Today an ESP System Fault was displayed. How critical is this and what are the repair costs?

I have a Focus Trend, bought new in 2006. It has a full service history with no problems. It has done 81000kms (50000+ miles). No other warning lights are displayed. Please advise. Thanks

8 hours ago, John Rutley said:

ESP System Fault was displayed.

The Electronic Stability Programme system takes inputs from various sensors, and is intended to be able to adjust engine power and the ABS braking to improve stability in extreme conditions. While the fault is displayed, I am 99% sure the system will be de-activated, so can not do any harm, and will behave as if not fitted, or turned off manually.

The ABS, although it is physically combined with the ESP in the Focus, will behave separately, and has its own warning light, so ABS function should be maintained, as long as the ABS light stays out (apart from the light check at ignition on).

So ESP is not critical, as long as you drive as if it was not there, ie not trying to slew round bends at the absolute maximum speed! (It is a safety related system, so you or others may have a different view on this.)

It would probably need Ford IDS or Forscan to diagnose it any further. It may be just one of the extra sensors, the steering wheel angle sensor or yaw rate sensor. Forscan can be obtained for £15 if you have a windows laptop. IDS at a garage will cost up to £100.

Very helpful, thanks a lot.

 

Engine management light on together with ESP light, and in limp mode

shaun