LR Focus problem

melbzetec · 24-10-2007, 07:54 PM

Something in my head says this is a known problem, but I can't recall or find anything on it.

Has happenned over the last few days.

Driving along. Get a Check engine light, then speedo and tacho drop to zero, odometer goes blank, temperature gauge drops to zero. Doesn't effect the engine performance, but continues for about 30 to 40 seconds, then sweeps back into place. A minute later, happens again.

Any ideas??

I am thinking the battery is still the original, 4.5 years old, and maybe it is going and effecting electricals??? (You can see electrics is not my strong point!!)

FOCUSonTHIS · 24-10-2007, 10:06 PM

Job For Blackls

Mick K. · 24-10-2007, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbzetec

Something in my head says this is a known problem, but I can't recall or find anything on it.

Has happenned over the last few days.

Driving along. Get a Check engine light, then speedo and tacho drop to zero, odometer goes blank, temperature gauge drops to zero. Doesn't effect the engine performance, but continues for about 30 to 40 seconds, then sweeps back into place. A minute later, happens again.

Any ideas??

I am thinking the battery is still the original, 4.5 years old, and maybe it is going and effecting electricals??? (You can see electrics is not my strong point!!)

This sounds like the fairly common LR Focus problem with some chip in the dash failing. I had mine go and it was replaced under warranty no questions asked.

Now that most / all of these Focii are out of warranty doing some worldwide Focus forum searching may point you in the direction of a cheap fix - it's probably a blown capacitor worth $0.57 or something. :(

MK

melbzetec · 24-10-2007, 10:46 PM

mmm But I'm not under warranty.

Damn.......didn't see the second half of your post. Sorry

Did it require the dash to be removed?

Mick K. · 24-10-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbzetec

mmm But I'm not under warranty.

Damn.......didn't see the second half of your post. Sorry

Did it require the dash to be removed?

Yes. The local Ford dealer service department removed the dash (scratching the dash surrounding each screw) and leaving some cut cable ties and miscellaneous screws in the driver's footwell.

They also reset a number of options that required a few visits back there - dashboard boot release not working, remote locking not 2 stage, and a few other things.

So whatever chip needs replacing, does a few things other than just the instrument cluster.

The dash chip also stores the odometer reading and the dealer trashed mine without swapping this chip over.

MK

XR5-Boy · 24-10-2007, 11:54 PM

Steve, i encountered soemthing similar in my Cougar. But it was the battery dying on it's a$$. Basically the dial did the same thing that u'r talking about, however, my ABS and traction control all went nuts (computer didn't have consistent power). Get your battery checked nonetheless coz 4.5 years is boarder line end time for a battery i reckon!

BlackLS · 25-10-2007, 01:50 AM

I haven't ever had to deal with a problem like this, but I'd check battery/alternator. Low voltage can do wierd things, its probably a good idea to do some pre-emptive maintainence and replace the battery anyway.

Otherwise this also has similar traits of a capacitor or similar no longer holding a charge, was there any high pitched whistling coming from the cluster?

melbzetec · 25-10-2007, 10:18 AM

No high pitched whistling, but I think I've done well with the battery. Was thinking of getting an Odyssey battery anyway, and now I have an excuse!

Thanks guys

photn · 25-10-2007, 10:25 AM

hmmm my focus seems to be haunted lol... driving past a grave yard in cobbity today.. all of a sudden the doors lock and unlock.. while me doing 60.. scared the crap out of me.. .nothing else happeend jsut that.. and didnt happen since...

awe well.

FOCUSonTHIS · 25-10-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbzetec

Was thinking of getting an Odyssey battery anyway, and now I have an excuse!

HONDA ODYSSEY??? LOL

:

melbzetec · 25-10-2007, 03:41 PM

Not a bloody Honda Odyssey!! You idiot Adam!!LOL

FOCUSonTHIS · 25-10-2007, 06:09 PM

I was joking. I knew it would get a reaction from you!

zetec · 25-10-2007, 07:08 PM

I'm guessing more and more loose wiring into the GEM mate. Get to a Dealer!!!

melbzetec · 25-10-2007, 10:13 PM

How's Sydney Matt?

zetec · 26-10-2007, 04:35 PM

Going really well. In the middle of a thunderstorm at the moment, but loving the job more than I ever imagined and loving being home. Just need to get on a Sydney cruise now with a Mondeo!!!

Fast Eddie · 27-10-2007, 05:52 PM

How about a Cruise to Wagga Wagga?? It's not too late!

zetec · 29-10-2007, 09:06 PM

Unfortunately I had to pull out of that one a few weeks back due to other committments I had forgotten about - I had double booked myself. I was really looking forward to Wagga though!

melbzetec · 29-10-2007, 10:41 PM

Matt, I think Eddie knew that....he was taking the P1SS!

zetec · 29-10-2007, 11:33 PM

Come here and say it mate!

I owe you all a cruise with a Mondeo if I can get my hands on one for a weekend.

Fast Eddie · 30-10-2007, 02:37 PM

Everything's cool Matt! We've all got G.S.O.H. Everyting's set for a good Sthn. N.S.W. A.F.D. and I'm looking forward to meeting with Melbzetec and generating interest in the Eurofordclub. BTW Got any dirt on Melbzetec???

melbzetec · 30-10-2007, 03:45 PM

Pure as the driven snow...top bloke......kind to animals and small children.

FOCUSonTHIS · 30-10-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbzetec

Pure as the driven snow...top bloke......kind to animals and small children.

It's the small children part I worry about....

photn · 30-10-2007, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOCUSonTHIS

It's the small children part I worry about....

At least he doesnt have a court order to stay away from them heheheheh

zetec · 30-10-2007, 09:19 PM

Just don't swirl your face out on any club meet photos... they can undo that stuff now!

HPB · 16-11-2007, 11:49 AM

Hi Melbzetec, just wondering if a new battery fixed your gauge problem? My LR has started doing exactly the same thing as yours over the last few days. It's bloody annoying!

Fast Eddie · 16-11-2007, 04:43 PM

G'day HPB. I think you might be our first Tasmanian Eurofordclub member?

HPB · 16-11-2007, 05:17 PM

Hi mate, yeah maybe, I'm not sure. I'm not the first with a "possessed" instrument cluster though.....

melbzetec · 16-11-2007, 08:13 PM

Haven't swapped the battery yet. Stay tuned

brdg2002 · 19-11-2007, 02:20 PM

I have exactly same problem in my car (focus 2003), but i notice that the fuel gauge always working properly (how about yours)? Currently i go different mechnics to ask for a check. if there is any result, i will let u know

melbzetec · 19-11-2007, 03:40 PM

Fuel gauge is fine. Temp gauge drops, speedo and tacho drop. Odometer goes to dashes