Edmunds Answers questions

I have a problem with my Focus 1.6 Zetec, the speedo works intermitently, why is this?

starshine2 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:48:49 GMT

My Ford Focus I.6 Zetec (1999)is a good little runner, the only drawback is the speedo works intermitently. It has been into a garage and has had a diagnostic but nothing showed up, the mechanic took it for a drive in the hopes that it wouldn't work but guess what! It woudn't NOT work. It is a mystery!!!! I spoke to an RAC man today and he thinks it could be a relay of some sort. Can anybody shed any light on this PLEASE???

What do the letters after a car name mean?

coolgal — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:06:12 GMT

any of them.... like Corolla lx Focus ses, etc.

Flickering lights on 2001 Ford Focus 5 speed sedan

cooptech — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:24:50 GMT

In August we had a new clutch, slave cylinder, seals etc. and a used tranny installed. Since then we've encountered off and on issues. On cooler days we'd see flickering dashboard lights & flickering headlights. Lately the problem has been more frequent - it seems to happen during colder weather. It has occured when I initially start up the car. Today, when initially started the car, the flickering started (dashlights went out and the guages swept). It appeared that when I depressed the gas and put the clutch in gear the problem went away. However, my husband has experienced headlights flickering at night while driving down the road, door ajar light comes on dash, sterero goes out, battery light went on. He encountered the same problems as above except that it seemed to him that a split second shut down occured. He's also experienced the flickering when he's approaching a stop sign. We've taken it to Ford & they hooked it up to (OASIS?); it said check chassis grounds & all related grounds were cleaned & checked. The alternator was checked. They couldn't find anything wrong with it & couldn't get it to act up (during a warm day) We replaced new battery recently but symptoms have occured before/after replacement. Its a 2.0 SPI engine. Could it possibly be a voltage regulator????? Any other ideas?

2000 focus sputterd then died on freeway

floater1 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:51:31 GMT

Turn key on, wont release button for park, no wipers, no heater fan,starter wont even click. any ideas? Thank you

focus 07 passengerside door inside car thier is a port of some type whats it for

cravinmorehead — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:01:00 GMT

the port/hole on the passenger side in the car. underneath it says no gas but what is it for???

I have a 2002 focus wagon, my dash lights and tail lights do not work. brake lights work, have checked all fuses

rfatula — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:51:12 GMT

the dash lights and tail lights do not work. brake lights and turns and backups work fine. I have checked all the fuses in the fuse panel and they are all good. replaced tail light bulbs also and still do not work.

why does my od. dash light, shifter light and tail lights blow the same fuse. are these lights tied togather?

loop1 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:27:45 GMT

2000 ford focus wagon. my od. dashlight, shifter light, and both tail light blow the same(one) fuse over and over.

Ford Focus 1.6 1999. Problem with speedo.

starshine2 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:25:41 GMT

I don't know if you remember me but I am the person with the Ford Focus 1.6 1999 with the problem speedo that worked intermitently, well, I put the car into Fords Plaistow on Tuesday and they found the fault. It was the speedo sensor, they replaced it. It cost £25 but the labour and VAT was £179 which broke the bank!!!! Still, at least it works ALL the time. Just thought I'd let you know for future reference.

why does 2006 focus steering wheel and brake pedal flutter.

bigbambi — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:34:40 GMT

severe vibration during high speed braking.

I have a mouse in my wheel! Please assist. 2002 Ford Focus with a squeaking rear shock/strut thingy.

ifontaine — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:56:14 GMT

I have a 2002 Ford Focus ZTW Wagon with almost 93,000 miles on it. I've never driven a car this long before so I'm in virgin territory.

I've recently notice that a "squeak" has developed and is coming from my driver's rear wheel well area. I am operating on the assumption that it is suspension.

However, today, I noticed that my rear wheels seem to be "off camber" slightly. The top of the wheels are more toward the center of the car, than the bottom of the wheels.

Can these two things be related? And, ballpark, what kind of change am I looking at to fix?

Thank you all very much for any advice you can give.

