38 replies to this topic

[oobster]

Hi, by the sounds of the other posters you are having the same issues I had with my 58-plate 2.0TDCI Focus. I initially noticed it was wet not long after I had a windscreen replaced (cracked by a stone) so I naturally assumed it was an issue with the way the replacement screen was bonded in. Autoglass then removed the new screen and it was plain to see (even to a thicko like me!) that there was no gap in the thick black bonding material, nor was any of it lifting.

The car then went into my local Ford dealer and they had the car for 8 days, told me they'd traced the leak to the hinges for the tailgate at the top of the roof, they'd sealed them they said and charged me almost £300 for the work. Not long after it became apparent that the car was still wet (all along the length of the drivers side).

Car then went into Ford again who kept it for a few days again (can't remember exactly but i THINK it was 6 days). Can't really remember the outcome but the car still wasn't fixed.

I then put it into a friendly glass replacement place who removed the cowl at the bottom of the windscreen and pulled back the carpet under the pedals, then put a hose over the car and when they put the hose anywhere near the factory holes on the drivers side (right where the A-pillar meets the bulkhead on the drivers side) the water was POURING into the drivers footwell. He took a wee video of it on his mobile and showed me when I went to pick the car up.

In his opinion there was an issue with a weld or a bond on the metalwork on the bulkhead. I had lost all faith in the car at this point, i'd been chasing this leak for over 2 months at this point and having to deal with steamed-up windows constantly as well them being frozen on the inside during the winter so I decided to trade the focus in for an octavia. The next owner, or the garage that took my car in as a trade-in, can worry about it.

I hope you get your car fixed Druberry.

[Druberry]

I would have thought the dash would have come out last time, as you said it was a bulkhead seam.... If not, this is more likely exactly what mine had, missing mastic sealant on the A frame bulkhead, and the WHOLE dash assembly needed to be removed, they virtually gutted the whole car according to the photos they showed me.... Insist the dash is removed. After this I never had a problem with a leak.

Good Luck

Thanks Chris
Well its back in the garage now so will let you know the outcome, I hope the end result is the same as yours Chris.
Here's Hoping
Andy

[Druberry]

Update on situation, garage took carpet out they found it wet in drivers footwell only but could not find a track from there, so they left it out in the rain for few days facing uphill but no leak detected, then they drove car with carpets out to see if a/c or heater was to blame and still no leak.
I am worried that I will get it back and have to go through the whole scenario again. I thought they were going to take the dash out but they are very reluctant for some reason.This situation is really frustrating. Any Ideas

Andy

[ChrisH]

I thought they were going to take the dash out but they are very reluctant for some reason.This situation is really frustrating. Any Ideas

Andy

I would be demanding they remove the dash, you could try telling them, you have heard tales of some cars of this age having missing mastic sealent at the A pillar/bulkhead seam.... Or ask them why they are reluctant, probably because its under warranty so it will cost them not you!!!! With mine, they remove the windcreen twice, had their powerjets running over it for hours on end, and still could not locate the cause. They said as soon as the dash was removed it was found in minutes. I wish I had the photos to post of where it was, but the dealership kept them, to send to ford so they got paid for the warranty claim.

[Druberry]

Chris

Garage phoned me to say they had the car for 10days took carpet out put 1 seat back in drove it around in rain but could not find any source of leak, so got it back Tuesday, next day heavy rain, a very small wet patch next to inner sill so I put some tissue paper there, but no rain since and it is now dry again. Its a real mystery, I did ring the garage and told them of the leak, they booked it in for next week, but now there is no evidence. I told the garage of your plight, but they did not respond. Was your leaking all the time or just when you parked it a certain position, (uphill, etc). I can see why others have simply moved the car on as it gives you no confidence what so ever.

Regards Andy

[Druberry]

Leak Update.
Today I picked the car up after dropping it off at the garage no the 21st. Since then the front doors and dash were completely removed (they showed me photos as I asked) and they said they were able to immediately see where the water was coming in, as Chris said in earlier post. There were quite a few places where the sealer was missing or cracked so they repaired them all to be on the safe side. Its now just a matter of time and constant checking before I can be sure it is water tight, but I am pleased with progress so far.

Thanks again Chris for your valuable info.

Andy

[ChrisH]

Hi Andy

Glad you got it sorted, there must be an issue with some of these MK2 focus's with the mastic failing etc. Ford are usually reluctant to take out the dash, due to the time and expense, particularly, as most of the time its warranty claims.... It took them 3-4 weeks to remove my dash, and as you, they found the issues immediately. I am surprised there is not a reminder to all dealerships about this, as there was with the Mk1 pollen filter housing issues...

Cheers

Chris

[micksilver]

The same problem has just started on my 2009 Focus, front and rear foot-wells on the drivers side are both very wet, I phoned the local ford dealership who told me water ingress is only covered in the 1st year of warranty. They said they would take a look and do an initial water test for around £50 then if they found anything they would try to get Ford to cover the cost., but I'm extremely dubious this would happen, I'm very disappointed with the situation it could end up costing me a fortune.Could anyone tell me how the water gets from the front to the back foot-well, (my car is always parked facing uphill on a steep drive)

[artscot79]

time watchdog was contacted and it will force ford to honour these issues

[alkyz89]

i agree a partition should be made OR we should all contact watchdog regarding this and the rusting issue, as ford do know about these problems as many people inform them, but they just play dumb.
do you think you are the only person to have mentioned this to your dealer??
ford wanted me to pay for the repair of the rust issue as paintwork is only under warranty for the first year, even though this is clearly a manufacturers fault!!

[artscot79]

totally agree the issue is that dealers play dumb when you do mention these issues like youre the only person to have brought it up.
fords paint warranty is a jolk for a suppose galvanised body come on ford hyundai 5 year unlimited mileage warranty kia 7 year warranty pugeot 4 years cheverolet 5 years etc etc etc giving hyundai are now using as of later this year bmw engines ford are way behind galvanised body my backside,like the dash cluster issue on the mk1 its time to make it known so im away to do it now

[artscot79]

done ive done a atchdog report time for others to join in

[Druberry]

The same problem has just started on my 2009 Focus, front and rear foot-wells on the drivers side are both very wet, I phoned the local ford dealership who told me water ingress is only covered in the 1st year of warranty. They said they would take a look and do an initial water test for around £50 then if they found anything they would try to get Ford to cover the cost., but I'm extremely dubious this would happen, I'm very disappointed with the situation it could end up costing me a fortune.Could anyone tell me how the water gets from the front to the back foot-well, (my car is always parked facing uphill on a steep drive)

Sorry to here your having the same problem as I had mick, Mine still stayed dry since the repair I might add. mine was leaking between the dash bulkhead and the side bulkhead, the garage did say after they found the leak realised it could have been repaired from the wheel arch, the plastic wheel arch has to be removed, then the leak was because of the missing sealant near the top of the seam,as my dash was removed they were able to repair both sides. After I got the car back I put my arm right up to the top right hand side of drivers footwell behind the dash and I was able to feel the new sticky sealant that the garage repair my car with. I really hope this helps as I was so frustated when mine leaked however I do check from time to time just in case. also I parked facing up hill to. goodluck Andy

[micksilver]

Thanks for that Andy, I'll look at removing the wheel arch to see if I can find the problem, did your problem occur with the car parked uphill, because I have no real option other than parking uphill on a steep drive?

[Druberry]

Yes Mick it was when I parked uphill that I noticed the leak. when ford check it out for leaks they use a dye. good luck.