486 messages,
Last post on Dec 19, 2012 at 7:45 AM
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Ford Focus Forum.
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Ford Focus SVT, Ford Focus, Lights, Electrical, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon
#151 of 486 Re: 2000 Focus SE PCM? [zigszoo]
by 1dufflebag
Jan 28, 2008 (9:26 pm)
Try removing the batter cable, leaving it off for atleast 2 minutes.
Then put batter cable back on and start. At very minimum your computer will be reset and if the problem re-occurs, you will know it is not a matter of rebooting the computer to solve the problem.
I have used this method with warning lights, and even when my care would not start and was about to be towed. REmoved the cable, reset computer, and good to go. If its a real problem the light or symptom will reappear. In many cases with the ford focus its just a hickup with the computer, in my experience.
hope this helps.
#152 of 486 Re: 2000 Focus SE PCM? [1dufflebag]
by zigszoo
Jan 30, 2008 (3:27 am)
Thanks for the suggestion,
Wouldn't our mechanic have disconnected the battery to change the alternator? Im no expert but the clock and radio settings had to be reset after we got it back so he may have already tried that himself.
The temps have dropped again here in the Windy City so maybe the car will make my decision for me. But if it continues to start & run as well as it has been without trouble, I'll try your suggestion (on a warmer day!) & take my chances until something else happens.
Maybe Im being superstitious but Ford doesn't seem to really know (or care) whats wrong with these cars and Im afraid that having them mess with it may only cause us new problems.
#153 of 486 Re: 2000 Focus SE PCM? [zigszoo]
by 1dufflebag
Jan 30, 2008 (5:29 am)
Good strategy. Even though I had a lot of little problems with my focuses (3 previous) I still came back to the ride and design to buy another. Speaking of ford repairs, I did find it best to get a good non-ford mechanic for certain repairs, since I had the same problem with what appeared to be lack of concern and ability on the part of ford mechanics in my town. Maybe its that way everywhere? Good Luck. Hope the reset battery tip can help at somepoint, or better yet, you dont need it.
#154 of 486 Re: elctrical problems [dpez19]
by dpez19
Jan 30, 2008 (7:02 am)
found out what my problem was. i took the central fuse box out in the glove box and in the back of it is like a large relay type box which unclips. i uncliped it and plugged it back in and things seem to be working again. do u or anyone else know where i can purchase a new one cheap if it goes again?
#155 of 486 Re: elctrical problems [dpez19]
by gembot
Feb 07, 2008 (9:24 am)
Hi, ive found the problem!! It was the timing module. They are around £30-£35, and are apparently prone to breaking!! Your local Ford dealer should be able to sort you one out. All the probs i had orignally are all now sorted.
I hope this helps you.
All the best
XxX
#156 of 486 2003 ford focus alternator/electrical problem
by john238
Mar 19, 2008 (8:40 pm)
recently my 2003 focus battery died so i went to auto zone and had the alternator tested they said it was bad so i replaced it. after replacing it the battery light was still on so again i went to auto zone and had the new one tested and again it was bad. they gave me a new one and after installing, the battery light was still on so again i had them test it and it to was bad again. they suggested there could be an electrical problem causing the alternators to burn up. I dont understand how an electrical problem would just appear out of nowhere for no apparent reason if thats the problem. i know auto zone is not known for great quality but i cant imagine i received two bad alternators. any ideas?
#157 of 486 Re: 2003 ford focus alternator/electrical problem [john238]
by 1dufflebag
Mar 20, 2008 (8:27 am)
try unhooking the battery cable for atleast 30 seconds, it resets your computer. Then turn on again and see if it doesnt reset your trouble light. I find many trouble lights on ford focus are false alarms.
Then, if the light comes back on or never goes off, it is probably legitimate issue.
This also worked for me on many no start situations where the computer just needed to be reset
#158 of 486 Re: 2001 focus weird problem! [jawaldro]
by steverino2
Apr 03, 2008 (9:04 am)
Most of the problems you describe I have not had... except the parking lights (and instrument cluster).
Where exactly is the ignition relay? Under the dash near the fuses? Or under the hood?
Thanks
#159 of 486 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Electrical Problem? [jrusch]
by conanh
Apr 30, 2008 (7:45 pm)
Yes I had this problem it was caused by the battery conections to the post. There was Corrosion in-between the post and the cable connection. The corrosion cannot be seen without taking off the cable connection off the battery post. And when I cleaned the connection I had to put shims because now the connection was too lose and I could not tighen them enuf. But I had not had a problem sence I fixed it.
May 28, 2008 (6:07 am)
I have a focus 1.6 2000 hatchback and everytime I apply the brakes the front side lights come on......I was informed that if I had changed a brake light, this could be the problem. I have chnged the bulb again and it is still happening.