Hi All,

Just bought a 2001 (Y) Focus 1.8 TDDI for the missus to learn how to drive in, and will be using it myself until she passes as it's a bit cheaper than my Discovery to run!

Anyway, I have a few problems and wonder how easy they are to fix, and a few things I want to modify and could do with your knowledge on how easy they are to retrofit.

Problems;

1) Handbrake needs either adjustment, or a new cable - is this hard?

2) Handbrake gaiter - the plastic clip has snapped (probably because of the above!)

3) Passenger Mirror adjustment - left/right work, but no up/down.

4) Aircon - Needs re-gassing, but where are the problem bits on this model? (I know my disco has a point where it rusts on the pipes!)

5) Additional Keys - Anyone know what type of transponder the keys need in them? I have the guide on programming the key, and have programmed a additional remote fob, but not sure what transponder to pop in it...

6) Drivers door lock - if you lock it from the inside, it won't open when you pull the handle - is this simple to fix?

Mods:

1) Electric power mirrors - I've seen mention of just needing the right loom in the door?

2) Rear Electric windows - As above, is this just get the right loom, and fit the parts and a different door card/switch on the drivers side?

3) Cruise Control - is this as simple as popping the right steering wheel on?

4) Front Heated Screen - anyone know if the loom is already present for this?

I'm coming from working on my discovery where things like cruise and FHS just plugged in with a minimum of fuss, so I'm hoping this car is reasonably similar. I'm pretty good with electronics, and am considering buying a set if diagnostics for the car. It was only on the drive 10mins and it's already got a sony head unit and LED interior light fitted ;)

Anyway, cheers for reading this far, and I look forward to the pearls of wisdom I'm sure are lurking out there. I know these cars can be easy to work on (I had a 1.25 Zetec Fiesta back in the dar) so looking forward to getting my hands dirty on this one.

Alex.

Welcome to the forum alex and nice choice of car for the missus to learn in.

Sadly, I cant help with the issues/mods but someone will be along to advise you soon.

oh, no 4 mod - heated windscreen - if you remove the scuttle panel and the wiring for the heated windscreen is there then its possible to fit it otherwise it would cost too much to do - i wanted this in my mk2.5 but dont have the loom.

Yep, a lot of this stuff is dependant on the loom either being there, or being compatible (such as the door looms). Cruise is the main thing I want though!