Advice on what is up with my car?

tojenn99

Hi,

Looking for a bit of advice - my wife's car (focus) is only used to get her to and from work when required and so not used that often.
Anyway, when we had all the snow this year, the battery went flat and we needed the AA to come and get the car going.

Ever since, the headlights have been noticeably dimmer (not a real issue as she doesn't drive in the dark) and the unlock code we have for the radio doesn't work.

Need to get this fixed now as i will need to use the car going forward.
I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the issue so i know exactly what is up when i take it to garage to be fixed.

Thanks all

melorablack

You need a radio code because the battery was disconnected from the engine - ring the dealer.

Your headlights are dimmer because you need a new battery.

anewman

If you have unscrewable bits on top of the battery, and level markers on the side of the battery, unscrew them and peer inside the battery. I think you'll find the battery has dried up, there is no apparent water in whatsoever, and there are black deposits. Seen it a few times. Seems that neither garages nor car owners top them up with deionised water anymore - though granted most new batteries are "maintenance free" and do not need such attention.

Kilty_2

anewman wrote: »

though granted most new batteries are "maintenance free" and do not need such attention.

Didn't know many cars had old style batteries for this very reason

goldspanners

has the headlight height adjustment been adjusted?

maybe the bulbs are on thier way out? maybe one has already gone? or as anewman says maybe you need to invest in a new battery or alternator.

as for the radio code theres a thread on here in the motoring section that will get the code for your stereo,just remove the stereo and give the guys on that thread your serial number and they will get you your code.

forgotmyname

You dont mention what year of focus, it may have HID headlights, These require programming after a flat battery, Frost can cause damage to a flat battery also.
The water content can freeze, This doesnt happen with a charged battery.

tojenn99

Thanks all for your help - i guess the general consensus is that i need a new battery

The bulbs worked fine before the snow but there was a noticeable difference once the AA had restarted the car.
I also have the code for the radio but it just won't accept it when i put it in.

New battery it is - thanks again all!

jimbo_the_jetset

The terminals could be a bit loose or no grease on them?

Get the battery tested at a garage. Check online for rough battery prices first so you know if you are getting a good deal.

Our Focus (diesel) battery was tested for cold cranking amps - key for starting a diesel. Our is 2003 with 100k+ on the clock and it was the original battery that was replaced so I figured it had done ok. Now starts a dream