Engine write-off

Skint_Catt

Hi guys, you lot are so wonderful, thanks for your help. No it hasn't been wet Dougk, but it has been suggested by the Ford Focus Owners club that it could be a sensor with dew on it, but it has happened on very different weather days.

The funny thing is the post about bad fuel got me thinking on the way home tonight (21 miles no flashing light). I usually use a leading supermarkets petrol as it's easy access and usually the cheapest in the area. However, as I was leaving the dealership last Thursday I put Super Unleaded in it for the first time in my life. Friday-50 odd miles, no flashing light, over the bank holiday weekend, no flashing light. Put £10 of supermarket unleaded into it Sunday night - run it 100 miles Mon morning then Tuesday morning flashing light! Hmmmmmm, methinks will run it to empty tomoro - see if light comes on and put some more Super in it.

What ya think guys - and thank you soooooo much for all your help so far.

S_C

VH

Sounds like an electrical wiring problem. If there was a genuine fault then the light should stay illuminated. I had a problem like this on another Ford I owned years ago, it took 6 months to track down, but turned out to be an iffy solder joint on a circuit board.

The problem with these things is that they're a nightmare to track down, they always seem to fix themselves when you get to the dealer!

TDIfurby

My tiny knowledge of electrics doesn't seem to comprehend how using the wrong bulb in a light fitting, ANY fitting for that mater, can cause you brake lights to come on when you turn on the lights for dipped beam / rear lights? Surely it would need to somehow take the signal from the rear lights, to the brake lights for that to happen??? Sounds like dealer BULL to me.

I know on my car the glowplug lights up when a bulb on the back is out, so maybe the sheer mention of changing bulbs is related in some way.

By the way - a MY00 car and no warranty, even say 6 months from a second hand garage?

Skint_Catt

HI all,

Well quick update, been using an 'independant' garage for fuel instead of Supermarket since this happened and NO FLASHING LIGHT (except v briefly on Monday morn!) It has since ceased to concern me unless it starts happening a lot again. If it was serious the car would have gone bang by now, and the light would have continued flashing/stayed on so I'm putting it down to a faulty sensor/wiring. When I'm less overdrawn I will get it fixed properly.

TDI Furby, the bulb thing wasn't dealer BULL. I used to work for Ford and I know what they will and won't tell people. My brake light bulb was the wrong sort and was causing havoc on the entire rear light units - changed it with a correct bulb and problem sorted instantly. As it happened it has had nothing to do with the dashboard light, but at least one problem is fixed.

Thanks for all your comments guys. All very helpful.

S_C