Hi all, wondered if you can help me troubleshoot my 2001 Focus. I'm not sure if these are separate issues or linked.

About 6 months ago it wouldn't start and, long story short, I fixed it by replacing the fuse for the fuel pump. I understand that this may be a sign that the fuel pump is dying.

It's been fine since then (with the exception that the electric windows are struggling to close without help), until a week ago when I had exactly the same problem with the fuse. When this happened, I had the radio, headlights and air con on - don't know if that's relevant.

Again, was fine until yesterday when I realised that the speedo wasn't working when I was in slow moving traffic. I also noticed the trip counter had reset itself, and then I lost power steering. As I was processing all this the engine cut out and I coasted to the curb. I had the radio and lights on at the time (I can't honestly say if the radio cut out or not), so I turned everything off and turned the key, and it started first time and power steering, speedo etc all returned, and I was able to drive home no problems.

My uneducated guess is it sounds like an electrical problem, possibly faulty wiring? Or is it more likely to be something like the alternator? Any ideas?

Joe.

50 minutes ago, DrPepper said:

Hi all, wondered if you can help me troubleshoot my 2001 Focus. I'm not sure if these are separate issues or linked.

About 6 months ago it wouldn't start and, long story short, I fixed it by replacing the fuse for the fuel pump. I understand that this may be a sign that the fuel pump is dying.

It's been fine since then (with the exception that the electric windows are struggling to close without help), until a week ago when I had exactly the same problem with the fuse. When this happened, I had the radio, headlights and air con on - don't know if that's relevant.

Again, was fine until yesterday when I realised that the speedo wasn't working when I was in slow moving traffic. I also noticed the trip counter had reset itself, and then I lost power steering. As I was processing all this the engine cut out and I coasted to the curb. I had the radio and lights on at the time (I can't honestly say if the radio cut out or not), so I turned everything off and turned the key, and it started first time and power steering, speedo etc all returned, and I was able to drive home no problems.

My uneducated guess is it sounds like an electrical problem, possibly faulty wiring? Or is it more likely to be something like the alternator? Any ideas?

Joe.

I'd be checking that the battery terminals and earthing cable are adequately fastened as a first step, check battery voltage and check if the alternator is charging the battery after that.

Gearbox speed sensor, these were common on MK1s