used the chisel around the lock barrel to pull away that plastic enough so we could pull out the barrel. Definitely worth mentioning the pasting inside this housing is really tough and takes a lot of working. Unfortunately the grille was too damaged to be saved after ripping it off lol
Thanks for this post. I currently have the same problem with my old 2002 Focus diesel. It still purrs like a cat after 140k plus miles on the clock but this problem has now put its life in jeopardy. I am however a little worried that the results attained by this method will not be acceptable when it comes to getting a new MOT for my car. I will therefore have to try the garage route first. They have to put the car on ramps and remove the under shield allowing access to the bolts apparently. They will then add a new barrel at additional expense. Just adding this to the comments to show that there are other methods to solve this problem, albeit far more expensive but possibly more acceptable.
@@jonbate7148 absolutely, if the car is worth keeping good you spend whatever is necessary to do so. Mine was already in poor condition and bought as a cheap runaround. I've lost count of how many cars I've had since then, but it seems a very long time ago that I scrapped the focus. Happy to hear that yours is still doing well. I dont see why a screwdriver-based bodge job shouldn't pass an MOT - any argument that the bonnet should open without the need for a tool could be questioned in the light of having to use the key anyway, the screwdriver is just a replacement key. Thank you for watching anyway, I never dreamed this hastily filmed report would get so many views and over such a long period.
Sounds stupid, but once you've removed the grill how to you get the bonnet open to start working on the lock mechanism? I mean you can't use a hammer and chisel or grinder through the small grill opening.. Removing the grill still leaves the bonnet shutdown.. Or did I miss something 🤔
Hi, the lock mechanism is right behind the grille so once the grille is out of the way you can attack the lock. The bonnet will stay closed until you have removed the lock completely, unless you are able to turn the whole thing using mole grips.
No need to smash the barrel out it has 2 10mm bolts holding the mechanism on. You just have to reach around the back of the lock and undo it with a ratchet and correct socket.
@@johnf5817 if you remove the grill like you've done in the video u can get access to both of them. Then I used a chisel to tap the mechanism back until the key/barrel part has enough room to be removed from the cross head section of the mechanism the round piece were you place the screw driver to turn were the end of the barrel/key should be.
I'll have to take your word for it as the car has long gone, I certainly didnt notice anything I could access at the time. Thanks for your suggestion though as someone else may find it helpful.
@@johnf5817 btw how much you pay for another key? I made the mistake of buying another bonnet mechanism and broke that trying to get it back off when all along the trouble was with the key/barrel. Apparently the pins go in them after a while but a repair kit is expensive. Never seen a focus mk1 in white there usually grey/silver black/blue like mine, happy motoring.
@@madeinjapan3485 I honestly can't remember, sorry. It wasn't expensive. It came from an online place where you send them the specification having inspected an existing key.
Same happened to my MK1- It´s broken but works with the srewdriver . But ... only I can manage. Now my question: where can i get a new or used bonett? Please notice I am from Germany. Did not find this "strange thing" in my country. Can someone help me? Thanks a lot
I would guess that Ebay.de would be your best chance. Lots of Mk1 Focuses reaching the end of their life and being broken for parts. Good luck finding one the correct colour for your car! 👍
Good analysis of the issue, but wrong solution... Much easier is to lift the car on a jack (one side is sufficient), open the 2x10mm bolts with a 10mm wrench key (very tight). Once bolts are open, push the lock inside until it's out. Install back again and use screwdriver to unlock. Basically the samr approach, without breaking the lock housing...
Hi, I can't comment on this as the car is long gone but if it worked for you then maybe others can try it and comment below. Thanks for watching anyway.
This is so long, lay on the floor, use a small 10mm socket on a small ratchet, undo the 2 bolts on the back of the lock between rad and lock, now bonnet will lift 2-3 inches. Use screwdriver through grill to slide lock barrel out, use flathead screwdriver to twist lock latch after barrel is gone. Voila you've taken it all apart without destroying anything....
