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Ford Focus Recalls and TSBs

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

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

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

Messages Page 10 of 17

#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.

#91 of 160 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up by aland1

Mar 23, 2006 (3:25 pm)

ignition switch lock-up for the second time. 1st time car towed to dealer who wanted $655 to replace plus $127 to make a new key which would have to be done because of wear. called ford and they claim no complaints on this particular problem. My locksmith tells me that new keys should be made at the slightest sign of wear to prevent this problem, but my key doesn't look that wore. Dealer will not confirm this fact. If this is true maybe we all could be spared some frustration and expense of a new ignition by being told this fact and pay the $100+ to get new keys made periodically. Ford needs to test their keys and ignition for durability. I was fixing to get a new key made but ignition locked up before I could get to dealer.

#92 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [jrsawvel] by candccarroll

Apr 01, 2006 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: jrsawvel (Jan 06, 2006 3:17 pm)
Ok, at least I know that I'm not alone. I own a '00 Focus SE Sedan. I purchased it with 26 miles. To this date, here are the things that have gone wrong.
 
Replaced ignition twice (once under warranty) 3 yrs apart
Front coil spring broke (yesterday)
Rear wheel cylinder just went as well
Brakes and tires replaced every 18 months
 
I too feel that there should be something done to compensate us for the problems. I like my car, but can't afford the repairs. I just put out over $1000 to get my car to pass inspection. That's ridiculous for a car that's not that old.
 
I'm with anyone who would like to pursue this.

#93 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [jrsawvel] by cpgdan

Apr 03, 2006 (8:26 am)

Replying to: jrsawvel (Jan 06, 2006 3:17 pm)
I also had the ignition lock up..and I also feel you should fix (not replace) it and keep the car. I have had my zx3 for 6 years and 90k miles. I won't say problem free, but very low cost of ownership in general. I had a local locksmith rebuild my ignition tumblers for $80 (and that was a house call). That was 3 years ago and not a problem since (with orignal key). Only other issue was rear wheel bearing last winter (there is plenty of warning before they go...several hundred miles...you will hear it). I have been getting 45k+ miles per set of tires and 50k+ for breaks. Clutch take-up is not showroom smooth, but no slipping after 90k miles.

Messages Page 10 of 17

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