2004 Focus Ghia 1.8 Tdci Trip Computer

[DougM]

Trip Computer was working OK until after a recent service (new Cam Belt and Rear Washer fixed). The Miles left in tank display now shows M instead of a number. Could this be a result of battery being disconnected? Will it be put right when I refill the tank?

[jeebowhite]

Hi Douglas,

I havent heard it show M before. I would say that its best to give it a run for a few miles and see if its resolved, if not take it back to the garage. It could be that the instrument cluster has had a surge when the battery was reconnected, in which case the garage should be taking responsibility.

[DougM]

Thanks, James. The service was five days ago, and fault is still there. Its not a great handicap, since I didn't fully trust the Miles Left or MPG figures anyway, and until last November I had never had those "luxuries"! Still miss my old Rover 216GSi (which was really a Honda), having got over 22 years from it, until it got into a fight with a Ford Transit Tipper (and lost!). I think I'll wait until the next refill of Diesel before I talk to my mechanic.

[1stghia]

Had my battery on and off so many times on my ghia and never come across that, so I would defo say it's not the battery. Have you tried the reset on the trip button?

[DougM]

Yes, Dave. Several times! But thanks for suggesting it.

[jeebowhite]

I am definately thinking faulty cluster now, by age or by zap I am not sure, but it doesnt seem right!

[jamesm182]

Being 2004, are we talking about a MK1.5 or MK2 Focus, as if it's the trip computer in a MK1.5 then it's a separate unit to the main cluster?

[DougM]

It is a June 2004 registration, and I assumed it was a Mk 1, but presumably what you call a Mk 1.5 (a new term to me!). According to the Haynes manual, the trip computer (Information and Message Centre) is a separate unit.

The M in the display must mean Miles, since it toggles between M and kM when I press the S button. In other words the "Range to empty" display is effectively blank.

I shan't do any more about it until I have refilled with fuel, and even then I doubt that it would be worth replacing the Trip Computer for just that one function. I'll just have to go back to refueling when I've done 350+ miles!

[jeebowhite]

get it to M and then press OK or acknowledge it, it really could be as simple as "I forgot what you want to use" then it might come straight back to normal when you say "Miles"

[DougM]

James. I guess that we must be looking at different versions of the trip computer! On mine, there are only three controls: the R button for Reset (makes no difference), the S button to toggle between M(iles) and km, and the Info button on the end of the Indicator stalk which cycles through the five trip computer functions. No button to say OK or acknowledge. Either it will return to normal when I refuel, or I'll just struggle on without that function, since I've managed without it for over 50 years driving, and only run out of fuel twice - once when the fuel guage on a rather unpleasant Cortina Mk 4 stuck at half full!

I will let you know next week I expect.....

[jeebowhite]

Have you tried pressing and holding any of the buttons? (I am not overly familiar with the MK1 computer as you can tell lol!)

[DougM]

Yes, thanks James. Tried that!

[jeebowhite]

Always best to ask, I have done it myself a number of times and didnt think to do it!

As you say, see how it is after the next refuel!

[DougM]

Refilling the fuel tank resolved the problem. Trip computer now fully functional, including the range display. I suppose that it's reasonable, since the range (miles left in tank) automatically resets when you fill up - no button pressing required.

Thanks James and Dave for your interest!

[1stghia]

Something I have never heard of in my life ... till now lol glad you got it resolved, you learn something new every day :)

[DougM]

Probably a difference between the Mk 1.5 and the Mk 2.

[jeebowhite]

So glad it was a simple fix Doug! one mental note made!