They told me that my 2001 Ford Focus couldn't be aligned because it had a bent bar. What bar are they talking about?

jcontre81 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:04:22 GMT

When i took it to a auto shop here. Theey told me that the reason why the right tire wuz bent inwards. Wuz because there was a bar that was bent underneath. And for that reason it could not be aligned. All i need to know is what bar are they talking about.

Trying to locate the oil drain plug for a 2007 Ford Focus 4 door automatic.

jvaldez2 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:54:38 GMT

2007 ford focus
4dr
automatic

I have a 2004 Focus and it shows MUTE on the radio. What can I do to get it off?

ncomeaux — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:59:18 GMT

My radio has MUTE show up all the time on my radio and I would like to know what I have to do to get it off.

How do I remove the front calipers on a 2004 Ford Focus (non SVT).

navydude86 — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:51:16 GMT

Attempting to change brakes on a 2004 Ford Focus (NON-SVT). Caliper not held on by traditional nut/bolt. Is there a hex/torx nut holding caliper on? If so what size torx socket do i require. Thank You

When stopped, the vehicle tends to lurch forward. What can cause this? Ford Focus.

samphanie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:23:43 GMT

1999 Ford Focus, all original parts.

How can I find a vacuum leak in the brake system? Ford Focus LX.

zmor — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:31:02 GMT

I have a 2001 Ford Focus LX sedan, every time I step on the breaks I hear a hissing sound coming from the pedal, and when ever I try to stop it feels like there is no resistance and then all of a sudden the break bites but does not lock up. I have to be careful when I step on the breaks.

I own a 2002 Ford Focus and want to know what is the lifespan on the front struts. Thank you.

ff2002 — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:17:21 GMT

I own a 2002 Ford Focus and want to know what is the lifespan on the front struts. Thank You

What are the original sizes for the wheels and tires for a 2002 Ford Focus 1.6 silver, Special Edition?

carlos1711 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:19:05 GMT

Wheels and tire sizes?

How do you replace a valve cover in a 2006 Ford Focus ZX4.

jweir — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:57:31 GMT

I need to know how to replace a valve cover in a 2006 Ford Focus?

How do I get the drum off my 2007 Ford Focus?

jer27 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:18:21 GMT

I'm doing the brakes on my 2007 Ford Focus. I got the front done now I'm trying to get the back done but I can't get the drum off to get to the pads.

Emergency brake won't release left rear tire. 2006 Ford Focus. How do you fix this problem?

jweir — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:50:32 GMT

I have a 2006 Ford Focus, its been a great car. Trying to sell it all summer, finally might have it sold..Went to with the potential buyer to test drive it and the emergency brake is stuck and won't release the left rear tire.. It's been sitting for two months, since the last person test drove it with no problems what so ever.. Could it be because its been sitting for two months with the emergency brake on and some moister got in there, causing it to not release..

2003 Fford Ffocus zetec engine maintenance - valves.

gkeenan — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:27:50 GMT

Hello. We're wanting to keep our Focus a long time and can't help wondering that the valves need no adjustment? How are they actuated? Thanks.

Ford Focus Central Locking Problems

pmcluckie — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:10:26 GMT

Hi,Can anyone help me, I have a focus cl 1.4 on a 51 plate the problem is the drivers door does not work all the time, more often than not, but when i use the passenger door with the key it works first time, the spare key is the exact same, a strange thing is that when i am driving the car the central locking comes on itself and goes off itself at different times, the key is a basic key it doesnt have any buttons on it. when you use the key in the drivers door and turn it about a dozen times it might work once. Is there a chance that the two keys are worn, local ford garage wants £60 to look at it, thats not to fix it. Thanks Peter(first time e-mailer)

my dash lights are out my 2002 ford focus se. does anyone know which fuse # to change to fix this problem?

rykaje — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:41:42 GMT

I have read others and they say they have other lights out but, this is just the dash lights. I have checked all the fuses and not really sure but, they look fine to me.

