Focus is possessed!

heart_free

Hi all

I have a ford focus zetec 1.8 tdi, 2008 model. Been having some niggly issues, and this week it's developed a new whiney noise. But today I'm pretty certain it's been possessed by a demonic entity!

Earlier today it refused to start - appeared to have a flat battery. We jump started it and all seemed well again. Tested the battery and it was fine, so we went out again. Started and stopped a few times and it was OK. Then about an hour ago, while we were out, it refused to start again, some kind people helped us restart it and we headed home. Just after pulling off the computer on the dash went off, all the warning lights came on and the power steering went. Pulled over, and the electrics came back, by now we just needed to get it home. Turned off the lights and turned them back on and they brightened up. Started for home and during the journey the radio kept switching itself on and off, the lights were going on and off, the computer display kept going blank. We realised it got worse when the wheel was turned.

Nursed it home and as we pulled into our parking spot everything died (again as the wheel was turned) and it will not start. Turned engine off and all the warning lights kept flashing on.

We've managed to luck it, but the whole thing is now dead, with no chance of restarting. Anybody have any ideas?

forgotmyname

Alternator is dead or dying or a dodgy earth or other cable.

Or the battery itself has an internal short or low fluid.

Something people tend not to do these days check the battery fluid levels.

Strider590

All sorts of weird electrical stuff? Most likely the battery.......

We'll see all sorts of rubbish about jumping and charging etc, but give it a week and OP will be back asking about a dead battery.

PasturesNew

forgotmyname wrote: »

Alternator is dead or dying or a dodgy earth or other cable.

I'd go with these options. I'm thinking loose battery terminal, then loose earth terminal .... I'd put alternator last on the list.

F1F93

I have a focus and when my alternator went it gave these symptoms. If you have a multimeter (and can get the car started) measure it on idle, then put your foot down and measure it again at 3000 revs or so. There should be a clear difference. If not, the alternator is broken.

Main reason why I say its the alternator rather than the battery is the whine, mine did this both times the alternator went and the garage said that it was the alternator making this noise (he did tell me exactly what it was, but I've forgotten).

Also beware if you try and get it to a garage, as my power steering kept cutting in and out (nearly drove into a traffic light on a corner as it cut out when I wasn't expecting it to), and the speedo eventually stopped working completely so I couldn't tell what speed I was doing.

Hope this helps, and that you get it sorted quickly!

heart_free

Thanks for the help. Battery is fine, definately seems to be the alternator. Not going to stress though as managed to part-ex it for a new car! As long as I can start it to get it to the dealers tomorrow, it won't be my problem anymore!

And before I get shouted at the dealer knows about the problem because the first time it happened was when he was appraising the car! Possibly the worst time for it to happen! So Strider590 you definately won't see me back asking about a dead battery

Was starting to look for a new car anyway, as with my new job I only travel about 7 miles a day in the car to get to the train station, so the diesel wasn't really being used as it should to get the best out of it. I've got a nice small Mazda 2 that'll be more economical for the shorter distances.

Thank you to everyone who helped

forgotmyname

I bet it wont. Diesel? Gutless underpowered lump. You will be revving the guts of of it to keep up with the traffic flow.

67bhp.. The only thing i can think of thats that underpowered was the old Astra. I think that had 67bhp also. Maybe 69?