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Ford Focus Electrical and Lighting Problems

486 messages,  Last post on Dec 19, 2012 at 7:45 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus SVT, Ford Focus, Lights, Electrical, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 45 of 50

#434 of 486 2012 Ford Focus Instrument Panel by rnolen

Oct 06, 2011 (9:22 am)

Instrument panel will not come on when car is first started, then will work fine after 10-15 minutes of driving. occurs when temp is below 50 degrees. Has happened 7 out of the last 10 days. Has worked perfect the two times it was taken to the dealership. Both times it was left over nigth so it would be a cold start for the dealer.
Odometer, tachometer, none of the guages, LED screen and turn signal indicators will not work.
Car runs fine, exterior lights, turn siganal, Brake lights, radio and Iterior dome and floor lights work fine.
Any ideas how to resolve this issue?

#435 of 486 Re: 2012 Ford Focus Instrument Panel [rnolen] by bdyment

Oct 07, 2011 (4:32 am)

Replying to: rnolen (Oct 06, 2011 9:22 am)
It is under warranty, so take it to the dealer on a colder evening, leave it overnight and they can check it out in the morning on the first start.

#436 of 486 Focus Electrical problems, I may have fixed it by crbastow

Oct 08, 2011 (6:44 am)

I had electrical problems with my 2002 focus wagon automatic.
 
1. Gauges dying, then going full sweep, then work.
2. Fan dying down
3. Lights dimming
4. clicking relays from behind the dash
5. Alternator died
6. Battery failed to charge
7. Finally, would not start and would only click rapidly.
 
1. I started by removing the battery and cleaning the posts with 220 grit sand paper.
2. I noticed the positive clamp had corrosion at the wires nearest the clamp. These are large, red colored wires which are obviously hot wires. I cut the wires from the clamp and replaced the clamp with a brass one purchased from an auto parts store.
3. There are (2) ground wires underneath part of the air cleaner box, I removed them, sanded them with 220 grit, applied di-electric grease and bolted them back to the car. If the bolts break, just use a self-taping metal screw to fasten to the body.
4. I applied di-electric grease to all connections and re-inserted the battery and tightened the clamps.
 
   The car started with a boost and sat and idled. I let the car idle up to temperature and turned the interior fan to max, turned on the headlights and turned up the radio. I could hear the engine labour as usual as the alternator delivered current. I drove the car home, about 2 miles and turned it off. It started up again and again after that.
   The battery charge light is still on/off intermittenly but, everything works fine. I have proper power, all accessories are fine. I will likely replace the negative clamp as well because it too looked corroded to me. This was only done yesterday and, time will tell if it was the fix.
 
   The theory of the problem solution is that the corroded wire cause too much resistance at that junction. Once the car operates and current flows for a while, things heat up and resistance builds. This also hinders charging of the battery and no doubt stresses the alternator. This is a relatively cheap thing to do, it's worth a shot for the rest of you.

#437 of 486 Re: Focus Electrical problems, I may have fixed it [crbastow] by crbastow

Oct 11, 2011 (5:18 am)

Replying to: crbastow (Oct 08, 2011 6:44 am)
Update:
 
Upon further thought, it makes sense to me that the negative clamp is the problem.
   I cleaned that connection and tightened it as much as I could but still, the clamp would spin on the post. I am going to replace that clamp so that the new one grabs so tight that it will not spin on the post.
 
   This fault makes sense, it would hinder the charging of the battery and it would prevent the battery from delivering current as the alternator spins down and the car "browns out" at idle. It may also stress the alternator to premature failure.
 
   So, I would suggests that the first thing done is to make sure the battery terminals/clamps are clean and tight. That would likely solve most problems regarding a lack of current.

#438 of 486 Re: Focus Electrical problems, I may have fixed it [crbastow] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 11, 2011 (8:12 am)

Replying to: crbastow (Oct 11, 2011 5:18 am)
If there is any corrosion at all on that negative clamp, replace the entire cable, as corrosion can creep up a battery cable and you can't see it.

#439 of 486 Re: Focus Electrical problems, I may have fixed it [crbastow] by hault

Oct 11, 2011 (2:58 pm)

Replying to: crbastow (Oct 11, 2011 5:18 am)
I wrapped aluminum foil around the terminal before putting the battery cable on. Problem solved. The original cable design is much harder than the terminals and keeps crushing it, then loses good connection. I had the pegging guage problem and other electrical problems. They went away once I used the foil to obtain a good connection.

#440 of 486 Re: 2012 Ford Focus Instrument Panel [bdyment] by rnolen

Oct 24, 2011 (9:13 am)

Replying to: bdyment (Oct 07, 2011 4:32 am)
Dealer has had the Focus for a total of four days. They were able to replicate the problem the last two days. Still no clue how to fix it. Regional customer service has asked that I take it to another dealership. The problem is definitely worst when temp is in the 30's. Surprised this is the only 2012 focus with this issue.

#441 of 486 2012 Focus Instrument cluster by rnolen

Nov 02, 2011 (7:34 am)

First posted this October 6.
Instrument panel will not come on when car is first started, then will work fine after 10-15 minutes of driving. occurs when temp is below 50 degrees. Has happened 7 out of the last 10 days. Has worked perfect the first two times it was taken to the dealership. Both times it was left over nigth so it would be a cold start for the dealer. Third and forth time it went out, but they had no clue how to fix problem.
Odometer, tachometer, none of the guages, LED screen and turn signal indicators will not work.
Car runs fine, exterior lights, turn siganal, Brake lights, radio and Iterior dome and floor lights work fine.
First dealership worked on in problem four different times. Ford regional customer specialist suggested I take car to another dealer. Took car 10/27/11 to second dealer. Cluster will completely go dead on cold morning. Day four and they still have no clue what is causing the problem.
 
Anyone heard of similar issues with the 2012 focus?

#442 of 486 Re: 2012 Focus Instrument cluster [rnolen] by drvette

Nov 28, 2011 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: rnolen (Nov 02, 2011 7:34 am)
Depending on your state's Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a full refund after taking it back "X" number of times witout a resolution.
 
Here's some numbers you may or may not already have to pursue an end to this issue.
 
Best of Luck
DrVette
 
Ford Website and other phone numbers
http://customerservicenumbers.com/co-ford
  
 
 1-800-392-3673
Press 0;
 at prompt press 0;
 at prompt press 0;
at prompt press 1;
at prompt press 0.

#443 of 486 Re: Focus Electrical problems, I may have fixed it [crbastow] by 2007fordfocus

Dec 21, 2011 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: crbastow (Oct 11, 2011 5:18 am)
I have a 2007 Ford Focus....Has run fine for 60,000 since I bought it a year ago....then, with no warning, one hour into a three hour drive, things started shutting off, the lights dimmed to nothing and the car stopped....waited 10 minutes and tried starting, clicked, and waited..turned over...waited..and then it started and ran fine for two hours...and then repeated what had happened before....took alternator off...no easy task...took to oreilley's for test...alternator showed "failed"...a mechanic who was there said Focus alternators are problematic....said he had changed out 50 in just the last year....In one car alone had changed out five times before getting it to work right....said it was built with an internal regulator with different Ohm settings...Now, he tests the ohm levels and matches up with the car's computer to be certain is compatible and has consistent success....I haven't tried yet, but sounds plausible....He said to check to see if Ford recall...I've checked on-line but haven't found one yet....thought I'd post to see if any reactions......

Messages Page 45 of 50

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