Where is the aux input on a 2006 ford focus zetec?

justi1 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:29:57 GMT

I see the AUX button but no aux jack to plug into

2000 Ford Focus I keep losing my signals, rear defrost, lights, radio.....can anybody tell me what is broken?

ryant519 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:32:22 GMT

2000 focus......i lose signals, defroster, locks, radio, remote lock

could it be the ground? PLEASE HELP

How to bypass a oxygen sensor on a catalytic converter for a 2003 Ford Focus SVT

jimjames1 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:20:18 GMT

I have two oxygen sensors one is called before and the other is called after oxygen sensor. Can i bypass the after oxygen sensor?

2003 Ford Focus. Car will make it to 30 MPH then goes into neutral unless overdrive is off, then you can get safely to 50 MPH?

seymouro — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:34:22 GMT

2003 Focus (115,000 miles) with overdrive switch on shifter. One day it fell out of gear into neutral (the shifter remained in drive) when I exceeded 30 MPH.

I found that if I switch overdrive off, it will safely make 50 MPH, above that it is revving too much.

Any suggestions as to what could be wrong?

Why does the Ford Focus not have rear seat headrests? Isn't this unsafe - many or most other makes include this.

leasure — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:13:54 GMT

I am interested in purchasing a used focus wagon, but noticed this seemingly basic feature was not there. It seams that the rear headrest is included in comparable cars of other makes. And the lack of it seams unsafe for rear seat passengers.

Does anyone know anything about the vacuum hose or pump? My 2002 Ford Focus is acting funny and I’m not sure why?

daisystaticx — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:18:11 GMT

I need help in finding out the problem in my Ford Focus.

2006 Ford Focus tranny problem

kruzmisile — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:01:26 GMT

Thankyou so much for taking time out of your weekend to answer my debacle. I can now at least go back to the new manager of the tranny shop (since the last guy was fired from bad management) and give him a track of recovery to mend this situation. I still can't help to feel that since the new fixed tranny does the same as the old situation that it wasnt the problem in the first place. Again thanks! You made me a believer of this website!

2003 Ford Focus very slow pick up from stop light...any suggestions?

newoxygenlife — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:12:08 GMT

My friend has a 2003 Ford Focus. She knows very little about cars. I'm not a mechanic. But have fairly good understanding about automobiles. She just got her focus tuning done[all the wires,spark plugs, oil change, air and fuel filter]. Before that, she got her transmission replaced..yes, you read it right..2003 focus's transmission got replaced[costed her lots of $$$]. Right now, when she starts moving from stop light, she hears rattling noise and at the same time vehicle's pick up is very slow. My guess is she got screwed over on transmission replacement. Any suggestion please?? Is there anyway I can do the diagnosis?

Service manuals? For a Ford Focus?

fireman25 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:52:36 GMT

Does anyone know where I can find a service manual for a 2005 ford focus?

No question just wanted to thank you for getting back to me on my question about the Ford Focus.

drone1 — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:06:35 GMT

thank you again , not sure if this site has another way to respond,

2008 Ford Focus -- Burning oil/rubber smell

1515 — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:43:53 GMT

Leased a 2008 Focus two weeks ago. After my normal 15-mile commute, a hot oil and or rubber smell invades the cabin. I now have 600 + miles on it -- shouldn't this smell have gone away by now (assuming it's normal to begin with)???

Any help is appreciated!

JB

How do you change the turn signal bulb on the rear of a 2005 Ford Focus hatchback?

focus2005 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:57:24 GMT

i notice the signal on my dash board whenever i make a right turn is flashing to fast thats when i found out that the bulb on the rear end is busted. so i tried to change it but after loosen up some screws there is one screw that i couldn't reach. i think i have to remove some panels on the interior just to reach the other screw. i don't want to damage it or brake it.should i just go straight to the expert just to replace one bulb? this is my first.

I have a 2001 Focus 3ZX and I would like to charge the air condition system

topfowler — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:36:30 GMT

Focus 3ZX and I would like to charge the air condition system but I have no idea where the valve is can you help?

