Text & photos by Ken Styer Instructor, Ohio Technical College, Cleveland, OH Abnormal instrument cluster operation on the Ford Focus is common Every vehicle has it fans and its detractors, and every vehicle has its strong points and weak points. While the Ford Focus is no exception, it does soldier on and remains a popular vehicle. That means it will likely come into your shop with its own set of problems. Let's take the shock out of a few electrical problems in this popular vehicle. While not limited to a single model year, you can find these problems on 2000 and newer vehicles. Our photo car is a 2000 Focus Wagon. Several problems in our Focus appear to be the same or similar, but have very different sources. The driver complaint will be an erratic dash board display. The information display may flicker, go out entirely, partly fail, or create odd displays. While electronic information displays have been known to do all of these things, avoid the temptation to start tearing the instrument cluster out for closer inspection.

There are a few other things to check out first. Our first problem is a bit of a rerun. The old Tempo/Topaz, and several other models shared a similar malady: the alternator connections. British Bulldog Pups For Sale In BristolIf you recall, or even if you don't, the older Fords have a three-wire electrical connector at the rear of the alternator that included the battery positive lead. Replacement Cartridges For Price Pfister FaucetsDue to the fact these consisted of all flat connectors, they would work loose and/or start to wobble over time. Escher CurtainsThis created a poor electrical connection due to a poor mechanical connection. As the connection deteriorated, it wobbled to the point where the connections would start to arc.

From there the connection would deteriorate very quickly. The result was a completely fried connector that usually resulted in an alternator failure and plug pigtail replacement. This was common enough that several aftermarket suppliers included a replacement pigtail along with a rebuilt alternator. You could also readily find them hanging in the parts store electrical section. While the Focus connector is different, the condition is very similar, but with an added new twist. The Focus connector does not usually cause an alternator failure, but can cause a charging system problem. In addition, it installs gremlins. With the newer electronics, electrical arcing and poor connections create strange behavior in many electrical circuits. In the Focus, for example, this commonly creates erratic dash instrument cluster operation. Yep, an underhood connection is now creating a dash display problem. The display will come and go, operate oddly, and sometimes flat out lie to you. Keep in mind, with the charging system warning on the dash, there is a direct tie between the two components.

Combine that with frequency and rough electrical pulses, and you have the cause of the odd behavior. While a helper watches the dash, reach behind the engine on the passenger side, and wiggle and twist the alternator connector. Ford calls this a wiggle test, and it is still as good now as it was when it was named. If the dash now behaves properly or gets worse while wiggling, you have found the culprit. Alternator access can be gained from underneath. Removing the oil filter increases access However, in many cases, you don't need to replace the plug and connectors. You may be able to remove corrosion or tighten up the contacts to repair the problem. Be sure to check for pin fit in the connector. Of course replacement is always a possibility. Don't make the mistake many techs make. Don't just fix it and let it go out the door. Apply the dielectric grease to the connector to prevent any repeat performances of the problem. Dielectric is critical for the longevity of almost any electrical repair on a vehicle.

Skipping the dielectric grease will cause the car to come back in the future. Speed control system indicator light changes color to show system mode: On (white light): illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system is turned on. Turns off when speed control system is turned off. Engaged (green light): illuminates when adaptive cruise control system is engaged (or actively in use); turns off when speed control system is disengaged. If Illuminated while you’re driving, a malfunction is indicated. The normal braking system (without ABS) will continue to function, unless the brake system warning lamp is also illuminated. Have the system checked by your authorized dealer. Illuminates to alert you when your engine is shutting down; a corresponding message may also be displayed.Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment, and have the system checked by your authorized dealer immediately. Illuminates when the Blind Spot Monitor feature is turned off; Illuminates if parking brake is engaged while the ignition is on.

If indicator lights up while you’re driving, check to ensure that parking brake is not engaged. If it isn’t engaged, a low brake fluid level or brake system malfunction could be indicated. Have the system checked immediately by your authorized dealer. *Driving your vehicle with a warning lamp on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It could take you longer to stop your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by your authorized dealer immediately. Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury. lluminates when Cruise Control feature is turned on. Illuminates when left or right turn signal, or hazard warning flasher, is turned on. If indicator remains on or flashes faster, check for a burned out bulb. If indicator lights up when ignition is on, one of your doors is open. Lights up when electric parking brake has a malfunction. Illuminates when engine coolant temperature is high.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off engine and let cool. If illuminated while engine is running or you’re driving, a malfunction is indicated. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, and switch the engine off. Check the engine oil level.* * If you find that your engine oil is at the appropriate level, yet the warning lamp remains lit, do not resume driving. Have the system checked by your authorized dealer immediately. Lights up while a chime sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belt. A malfunction is indicated if this warning lamp fails to illuminate when you start your vehicle, continues to flash or remains on. Illuminates when you switch the front fog lamps on. A horizontal array of red lights may appear on your windshield while you’re using adaptive cruise control and/or the collision warning system (if equipped). As a functionality check, this indicator will also light up momentarily when you start your vehicle. Illuminates when you switch the high beam headlamps on.

This indicator will also flash when you use the headlamp flasher. Alerts when the ignition is on, and the hood is not completely closed. Lights up when the lane keeping system is activated. Illuminates when the fuel level is low, or the fuel tank is nearly empty. Refuel as soon as possible. Low Tire Pressure Warning Lights up when your tire pressure is low. This indicator also illuminates momentarily when you switch on the ignition, showing that the lamp is functional. If the indicator remains lit while the engine is running or you’re driving, check your tire pressure as soon as possible. If indicator does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on - or begins to flash at any time - have the system checked by your authorized dealer. Illuminates when you switch the parking lamps on. Illuminates when a powertrain or AWD fault has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. If the Service Engine Soon indicator light stays lit after you’ve started the engine, the On Board Diagnostics system (OBD) has detected a malfunction of the vehicle emissions control system.

If indicator light is blinking, an engine misfire may be occurring, which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration), and have your vehicle serviced immediately.* The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned on (prior to engine start) in order to test the bulb, as well as indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the Service Engine Soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds this light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. * Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire. Have an authorized dealer service your vehicle immediately. Lights up when the system is active.