Electrical Problem ?

[jps71]

Hi Guys

I am posting this for a friend who doesn't have online access.

She has a 2003 Focus 1.8td

Every thing works fine but as she is driving along the warning lights come on on the dash sometimes one or two sometimes all of them.

She also loses the speedo and rev counter.

She has taken it to a garage to be checked but they say they can find no fault.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to what the problem can be & how to rectify it.

Cheers Jim

[TDCiST]

wasn't this a known fault with the instrument cluster??

I'm sure i saw something about it on watchdog actually! lol

[jps71]

I have no idea unfortunately

I haven't even seen the car but got asked if I knew how to fix it.

[TDCiST]

Yeah just had a quick google... It was a known fault, because they had used lead free solder, it would absorb moisture and corrode... Best thing to do is get in touch with your local dealer and tell them you know its a known fault.

[TDCiST]

See below

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=863711

[jps71]

Thanks for the info guys :)

I will tell her to give ford customer care a call.

[jocojohn]

It may be a long shot but I've had similar problems with a 1999 Focus in the past... the battery light came on and while driving along the speedo and rev counter would just drop out and reset. We replaced the alternator, tested the battery and even took the instrument cluster out to check the PCB for bad joints, corrosion or damage.

But, in the end the problem was the wiring loom than runs in the engine bay to a connector on the alternator.

One of the wires in the loom (red one i think) had a nick in the insulation, water had obviously gotten in and corroded the copper away leaving a green residue. I cut and spliced the damaged cable back together and the problem was solved!

I think it's unlikely but it's worth a check.

Also you may want to check your earth connections to the bodywork, but be careful if you undo the bolts as the heads shear off so easily

[jps71]

It turns out it was the known fault due to the solder used.

She contacted Ford who where not interested and contacted the Ford garage who where the same.

She finally got it fixed at a local garage who resoldered it all for £50.

So jobs done thanks for all of the help :)

[stef123]

It turns out it was the known fault due to the solder used.

She contacted Ford who where not interested and contacted the Ford garage who where the same.

She finally got it fixed at a local garage who resoldered it all for £50.

So jobs done thanks for all of the help :)

nice result, glad its sorted mate.

+1 for TDCiSt also, good bit info mate

[TDCiST]

cheers stef123,

little bit of a mickey take that ford werent interested... especially s its a known fault... however, they were offering replacements for £75 quid i think, so it turns out she is quids in anyway lol!!