Question about 2006 Ford Focus AC compressor

bobbydee2 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:02:58 GMT

put new compressor on in fall of 2006 while under warranty. now has 60000 miles and no warranty. Dealership checked it out and says compressor is bad. Will be $1125.00 My questions: after they checked it out, it now screams even when the A/C is off. Has pulley gone bad and now cannot drive it till I fix it? Is there no way to unplug something so that we could drive it until we get the money to fix it? Also, can I not buy the compressor somewhere else? A parts house said the clutch comes attached to this model and they are not showing it to be available from anywhere but Ford. Is there a known problem with the A/C's on the focus because this will be the third one. Again, the car is a ford focus, 2006, SE model. Thank you for any help I can get!

Key is stuck in the ignition. 2005 Ford Focus.

lsg9069 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:41:25 GMT

Yesterday I replaced the original battery on my ford focus 05. When I turn the engine the kwy will not come out. I can turn the key to start the engine. Is this an electrical problem.

Ford Focus ZX3. Where do I put air conditioning fluid?

heathlynn — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:18:14 GMT

I obviously have no clue what i'm talking about but.... I bought the fluid, I have no clue what it's called and we can't find the right valve to put it in, we found one place but my step dad said it was the wrong one?

My 2003 Ford Focus battery charge light keeps coming on but it's running fine.

sherrera — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:47:45 GMT

the battery light comes on and goes off, I cleaned the battery cables. It's running fine. I have a new battery (less than 6 months old) and new alternator. I've been told that if the gas cap isn't on right it will cause it to do that..

HELP! My 2001 Ford Focus cranks but doesn't fire. New battery, mechanic says unfixable?

jhsb — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:42:47 GMT

No previous problems,rear ended but drove it home.Started and drove 3wks after wreck.Battery died due to trunk not being shut good,took a charge an started.Again battery drained due to trunk,this time did not take charge.Bought a new battery,cranks but doesn't start.Mechanic wanted to buy car after wreck but I said no.He checked alternator(starter?)under car said its good.Opened choke said its getting gas.Took something off engine and tested,said its not firing.Said maybe the last battery jump blew out the computer??? Listened by the gas tank,said fuel pump was kicking on,an gas is getting to the engine.No previous problems at all with the car,something doesn't sound right for it to go out? Any suggestions??

I have an 05 Ford Focus. Where is the fuel filter?

madewell — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:22:16 GMT

Fuel filter location on a 05 ford focus zx4?? where is it?

How come my key won't remove from the ignition? Ford Focus.

budice69 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:32:05 GMT

I own a 2005 Ford Focus. Last night when I got home my key would not come out of the ignition. The car starts with no problem and turns off fine, there are no sensor/warning lights at all, so everything looks and sounds normal, it's just the fact that when I turn the car completely off, my key will not come out of the ignition. Is there a way to release it or what can be the cause?

Where is the jack for the mp3 player on a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3?

p0361616 — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:26:55 GMT

There is a cd\mp3 player button but I see no jack for the mp3.

Could someone please send an illustration on a transmission filter change for a 2001 Ford Focus? Thanks!

barbjr — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:34:01 GMT

do not have manual. would like to change filter for transmission. is it possible to get an illustration? 2001 ford focus.

'03 Ford Focus. Stereo display blinks. I cannot shut it off or change stations. No volume control?

irish_banshee0 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:44:03 GMT

While I was driving, the stereo was on a radio station and all of a sudden started blinking. I have to wiggle the knob to get it to shut off. The CD player only works when I get lucky. Radio sound goes in and out with the blinking but I cannot change stations or control the volume.

Where is a 2002 Ford Focus starter solenoid located?

jtkisa — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:29:40 GMT

Someone told me that if I can figure out where the starter solenoid is.. that I can fix my ignition.. my ignition wouldn't turn at all with the key in and so I broke the key barrel out.. took out some of the tumblers so it'll turn the ignition, but it won't start.. it'll turn on the accessories, but nothing more.. can anyone help?

I have a Ford Focus 2002. When should the timing belt be replaced?

jpall — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:04:46 GMT

I have 122000 KM on my Ford Focus do I have to change timing belt

how do I get headlamp off my Ford Focus ZX3 2003 to replace the light bulb ?

naholmes — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:56:04 GMT

I want to replace the driver side headlight bulb, how do I get the plastic part off to reach the bulb or can I get in there another way?