Can't afford Ford Focus Repair- ideas please.

S1oane

Hi Folks

Driving back from Ballymena yesterday I noticed that the Instrument Cluster on my 1998 Ford Focus had completely failed

Speed Gauge, Petrol Gauge, Oil Gauge etc. all completely dead. Googling for more info. it seems to be a common problem (46 page thread on the RAC Forum alone!) but a local dealer in Bangor quoted circa £270 for a replacement and no concessions despite seemingly being a recognised Ford fault.

Any ideas please on how I can get this fixed much more cheaply as I can't afford the quoted repair?

I suppose I could pick up a replacement cluster from a scrap yard but I don't know for a fact whether this would solve the problem nor do I know a recommended Mechanic locally to replace for me.

Grateful for your collective advice.

Regards

ballyblack

Price the replacement part with Ford

Price a used part from

http://www.traynors.co.uk/
(if they have new/used in stock)

go to a local independent garage or auto spark for quote to fit it

try P&M auto electrics N'Ards


http://www.yell.com/b/P+and+M+Car+Electrics-Tow+Bars-Newtownards-BT234QP-2307657/

Wywth

Be aware that if you supply a part for a mechanic to fit, them the mechanic will not warrant the part and will expect to be paid for the work carried out. If they have to do the work again, they will expect to be paid again.

Anyone only supplying the part will be unlikely to agree to any consequential loss (i.e. the mechanics fees) in the event of the part failing for any reason.

Sometimes it's best to find someone to supply and fit a required part (or even better to just fix the car)

Local mechanics will usually be cheaper than the cost of a franchised dealership.

Norman_Castle

This was a common fault which Ford were providing repairs for £99. Contact Ford directly. Watchdog also got involved.

Wywth

S1oane wrote: »

...I noticed that the Instrument Cluster on my 1998 Ford Focus had completely failed

....despite seemingly being a recognised Ford fault.

Well yours appears to have lasted 15 years!

Wywth

Norman_Castle wrote: »

This was a common fault which Ford were providing repairs for £99. Contact Ford directly. Watchdog also got involved.

That was 5 years ago, but worth contacting Ford to see if they will still honour the deal

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2008/04/ford-takes-action-over-focus-issue-137074/

But Ford only agree to provide parts for 10 years after last model run out. As this appears to only affect cars produced 2003 and earlier, it may be the 10 years is now up.

Ford may still agree to support if parts are still available.

S1oane

Thanks for the helpful replies Folks.

Neither Lindsay Ford or Ford themselves are budging and insisting on a non-subsidised repair. Ford state that the recognised issue only affected 2004 Models and as a 98 car I'm not covered.

Does anyone know if Finlay Electrics in Bangor is still in operation as the advertised number is dead (more convenient than P&M Auto in Ards).

Any recommendations for Mechanics in Bangor please?

BigAl94

Strongly recommend Stephen Dunlop contact details here http://www.autoinsider.co.uk/local/garage-services/ai_28157.php

Been using him for years - fair prices and good work.