If you were able to do it that way, fantastic. I couldn't reach any part of the lock from below, hence doing what I did. Can't verify your method now as that car is long gone.
What stupid pommy engineer even considered putting a key lock on a bonnet with the full brunt of rain and snow and shit constantly hitting the Barrell causing this problem? What is wrong with a run-of-the-mill bonnet release cable? I've seen some very poor designs from pommy engineers but this is one of the most stupid designs i've encountered. This is why pommy designed cars just don't work and don't last in Australia, you guys couldn't design an egg beater
cheers for helping us out of a tight squeeze. we had the same problem and came across your video and helped my girlfriend fix the problem without the garage charging her.
I'm really pleased it helped, thanks for the feedback.
well done to this chap. i have a mark one focus and hit just this problem, bonnet would not open. thank goodness i managed to find this video, i watched it a couple of times and then went out and bought a small cold chisel, got grill removed as per video, then used hammer and small chisel on metal surround. found it best to chisel on the side areas of the bonnet lock surround. didnt take long, hardest part was the hard inner plastic. but after a little while , got lock out, and as said, a flat head screwdriver and bonnet opens now, no problem, and grill put back, and no damage showing. problem solved. thank you again, top job.
Many thanks for your positive feedback, I'm really glad it was useful. Since doing the video, I've taken to carrying a large cross head screwdriver in the glovebox to open the bonnet, it just seems to locate in the slot that much easier without any fumbling to get it lined up.
Brutal but effective, a hack saw is a useful tool to get through the metal casing, and used a drill to get rid of the plastic, which is super hard. When you finally get the lock out, a posi screwdriver does the rest. Top tip.
I did this today Thankyou for your video or i would have been stuck . i used an angle grinder to take the front of the lock off , as you say ,getting the plastic liner out is a bit of a pig to do . Brute force and ignorance is called for . i had bought second hand grille in advance good job i did as i wrecked the one that was on . thanks again
Hi im glad it was helpful.
Thanks for this! As you said, fairly time consuming but definitely works! We did try to use a chisel on ours but it wasn't sharp enough to get through the metal so we just ended up taking a small circular saw to break through the metal and used the chisel around the lock barrel to pull away that plastic enough so we could pull out the barrel. Definitely worth mentioning the pasting inside this housing is really tough and takes a lot of working. Unfortunately the grille was too damaged to be saved after ripping it off lol
Glad it was useful. Shame you couldn't salvage the grille though.
Misson complete. Thank you for your help sir.
Thank you, a chisel and a lump hammer and lock soon came out. Adhesive and tape to fix cut grill back in!
I can't believe how many people have had this issue, and how many mk1s are still out there. Really pleased you found it useful.
Thanks John! This is BRUTAL, but it really works
Yeh it's a shame to have to do it, but providing the car isn't too precious it seems the most effective solution.
top man,i done it how he shows here and it took me less than 10 mins,good sharp chissel and hammer.
Good old cars
Imma try this tomorrow
I have a 10 plate focus how much wood it cost for a new lock from a dealer
Thanks for this post. I currently have the same problem with my old 2002 Focus diesel. It still purrs like a cat after 140k plus miles on the clock but this problem has now put its life in jeopardy. I am however a little worried that the results attained by this method will not be acceptable when it comes to getting a new MOT for my car. I will therefore have to try the garage route first. They have to put the car on ramps and remove the under shield allowing access to the bolts apparently. They will then add a new barrel at additional expense. Just adding this to the comments to show that there are other methods to solve this problem, albeit far more expensive but possibly more acceptable.
@@jonbate7148 absolutely, if the car is worth keeping good you spend whatever is necessary to do so. Mine was already in poor condition and bought as a cheap runaround. I've lost count of how many cars I've had since then, but it seems a very long time ago that I scrapped the focus. Happy to hear that yours is still doing well.
