Ford Focus Crippling Problems!

foyazah

Hi,

I’m the owner of a 1.6 Zetec 5d Auto (Climate pack) and had recently encountered two seemingly severe issues after several months of disuse.

The first worrying encounter was two months ago when the car engine wouldn’t start although the key was able to rotate into the corresponding position (I was able to unlock the doors so I assumed it wasn’t an issue with the immobiliser). Another observation during this encounter was when I put the gear shift into D the car would keep rattling vigorously.

I left the car in that state until now due to overriding priorities only to find out that I’m unable to unlock the car with both the main key and the secondary.

I kindly request any solutions that may remedy these problems, any assistance would be appreciated.

Regards,

Regretful owner of a mistreated 4-wheeler

tberry6686

Locks and not starting - check the car battery.

Was it running when you put it into drive ?

foyazah

(I forgot to specify the year of production; it's of 06 reg.)

The car wasn't running, the engine wouldn't start, but I was somehow able to shift the gear into D where it had then made concerning rattling sound.

John_Jones

Charge the battery.

System

As above. You need to recharge the car battery. Its at too low voltage so stuff isn't working properly.

shaun_from_Africa

Whilst charging the battery will probably fix the problems, I think that this will only be a temporary fix and the faults will probably reoccur in the not too distant future.

foyazah wrote: »

and had recently encountered two seemingly severe issues after several months of disuse.

If the battery has discharged and has been that way for "several months", there is a very good possibility that the plates will have sulphated to such a degree that it won't take a full charge or hold that charge for very long.
foyazah, if when you charge the battery the faults go, I would suggest that you buy a new battery otherwise you may well find yourself stranded if/when that battery fails again.

foyazah

Thanks ever so much guys!

What's a reasonable price to pay for a battery? Should I be wary of buying a used one?

Noree

Buy new. No point in used. Make sure it!!!8217;s the correct spec, such as amperage etc.

peter12345678910

You may need a silver calcium battery as focus uses a smart charge system which charges batteries at a higher voltage.

Frozen_up_north

The disc brakes are probably quite rusty after standing so long, the tyres will have deflated a bit too. It will need a careful drive around the block with plenty of brake use.

We keep an eye on a house where the owners are overseas a lot, the car is regularly started, left to warm up, and moved up and down the drive to minimise the problems the OP is reporting. Ideally it would benefit from a run of a few miles, but I'm not prepared to do that.

System

foyazah wrote: »

Thanks ever so much guys!

What's a reasonable price to pay for a battery? Should I be wary of buying a used one?

Around £80-£120. If it needs a silver calcium battery that'll be at the £120 end of the scale. Had to buy one for my Mondeo last year.

Don't buy used.

Also as it has been stood for a while there may be other issues like sticking brakes. To test for sticking brakes take it out for a short drive of a few miles or so then when you get back have a feel of the middle of each wheel. The fronts may feel slightly warmer than the rears but each side should feel the same. If one feels hotter than the rest then the chances are the brake is sticking on that corner.