My 2011 Ford Focus Titanium 1.6 TDCi is causing me some heartburn as no one seems to know if it's a MK2 or MK3 or a hybrid between marks. The body is quite definitely a MK3.

The VIN is WF0XXGCBKBK88026 and I can't seem to get a sensible answer from Ford.

The reason I ask is I'm having problems with the power steering and no one knows if it's electrical or hydraulic. The owners manual does not even mention power steering that I have been able to find. The steering has been feeling notchy in the straight ahead position at speed if you have to correct slightly left or right due to road camber drift It will slightly swoop left or right when trying to very slightly correct either way.

There is no sign of a fluid leak under the car and no visible fluid reservoir. Can anyone help please?

13 minutes ago, Grampabill said:

The VIN is WF0XXGCBKBK88026 and I can't seem to get a sensible answer from Ford.

The VIN number is invalid, it is one digit missing

What month was it built ?

3 minutes ago, unofix said:

The VIN number is invalid, it is one digit missing

What month was it built ?

OOps! sorry about that it should read WF0KXXGCBKBK8802 and was first registered May 2011 but don't know when it was built.

4 minutes ago, Grampabill said:

it should read WF0KXXGCBKBK8802

would you like to have another go 🤣

That's still one number missing !!

 

There was no hybrid between Mk2 & 3, it was a major change, not just a facelift.

The steering will be electric if you've got a Mk3 chassis.

1 minute ago, unofix said:

would you like to have another go 🤣

That's still one number missing !!

 

There should be a 6 at the end. My typing leaves a lot to be desired.

2 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

There was no hybrid between Mk2 & 3, it was a major change, not just a facelift.

The steering will be electric if you've got a Mk3 chassis.

I was told by an ex Ford mechanic that they used some MK2 parts during the changeover year randomly so no one knows what went where.

Ford owners handbook for your model:

https://www.ford.co.uk/owner/my-vehicle/download-your-manual

DV6 engine type. Electric Power Steering.

MOT is due in 4 weeks

 

3 minutes ago, Grampabill said:

I was told by an ex Ford mechanic that they used some MK2 parts during the changeover year randomly so no one knows what went where.

Perhaps, but not the semi-electric steering pump and the changeover year was 2010 anyway.

VIN should be WF0KXXGCBKBK88026 I think.  Reg starts YG?

Just now, TomsFocus said:

Perhaps, but not the semi-electric steering pump and the changeover year 2010 anyway.

VIN should be WF0KXXGCBKBK88026 I think.  Reg starts YG?

Yes reg is YG11 YJY. How can I find out what is going wrong with the power steering except to take it to a Ford dealer?

5 minutes ago, unofix said:

Ford owners handbook for your model:

https://www.ford.co.uk/owner/my-vehicle/download-your-manual

DV6 engine type. Electric Power Steering.

 

Thank you for the info but I already have that manual and I can't seem to find any reference to power steering.

1 minute ago, Grampabill said:

Yes reg is YG11 YJY. How can I find out what is going wrong with the power steering except to take it to a Ford dealer?

Thanks for confirming.  I was trying to avoid posting your whole reg publicly but it's in Unofix's screenshot now anyway haha.

The steering rack on these is the usual problem, not cheap to replace unfortunately.  Any garage should be able to swap it, but it might be need to be coded in using Ford software afterwards.  I'd also recommend having the fault codes read with Ford specific diagnostics (such as Forscan) first to ensure there aren't any problems with other components such as the steering angle sensor.

8 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Thanks for confirming.  I was trying to avoid posting your whole reg publicly but it's in Unofix's screenshot now anyway haha.

The steering rack on these is the usual problem, not cheap to replace unfortunately.  Any garage should be able to swap it, but it might be need to be coded in using Ford software afterwards.  I'd also recommend having the fault codes read with Ford specific diagnostics (such as Forscan) first to ensure there aren't any problems with other components such as the steering angle sensor.

Thank you for your input. I have just been out to try the car and with the engine running the wheel is locked almost solid and the red warning message 'STOP SAFELY' showing so it's the AA tow to Ford dealer for fixing on Monday!! Why do these things happen to me at the weekend?

Any idea of ball park cost figure for repair?

5 minutes ago, Grampabill said:

Any idea of ball park cost figure for repair?

You will need a stiff Brandy

If it needs a new rack it will be £800 - £1000. Lets hope for some thing less but I have a feeling the Ford dealer will want to replace the steering rack.

14 minutes ago, Grampabill said:

Thank you for your input. I have just been out to try the car and with the engine running the wheel is locked almost solid and the red warning message 'STOP SAFELY' showing so it's the AA tow to Ford dealer for fixing on Monday!! Why do these things happen to me at the weekend?

Any idea of ball park cost figure for repair?

Oh dear, not good.  As above, if it is the rack then I wouldn't expect much change from a grand at main dealer prices.

We can keep our fingers crossed for a cheap fix though!  Sensors, battery and wiring should all be checked before chucking on a new rack.

4 minutes ago, unofix said:

You will need a stiff Brandy

If it needs a new rack it will be £800 - £1000. Lets hope for some thing less but I have a feeling the Ford dealer will want to replace the steering rack.

OUCH !!!   😮

While I have you here do you know where I can download a Focus workshop manual, not the owners manual (which does not even list power steering)

Sadly there are no real high quality workshop manuals available for modern vehicles. There to use a common phrase is "No user serviceable parts inside"

The most popular workshop manual is 'Haynes' which is now available for download (about £22) but if you want to do anything other than a basic service it's of little help.

If you get a laptop and download the software FORScan (it's free) you will learn a lot more about your car from the car's own OBDII port.

Download FORScan: https://forscan.org/download.html

Connection lead ELM327: https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/WiFi_Modified_with_switch_ELM327/p4541936_17045473.aspx

17 hours ago, unofix said:

If it needs a new rack it will be £800 - £1000.
 

Ouch - that's more than my car's value. 🤪

On 5/8/2022 at 1:12 PM, AR7530v6 said:

Ouch - that's more than my car's value. 🤪

Just had dealers quote for new steering rack --- are you sitting down?--£1800 !!! Needles to say looking elsewhere !

Just now, Grampabill said:

Just had dealers quote for new steering rack --- are you sitting down?--£1800 !!! Needles to say looking elsewhere !

Wow! 😳  Have they confirmed that as the fault or quoted before any diagnostic work?

4 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Wow! 😳  Have they confirmed that as the fault or quoted before any diagnostic work?

They confirmed the fault (and so did the AA computer)code C102D - 00 - High Friction In Power Steering

Just now, Grampabill said:

They confirmed the fault (and so did the AA computer)code C102D - 00 - High Friction In Power Steering

Ah, well I'm glad you've got confirmation of that at least. 

I really hope you can find a replacement for less than a grand, prices have shot up lately but I really didn't expect that much!

1 minute ago, TomsFocus said:

Ah, well I'm glad you've got confirmation of that at least. 

I really hope you can find a replacement for less than a grand, prices have shot up lately but I really didn't expect that much!

Your sympathy is much appreciated