Car problem - Ford Focus - any suggestions please?

mwa

Thanks to all who replied - I ended up being towed home on Thurs night as it cut out and wouldn't restart at all!

It was in fact the fuel pump that needed replacing - £270 later (ouch) and I have my car back again! Not ideal but then I have spent so much on the damn thing and rely on it so much for my business so I'm just happy to have it back for now.

Thanks again
MWA

Premier_2

mwa wrote: »

...Yesterday my husband was driving along and the car just cut out, engine died, steering lock engaged etc...

This is a significant safety issue.

I have no idea how it could occur with the keys in the ignition, but as it did, you should call your local Ford dealer to come and collect the car on a transporter for them to inspect it carefully in their workshop. Do not even drive the car to the dealer with such a possibly catastrophic safety issue present.

When the engine dies, the steering will become more difficult to turn as you have lost the hydraulic pressure for the power steering - but it doesn't happen suddenly, the hydraulic pressure will fade away. Even with no hydraulic pressure you should still be able to steer the car.

Obviously if the steering lock activates you will not be able to steer the car and is a significant safety hazard.

goldspanners

Premier wrote: »

This is a significant safety issue.

I have no idea how it could occur with the keys in the ignition, but as it did, you should call your local Ford dealer to come and collect the car on a transporter for them to inspect it carefully in their workshop. Do not even drive the car to the dealer with such a possibly catastrophic safety issue present.

When the engine dies, the steering will become more difficult to turn as you have lost the hydraulic pressure for the power steering - but it doesn't happen suddenly, the hydraulic pressure will fade away. Even with no hydraulic pressure you should still be able to steer the car.

Obviously if the steering lock activates you will not be able to steer the car and is a significant safety hazard.

i very much doubt the lock actually engaged with the keys in the ignition in the on position,infact i would say immposible infact.
i think as you say its more likely to have been due to the engine stalling the steering had now become very heavy as it didnt have the pump turning.