I dont see why a screwdriver-based bodge job shouldn't pass an MOT - any argument that the bonnet should open without the need for a tool could be questioned in the light of having to use the key anyway, the screwdriver is just a replacement key.
Thank you for watching anyway, I never dreamed this hastily filmed report would get so many views and over such a long period.
Sounds stupid, but once you've removed the grill how to you get the bonnet open to start working on the lock mechanism?
I mean you can't use a hammer and chisel or grinder through the small grill opening..
Removing the grill still leaves the bonnet shutdown..
Or did I miss something 🤔
Hi, the lock mechanism is right behind the grille so once the grille is out of the way you can attack the lock. The bonnet will stay closed until you have removed the lock completely, unless you are able to turn the whole thing using mole grips.
No need to smash the barrel out it has 2 10mm bolts holding the mechanism on. You just have to reach around the back of the lock and undo it with a ratchet and correct socket.
...but you can't get to those bolts while the bonnet is shut.
@@johnf5817 if you remove the grill like you've done in the video u can get access to both of them. Then I used a chisel to tap the mechanism back until the key/barrel part has enough room to be removed from the cross head section of the mechanism the round piece were you place the screw driver to turn were the end of the barrel/key should be.
I'll have to take your word for it as the car has long gone, I certainly didnt notice anything I could access at the time. Thanks for your suggestion though as someone else may find it helpful.
@@johnf5817 btw how much you pay for another key? I made the mistake of buying another bonnet mechanism and broke that trying to get it back off when all along the trouble was with the key/barrel. Apparently the pins go in them after a while but a repair kit is expensive. Never seen a focus mk1 in white there usually grey/silver black/blue like mine, happy motoring.
@@madeinjapan3485 I honestly can't remember, sorry. It wasn't expensive. It came from an online place where you send them the specification having inspected an existing key.
Same happened to my MK1- It´s broken but works with the srewdriver . But ... only I can manage. Now my question: where can i get a new or used bonett? Please notice I am from Germany. Did not find this "strange thing" in my country. Can someone help me? Thanks a lot
I would guess that Ebay.de would be your best chance. Lots of Mk1 Focuses reaching the end of their life and being broken for parts. Good luck finding one the correct colour for your car! 👍
Good analysis of the issue, but wrong solution... Much easier is to lift the car on a jack (one side is sufficient), open the 2x10mm bolts with a 10mm wrench key (very tight).
Once bolts are open, push the lock inside until it's out.
Install back again and use screwdriver to unlock.
Basically the samr approach, without breaking the lock housing...
Hi, I can't comment on this as the car is long gone but if it worked for you then maybe others can try it and comment below. Thanks for watching anyway.
Thank you John! I tried ebay. No result in Germany. Only 2 offers in GB = very expensive (50-60£) and they look dirty , rosty = not trustful.
nice one
This is so long, lay on the floor, use a small 10mm socket on a small ratchet, undo the 2 bolts on the back of the lock between rad and lock, now bonnet will lift 2-3 inches. Use screwdriver through grill to slide lock barrel out, use flathead screwdriver to twist lock latch after barrel is gone. Voila you've taken it all apart without destroying anything....
If you were able to do it that way, fantastic. I couldn't reach any part of the lock from below, hence doing what I did. Can't verify your method now as that car is long gone.
Habla más despacio porque no se te entiende
What stupid pommy engineer even considered putting a key lock on a bonnet with the full brunt of rain and snow and shit constantly hitting the Barrell causing this problem? What is wrong with a run-of-the-mill bonnet release cable? I've seen some very poor designs from pommy engineers but this is one of the most stupid designs i've encountered. This is why pommy designed cars just don't work and don't last in Australia, you guys couldn't design an egg beater
Waste of time
@@Sunnylekh not really.
Does anyone know if the clockwise turn of the key activate a solenoid that allows the bonnet to fully release or is it just mechanical?