Electrical Issues

Asked by Jody Oct 11, 2017 at 10:50 AM about the 2005 Ford Focus

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This seems to be a short as it
happens intermittently and a
mechanic hasn't been able to
pin it down so far, and I am
not rich!
Here's what happens: Driving
down the road, the car runs
fine, then either starts
coasting, then jerks and
drives normally, or jerks
violently, and eventually
begins to run normally. While
this is happening, the radio
flickers off and on and often
changes to AM. If the radio
was already off, it turns on
and goes to AM. Lights flicker
off and on, dash and running
lights also.Sometimes, a relay
can be heard clicking off and
on.
Recently, two other things
have happened; 1)Car may or
may not be running ok when I
stop and put the car in park.
When I turn the car off, I
notice the door locks do not
operate, there is no power
anywhere( Sometimes I hear
a humming noise). I can turn
the ignition switch until I get
to where I can move the gear
shift lever from park to
neutral, then power is back on
and all is well. 2) Same as
number 1, but I can't move the
gear shift lever. When this
happens, I take the ground
wire (negative) off the battery
and put it right back on. The
cable is usually pretty
warm.All goes back to normal
and car runs fine.
I have put a lot of money into
this already; replaced
alternator, relay, etc. Mechanic
has worked hard to help me,
even gave me several breaks
on labor. I need this car to last
another year or so. Feel free
to ask any question about
something that I may have
omitted.

1 Answer

16,935

Is this a US or an EU Focus ? There could be Software updates for one of the modules. When testing your mechanic should try performing some of the 'Onboard' Computer test for the Body Electrical Systems. There are Input tests ( From the switches to the Computer) and out-put tests (from the Computer to the various out puts ( Lights, Wipers Washers ect) He has just got to activate the tests. GEM Service Mode The GEM features a service mode, that enables verification of the various inputs received by the GEM and output signals generated by the GEM. To enter service mode proceed as follows: 1. Press and hold the rear screen heater switch; the ignition switch is in position "0". 2. Turn the ignition switch to the position "II". 3. Release the rear screen heater switch. 4. Entry into service mode is confirmed by an acoustic signal; the direction indicator telltales on the instrument cluster flash once. 5. In order to test the input signals the windscreen wiper switch must be in the position "0". 6. The acoustic signal is emitted and the direction indicator telltales in the instrument cluster flash once when an input has been received by the GEM. The following input signals can be tested in any order: • Bonnet opening control switch • "Set/reset" - switch (only on vehicles without door modules) • "Lock/unlock" - switch (only on vehicles without door modules) • Tailgate opening control switch • Tailgate release switch (external) • Deactivator for the anti-theft alarm system • Lock door handle • Unlock door handle • Heated windscreen switch • Turn signal lamp switch • Hazard warning lights switch • Door contact switches • Intermittent wipe switch, rear screen wiper • "Normal wipe speed" switch • "Fast wipe speed" switch • Rear screen washer switch GEM Output Signals Test The GEM generated output signals are tested in a specific order while in "service mode". To test the GEM generated output signals, the windscreen wiper switch must be in the "Intermittent wipe" position. By toggling the rear screen heater switch, the status of the next output signal in the sequence is changed from activated or deactivated. The technician must observe whether the output being tested is physically working or not. Check all intermittent settings. When the setting is changed, an acoustic signal is emitted. The following GEM output signals are tested in this sequence: • Left-hand turn signal lamps • Right-hand turn signal lamps • Main beam • Dipped beam • Normal wipe speed • Fast wipe speed • Heated rear screen • Blower motor • Headlamp washer (if equipped) • Electric booster heater (if equipped) • Side lamp/number plate lights (only with automatic headlamps) • Alarm system horn • Rear screen wiper • Heated windscreen relay • Horn If the windscreen wiper switch position for the intermittent setting is not working, the output signals cannot be verified

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