2009 Ford Focus Issues

digitals

Had ththis In another thread, sorry if rules are broken.

Hi all
Sorry for the waffle
Looking for a little advice and assistance if that's possible,
As a young family we bought a Ford Focus 1.8 TDCI back in Jan 2009, Brand New.

Couldn't fault it, brilliant car, enough power when needed, excellent on the odd motorway journey.
Very Happy Overall.

Full service history, at the local Ford Dealership, even though maybe too well serviced, dealership insists on a 14000km (8700mls) where as I have found out that those engines have a 20000km (12428mls) service requirement.

Last November now almost 3 months ago, Engine Management Light Illuminated, along with some loss of power, after 3 visits to main dealership within a fortnight, finally discovered an issue with the intercooler which was replaced, all ok. (At the time they couldn't see what caused it, question them now and immediately it was a pebble or stone struck it and damaged it......!!!!!) Total cost with replacement wiper blades, just under €600

Mid December Car put through its paces, with its first NCT, Passed with flying colours, which I never doubted.

2 weeks ago, Car now having under 133000km (82643mls) clocked, unfortunately I was away For a few days and not available to inspect and view the upcoming issue, the better half was on her way to work, informed me of a loud clicking noise emanating from under the bonnet, parked up,  AA called, no ideas, as not long after arrival noise stopped.
Drove it to dealership whom on inspection claimed the Auxiliary Drive Belt was "Ravelled", their words not mine, possible due to again maybe a pebble or stone entering the engine bay and getting caught in belt. They said nothing was out of place in engine bay that may have been the cause but not happy with a particular pulley and play on the water pump shaft

Total estimated cost of repairs again under €600

Acquired quotations from alternative dealerships, all within same price range; however one did say that timing belt should be done also as a precaution, total cost now at about €900.

After a little Google Searching noted timing belt change at 200000km (124278mls) or 10 years, another dealership confirmed this and explained every service aux belt and accessories checked, usual replacement being with timing belt.

Sounds to me like bearing failure, possible original cause of "Raveling" Belt. Should it be covered by some sort of warranty?

Two days ago, Car started for about 20 mins to Defrost a little, drove for approx 300 Meters, ABS and ESP light illuminated at a junction, nothing major thought at the time, some frost on road, on take off from junction, Battery and Oil lamps illuminated and Car Stalled.

Failed to restart, AA started with Booster Pack,

Delivered to Dealership, had a few choice words with them but got no where, they think it's the battery, at a guess as there are no fault codes present.

Their Quote for replacing Battery, €100 + Labour + VAT.

Has anyone had similar issues.

Any advice Greatly Appreciated.

Thanks In Advance.

Shane.

Indricotherium

I think you need to have a look at km / mile conversions again.

George Dalton

3 issues in 4 years, I wouldn't consider that to be too bad.

All of the issues you mention are common enough with the Focus 1.8tdci. In addition to the faults you have already experienced you can expect to shortly have to replace the dual mass flywheel and if you are unlucky your car will also suffer brake pressure sensor failure inside the ABS unit which will cause the ESP to stop working.

I would advise you to stop going to Ford dealers with these issues, find yourself a good independent garage to look after the car and you will save a lot of money.

digitals

Indricotherium wrote: »

I think you need to have a look at km / mile conversions again.

Sorry hour that, took the incorrect readings from a smartphone app.

Re-Edited and rounded up.

Thanks for pointing that out.

digitals

George Dalton wrote: »

3 issues in 4 years, I wouldn't consider that to be too bad.

All of the issues you mention are common enough with the Focus 1.8tdci. In addition to the faults you have already experienced you can expect to shortly have to replace the dual mass flywheel and if you are unlucky your car will also suffer brake pressure sensor failure inside the ABS unit which will cause the ESP to stop working.

I would advise you to stop going to Ford dealers with these issues, find yourself a good independent garage to look after the car and you will save a lot of money.

Hi George,

Your post dont make for happy reading, however I'll take it on board.

Are you speaking from experience?

I would of the thinking that failures like the one's already experienced and the one's you've highlighted would mainly occur in cars 5 years and older.

Is there any alternative less troublesome manufacturer?