ford focus problems...

wijcc · 14 Nov 2009 at 21:39

I have a 2001 mark 1 ford focus 1.6 ghia... recently the speedo has been playing up.. where it just suddenly stops workking, drops to 0mph briefly... or when moving away the speedo does not respond.. for a while (several seconds) then starts working again. Does anyone know what could be causing this?
Also my car heater is taking quiet a long time to warm up... over 20 to 30 mins at least till it will start blowing hot air. Can anyone shed anylight on why this would be happening?
This is my first ford.. I never had this kind of problem with my previous car(s), mitsubishi... kinda wishing I had brought another japanese now lol
Thanks in advance guys

wijcc · 14 Nov 2009 at 21:49

cool, thanks guys

wijcc · 14 Nov 2009 at 22:02

the last time i check yes.. will check it again tomorrow.. would/could a low coolant level cause this?

wijcc · 14 Nov 2009 at 22:25

longer than normal

wijcc · 14 Nov 2009 at 22:32

is that an expensive repair?

wijcc · 15 Nov 2009 at 14:26

iaind said:
Does it take 20~30 minutes for the temperature guage to get up to normal too, or is it just the heater?

It takes the 20-30 mins for the temp gauage to get to normal too

wijcc · 15 Nov 2009 at 14:44

so new thermostat as well as speed sensor then

wijcc · 15 Nov 2009 at 21:21

iaind said:
Thermostat stuck open - especially if it doesn't hold it at the right temperature, getting cooler when you're doing motorway speeds.

thanks, by the way the temp gauge goes down when i turn the heater on.. though still blowing hot air

wijcc · 16 Nov 2009 at 13:36

Thanks, i checked the coolant level i have enough coolant in the car.. well over the min level.
With regards to the speed sensor and thermostat.. am I better off buying them directly from a ford delearer where it is a bit more expensive or getting the cheaper ones from eurocar parts?
Thanks again guys for your help, it is much appreciated

wijcc · 16 Nov 2009 at 13:49

I shall be doing it myself

I have seen guides online and it looks within my capabilities and i have a haynes manual to hand

wijcc · 16 Nov 2009 at 13:55

its about £15 cheaper for both items combined. The speed sensor and thermostat are just under £27 combined