Problems With My Focus...any Suggestions?

[Spanner89]

I have a 55 plate, Mk 2 Focus and have been experiencing some problems with it.

• The battery light comes on and off at intervals when driving.
• The dashboard, including speedometer, stops giving a reading. This resets if the engine is switched off and restarted.
• When the dashboard is not giving a readout, their is a noticeable drop in power during acceleration.
• Once the dashboard is not displaying, the handbrake light and ABS light starts to flash.
• Headlights flash as the ignition is engaged.
• Sometimes, the security light flashes rapidly after starting the car.
• Engine warning light came on (P0500, Vehicle Speed, Sensor A) and then went off again.
• Clock only works when the radio or CD player is on.
• 12V power is not working.

I would be grateful if anyone could shed some light on this problem or would be interested to know if anyone has experienced similar.

Thanks.

[BigD]

OMG, it's haunted!

Seriously, with that number of electrical issues I'd be surprised if you have just one problem. Because of the battery light, I'm immediately suspicious of the alternator and the battery itself, so get those tested with a multimeter. You're looking for 12.4V with the engine off, up to about 14.4V with it running.

Second, I'd get all the earth points checked - a bad earth can cause you any number of apparently unrelated problems and I'd guess you'll find serious corrosion on at least one.