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Ford Focus Recalls and TSBs

160 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2012 at 10:11 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 9 of 16

#81 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [amti] by mecorcoran

Dec 19, 2005 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: amti (Dec 07, 2005 12:45 pm)
Hi Amti,
 
I just had the same problem with my 2000 Ford Focus (56,000 miles). The Capital Ford dealership in Santa Fe, NM gave me an estimate of $375 for the work.
 
The tow truck driver also told me that he tows a lot of Ford Focuses with the same ignition problem. I told this to the service manager at the dealership and asked him if there was a recall for this. He said no but there should be one. He recommended that I keep my receipt so that Ford can reimburse me if they initiate a recall.
 
I'm doing some research to see how to start a recall and found a LOT of complaints about this issue. If you have any info, I'd appreciate it. Here are some websites to look at:
 
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_focus_ignition.html
 
http://www.complaints.com/directory/2004/december/12/7.htm\
 
http://www.baileycar.com/2004Focus_getting_better_html.html

#82 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [amti] by mecorcoran

Dec 19, 2005 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: amti (Dec 07, 2005 12:45 pm)
Amti,
 
Just found this website below where another person with the ignition problem posted this on August 18, 2004. Their suggestion is worth a try!
 
"I have consulted with an attorney who suggested the first course of action. File complaints, and tell them you have collected enough evidence that the problem is widespread and you will consult with an attorney.
 
Call Ford Consumer Relations and overwhelm them with complaints: 800-392-3673. Also go to: www.nhtsa.dot.gov"
 
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.autos.ford.focus/browse_thread/thread/e483c58- 3092269e2/e13dcd3e6bb0883%23e13dcd3e6bb0883?sa=X&oi=groupsr&start=1&num=3

#83 of 160 2003 focus 4 dr sedan by sknipster

Dec 30, 2005 (2:21 pm)

I have an excellent chance to get a 2003 4dr sedan,, but was advised by a close friend, "used car salesman, 15 yrs" to make sure it has the mazda engine and not the focus engine... he recently passed away and I (and others) don't know just what he was talking about,,, I am satisfied with the price & mileage on car, just was to know about this engine deal and whatever, good or bad, else you may comment on thank you

#84 of 160 Aftermarket Alternators: FYI by stickarella

Jan 04, 2006 (7:29 am)

Just wanted to post this as an FYI. I had electrical problems with my 2001 Ford Focus for almost 3 months. After replacing the battery, the alternator (twice) and the computer, they finally figured out that the problem wasd actually that aftermarket alternators are not compatible with the car's computer, due to a circuit board that is now inluded in the alternator. The dealer was not aware of this, they had to call a Ford engineer to find out that this was the issue, so be warned. If you are having electrical/power issues, and you put in an aftermarket alternator that did not come from Ford, there is a good chance it will not work for more than 3 days.

#85 of 160 Re: 2003 focus 4 dr sedan [sknipster] by explorerx4

Jan 04, 2006 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: sknipster (Dec 30, 2005 2:21 pm)
the 'mazda' engine is the 2.3 liter version. the other engine size is 2.0 liters. easiest thing to do is check the owner's manual. the engines do look different.

#86 of 160 Re: need some advice please!!! [creakid1] by ajchrist

Jan 05, 2006 (6:58 am)

Replying to: creakid1 (Aug 13, 2005 4:14 am)
I thought Mazda designed both four cylinder engines, the 2.3L and the 2.0L, along with the transmissions in the Ford Focus. If I'm wrong, please correct me. The Mazda 626S has a Ford 3.0L Duratec engine, and in 2004 a Ford designed sport shift automatic transmission, that has problems.

#87 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [amti] by jrsawvel

Jan 06, 2006 (3:17 pm)

Replying to: amti (Dec 07, 2005 12:45 pm)
HELLO,
ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS SE THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP
AT APPOX 45,000 MILES. AT THAT TIME I HAD IT REPLACED.
I CURRENTLY HAVE 80,000 MILES ON MY FOCUS AND HAVE NOT
HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH SINCE THE REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE WEIGHT OF MY KEYS
(I DID HAVE SEVERAL OTHER KEYS ON MY KEY RING AT THAT TIME)CAUSED THE PROBLEM. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION
I ONLY USE THAT SINGLE KEY KEEPING WEIGHT OFF THAT IGNITION. THE CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR....I WOULD REPLACE THE IGNITION AND KEEP ON DRIVING...JR

#88 of 160 Re: need some advice please!!! [ajchrist] by b3nut

Feb 28, 2006 (9:16 am)

Replying to: ajchrist (Jan 05, 2006 6:58 am)
Mazda did design the 2.0 and 2.3 engines. The salesman was most likely referring to the first-generation Focus engines, a base 8V SOHC four and the Cosworth/Mazda designed Zetec 2.0L 16V twincam four. A 2003 will more than likely have either a Zetec or the current Duratec engine. Either way, an '03 is going to have a decent engine in it. If it's a Zetec he'll want to make sure the timing belt gets changed before 120,000 miles...I failed to do that on my Escort ZX2 and it snapped at 136,000. Thankfully, the Zetec is a non-interference engine so there was no damage. The Duratecs are interference engines, but are chain-driven, no timing belts in the Duratec (which is an advantage IMHO). I will say my Zetec has been a great engine despite some neglect, it has almost 159,000 miles on it and it doesn't use any oil.
 
Todd in Cheesecurdistan

#89 of 160 Re: need some advice please!!! [b3nut] by explorerx4

Feb 28, 2006 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: b3nut (Feb 28, 2006 9:16 am)
get the 2.3 if possible. powerful and at least as efficient as the 2.0 in the real world.

#90 of 160 2000 Focus Transmission Problem! by wtavcar

Mar 17, 2006 (11:28 am)

My Brother-in-law has a 2000 Focus SE (Ford 2.0L w/auto). He is having bizarre problem with his transmission. The car has only 45k km.
 
When he is cruising along, and steps on the gas to activiate the kick-down (passing, etc..), the transmission starts slipping, much like a finished clutch in a standard shift. If he backs off, it eventually grabs again. The car was used in city for awhile so unknown when it appeared. Now it is getting highway useage.
 
The tranny was brought in to Ford (which overhauled the tranny). It is still doing it. They even changed the car computer. They (FORD dealer) are stumped.
 
Any suggestions? The car had the tranny overhaul done in the final days of the extended warranty.

Messages Page 9 of 16

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