637 messages,
Last post on Nov 29, 2011 at 9:58 AM
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Ford Focus Forum.
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Ford Focus, Wagon
#499 of 637 Re: Leaking Rainwater [rmsmallll]
by jeannad2000
Jul 12, 2006 (11:51 am)
I purchased a 2005 Ford Focus in October of 2005. After a rainstorm in November of 2005, a major leak occurred, leaving over 2 inches of water on the front, passenger floor. The dealership fixed the car. In July of 2006 I found water in the same location. After the dealership looked at the car, they stated that it is coming from a different location (not where they originally sealed it). They went on to tell me that they would have to remove my dashboard, requiring extensive labor, to locate the new cause of the leak. Unfortunately, my warranty is up because I drive far to work. I have only gone 700 miles of my limit. After speaking with many agents at the Ford Motor company I find I am out of luck. A service representative said that if there were enough complaints they would have to file a recall but he has not had any yet. (I am the first…find that hard to believe). I went on-line to search for others in my situation. I found numerous websites with complaints of Ford Focuses leaking on the passenger floor. I need to find others with this problem. We must demand that Ford take action for this problem. Please reply if you have the same problem again and/or a solution or suggestion.
#500 of 637 Re: Leaking Rainwater [jeannad2000]
by jazvan
Jul 15, 2006 (1:14 pm)
It seems extremely unlikely you had two sources of leak, so the dealer did not troubleshoot the problem correctly the first time and "fixed" something that was not the problem. Weak service department. Maybe they are liable to go back and fix it correctly? From what I read the usual problem is a seal between the windshield and cowl and it can even be sealed with some silicone. This does not require dash removal of course and could even be performed DIY.
*** I think you are right it should be a TSB.***
Sorry I can not be of much help.
Jaz
#501 of 637 Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot
by beccaorend
Jul 27, 2006 (5:40 pm)
Nine times in the last 16 months, my 2003 Focus ZTW (71,000 miles now) has left me stranded. The same thing happens each time. The weather is warm (or hot) and I drive 30 minutes or so, then stop at the store. When I come out 10 or 15 minutes later, the engine turns over but stalls, and won't start up again for about 45 minutes. At that point, it starts without incident.
My Ford dealer has no idea what the problem is, but they are the same people who needed four appointments with my car to realize it did have a serious transmission problem ( which they rebuilt at 34000 miles.
The car is perfect for me except that I can't trust it to start . . . any ideas?
#502 of 637 Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [beccaorend]
by etmom7358
Jul 30, 2006 (2:21 pm)
Are you running the air conditioner on these warm/hot days?
If so, is the air conditioner factory installed or installed by the
dealer?
My Ford Bronco II (1987) had a similar problem. The air
conditioner was installed by the dealer and the dealer did
not upgrade the radiator per spec, instructions and price.
I had another mechanic install the correct radiator for me
and all was well.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
#503 of 637 Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [etmom7358]
by beccaorend
Jul 31, 2006 (2:34 pm)
I am an "open window" kind of person, and only use the AC when I have to be really presentable. My AC is factory, and hasn't been on any time my car has failed me.
Thanks for the input.
#504 of 637 Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [beccaorend]
by jazvan
Aug 01, 2006 (10:33 am)
Wow, seems there are too many flakey Ford service departments. Seems any dealer or good mechanic could take a stab at this 'cuz it is not that uncommon of a problem. I have had cars in the past which exhibited the same thing to a lesser degree but I don't know anything Focus-specific. I think a probable cause is "Vapor-lock".
Jaz
#505 of 637 Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [jazvan]
by beccaorend
Aug 01, 2006 (3:59 pm)
"Flakey" is a kind way to describe my Ford service department. It took four visits for them to agree that there was a problem with my transmission (which would suddenly throw me forward as I would drive down the road). They finally rebuilt it under warranty. It took them two hours to determine that the reason my brake lights didn't work was the wires at the back gate had broken. My girlfriend who is a church organist diagnosed the problem the minute I told her about it. It happened with her Volvo.
From what I have read, it is very unusual for a fuel-injected car to have vapor lock . . .the Focus is fuel-injected, isn't it?
#506 of 637 Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [beccaorend]
by jazvan
Aug 04, 2006 (12:05 pm)
Yes, all Focus are FI to the best of my knowledge. My Sciorocco was FI and that was the one I had the most problem with. I'm not sure vapor lock is the right term or diagnosis but the symptoms were like yours. I wonder if yours is 2.3 PZEV. That has a lot more plumbing and pollution control.
Jaz
#507 of 637 Re: Rear wheel noise on 2003 ZTW wagon [jdudzienski]
by awang44
Aug 14, 2006 (9:06 pm)
I have an 01 wagon. I had to replace both of my rear wheel bearings coz they are complete shut. I guess i'm a bit lucky since it was about 100k when i had to replace them. BUT they are making noise bad just after 10k and 13 months, which could be another 600 dollars out of my already slim pocket.
#508 of 637 Re: rear lights/electrical [robinc2]
by skinnyturtle
Sep 14, 2006 (3:48 am)
My 2002 Focus Wagon is in the shop right now with the same problem. I have to buy a new wiring harness and get it installed, gonna cost a minimum of $600, and the dealer did not provide a loaner car. This really sounds like a design flaw to me. That hatch should be designed to open & close a billion times without damaging the wire bundle. I think Ford should pay for this and correct the problem. Thank goodness I have a Chevy to drive while the Focus is down!