Model: Ford Focus Mk2.5 2009

Over the past 8 months I've been having problems with the electrical system in my focus. Early on it was diagnosed as a parasitic drain, took it to an auto electrician who had access to diagnostic machines, and they told me the results came back as an issue with the radio that it was pulling way too much power. About 3 months ago I took the radio out, and fully charged the battery, to see if the battery was still draining. It didn't drain for a while, but eventually it did.

So I got a new battery as the current battery was reading a mere 5v, and the car worked great for about a month and a half. Then out of no where, got up one morning and the car wouldn't start, with exactly the same problem as before. So I charged the battery and it worked for about 3 days, and I'm back at square one.

I had an auto electrician come out to me this time, and he hooked up his multi meter. We pulled out the radio, my dashcam(from the cigarette lighter socket) and the glove box bulb as we had no way of telling if it stayed on when closed. He advised I get a new radio, as the multi meter stabilised alot after it was pulled out, but it was still dropping after I'd removed the radio. 

I can do without a glovebox light I think and the dashcam can stay unplugged when I'm not driving. I need to replace the radio in the car, I am on a tight budget, so I can't afford one of the £200-£400 Apple/Android head units or anything really above £100 to be honest, I'd ideally like to get the same stock ford radio I had, but cannot seem to find one. I don't want to have to get a new facia that doesn't match the car and that looks rubbish.

Anybody have any suggestions or tips, they'd be greatly appreciated, from a guy who's at his wits end with his Focus' electrical problems haha!

Before you fork out on a new radio, just try unplugging the Bluetooth module (if you have Bluetooth fitted). You have to remove the glovebox (7 Torx screws if I recall correctly) and it's located right above it. The connector is a bit of a pig to reach, but you should be able to get it.

The Bluetooth module feeds into the radio, so whenever you unplug the radio, you're also isolating the Bluetooth module.

You haven't said which radio you have, but you can pickup the 6000CD for around £30 on ebay, or the Sony one for £50. The travelpilot is a bit more expensive. There's dozens of used ones on there, so take your pick.

By the way it’s easy to tell if glovebox light stays on, put your phone on video record, put in glovebox and close it. Mine was staying on. My glovebox is always full and I wondered why it was always hot at the top when I opened it.  Just unplugged it, who needs a glovebox light anyway.

@Luke4efc Sorry I should have said I have the sony one. But I can't find the exact version of the sony one I have. The ones I've seen have DAB Radio with it etc. but I don't know if that would work with my Focus. Would they be interchangeable?

Thanks

1 hour ago, LynkBear said:

@Luke4efc Sorry I should have said I have the sony one. But I can't find the exact version of the sony one I have. The ones I've seen have DAB Radio with it etc. but I don't know if that would work with my Focus. Would they be interchangeable?

Thanks

Check google for the model numbers there are Mondeo head units which are physically identical but the software inside is different, and Bluetooth module is under the dashboard above the glovebox if fitted; it would need programming to communicate with your new head unit.  

back when i was going full aftermarket: i had sold all the factory kit but i was still saving for the aftermarket equipment, 

i made a phone holder for an old mobile using some cardboard and lined it with sellotape which really amplified the sound, actually worked really well and on a specification sheet it ticked all the box's had Bluetooth, was capable of making calls, music streaming, reverse well it had a camera on the back lol 

 

image taken from my five year build thread 2010-2015 

"taking Oval To Blue Horizon" Lenny's Build Thread 2010-2015 - Page 26 - Ford Project and Build Threads - Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

 

 

Also see my guide here for removing the Bluetooth module and anything else factory fitted: