Key getting harder to unlock the ignition lock (2 minutes wriggling). It also won't unlock the drivers door, and is a bit notchy in the passangers door and the boot lock (I have to adjust how far the key goes in the lock)

I only have one key and it has red tab on it. Would someone kindly describe my practical options please?

you need to goto your local fords & have a new key cut & programmed as the key your using is the master key that holds all the data for the ecu etc

and it sounds like the key has wore down so get it done pronto m8

Thanks for the reply.

Do you think it is more likely that the lock barrels have worn (bearing in mind the age of the car - it has done ~82k miles)?

The key is the more likely culprit in this instance, as it is a W reg I would go to a local key cutter other than Ford, and you will get a new key cut and programmed for much less.
If it turns out to be the locks/ignition, speak to a scrappy, they will be able to supply a lock set with keys, or look on ebay.

Well it would seem to be the key. I went to Ford and the bloke there was really helpful and cut me a key nothing. It works in all the locks. I had a bit of difficulty getting the key out of the ignition, but a few squirts with WD40 Dry PTFE and it seems all is well. An OEM key would cost about £100.00 all in from ford: key's about £30.00 and programming is about £60.00.

Only seems right to go back and pay for the key now, but thanks for the help every one!

One question: do I only need the red tab to start the car; once started, can I take it away without causing an issue?

I assume so but not 100% certain, not had the misfortune of breaking a key... Yet...
I know you can on a Shi... Sorry, Citroen Berlingo, randomly.

the red tab thats on the key is for the immobiliser to de activate so i am pretty sure you leave it where it is. if you did goto a local locksmiths you would still needed to goto fords to get it doded if the key had the transponder on it. glad its all sorted and keep the old key in a safe place

If I get the KA through another MOT I'll get a proper key, but at £100.00 it's a bit steep for a £350.00 car.

Thanks everyone.

That's a big chunk of money just for a key

I have the same issue in only having one key and hope to get another one cut at the weekend but only looking for a spare key - don't know if it will need to be programmed to run the car though?

you need to get a proper ford key with the transponder in the handle and have it coded if you going to use it to start the car. it is expensive but you cant go anywhere without it.

As I have mentioned above, go to a cheap key cutter like timpsons, ask if they can do immobiliser key, I can get one for about £40. Only works on older fords.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

well said goodkat ford charges £30.00 for the key not £40.. that timpsons charge

Ford charges £30 for a coded key?

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

Take a gander

Jeysus.

Had a whiz round the key shops on Saturday - Timpsons = £55 / Ford = £170 / Local key cutter around £20 !!

Fair do's - it was the actual ford service tech that pointed me to the local key cutter. Unfortunately the shop was closed so will try again during the week. Will let you know what the actual cost is...

The quote was just for a key that could open and start the car - just a flat key with no buttons etc...

Ah yes a remote key would be a bit different. Can get them on ebay cheap, but a lot of keycutters don't like doing them as they are sometimes made of tougher metals which blunts their machines.

i just relayed what a poster put up for the key price

it was posted by rusty bullet

Well it would seem to be the key. I went to Ford and the bloke there was really helpful and cut me a key nothing. It works in all the locks. I had a bit of difficulty getting the key out of the ignition, but a few squirts with WD40 Dry PTFE and it seems all is well. An OEM key would cost about £100.00 all in from ford: key's about £30.00 and programming is about £60.00.

that what rusty posted not me !!

Take a look at this invoice!!!

Ignore ,still getting used to my new phone, lol.