My Ford Focus alram started going off 2-3 times a day for no reason.

After two visits to Ford garage it seems the problem is that the alarm system thinks the bonnet is open when it was firmly shut.

The garage changed the locking system for the bonnet and refused to do so under the warranty.

They referred to an item in the warranty docyment which excluded "bonnet, boot and fule flap release and hinges".

I am arguing that the fault is in the alarm system and not the "flap releases and hinges" albeit to repiar the alarm such parts need changing.

Any advice on whether I have a case here.

Thank you

If that reads as separate items:

Bonnet

Boot

Fuel flap release and hinges,

Then yes as the cause of the alarm was the bonnet release catch sensor, not the bonnet.

 

If it reads as a list of release and hinges items as inferred by the commas:

Bonnet release and hinges

Boot release and hinges

Fuel flap release and hinges,

Then probably not, though if that is the actual wording, I would argue as you say that it is the latch sensor which is at fault. Unfortunately they will likely claim that the sensor forms part of the release and wriggle out of it that way.

The alarm itself is not at fault, from your description. It is programmed to go off if any hatch sensor is tripped. That is what it is doing. The fault lies with the sensor which is telling the alarm the bonnet is open when it is not.

Your argument relies on a distinction between bonnet release and bonnet latch sensor. If they are regarded as separate items then you have a case. If they are regarded as, or are physically part of the same assembly, then it is doubtful. 

Surely the bonnet release is not the latch, it's the device (key or cable) that "releases" the latch. In that case the sensor should be covered even if it's integrated into the latch.

Thank you for your responses.

Unfortuantely my Ford Dealership is not responding to my emails.

What/who is the level above the dealership that one can write to?

Regards

Mohammed

Santa

The cars 6 year old yet still under warranty? 

You could tweet FordUK

i got some answers on twitter few months ago. They tend to have t&c’s to get out of anything but worth a try.

Thanks Alex. Twitter is a good idea.

Hi Everyone

Thank you for your help.

Twitter worked and I have received a refund.

Ford main office has intervened and made the dealer pay attention to my complaint.

Again I appreciate your help.

Best wishes 

Mohammed