Focus Electrical Problem

refuzion · 20 Sep 2006 at 19:37

I've just gone to start my 99' Focus TDI to run down to our local shop and there seems to be soem sort of electrical fault

I put the key in, turn it until the dash lights up but instead of just lighting up the needles on the dials start to go a bit insane, bouncing around a few times until they stop on 0. Then when the key is turned to start the car, all the lights go out.

I've had a quick look around the engine and nothing seems to be loose. I've just came back from a 60 mile trip from work and the car was working perfectly. It only passed its MOT last month.

Anyone have any idea what it might be? I think I'm going to call my breakdown service as I need the car for work tomorrow.

Steve

refuzion · 20 Sep 2006 at 20:08

**update**

I've just been out to try it again and to show my father what its doing and now its totally dead. When I turned the key this time there was a loud clicking noise, which sounded like a fuse blowing to me but to be honest I know nothing about this kind of thing.

The only thing coming on now is the cd player :confused:

refuzion · 20 Sep 2006 at 20:53

I've put some charge in the battery using my neighbours charger and its started up fine, thanks guys!

Just one more thing though, my neighbour told me to leave the car running for half an hour or so to get some charge back in the battery. While the cars running I've noticed the ABS and what I believe is the traction control light keep flickering off and on, is this simply because of the low charge in the battery? Or would it have upset something in the engine management box?

Thanks for your help.

refuzion · 21 Sep 2006 at 08:33

After I'd charged the battery up, and left the car running for half an hour I turned the car off again. As soon as I tried to turn it back on there was no charge in the battery. Surely there should have been enough charge in it to start the car again 10 seconds after switching the car off?

I'm starting to think the alternator may have gone because I was using the car most of the day yesterday with no problems, not even a battery warning light.

Either way, I'm going to pick up a new battery when the motor spares place opens. My only worry is I wont be able to get home from work later on because the battery wasn't the cause of the problem. :confused:

refuzion · 21 Sep 2006 at 10:52

It seems as though the alternator faulty. I think I'm going to take it into a garage anyway for them to check it all out.

Any idea how long it would normally take for a garage to replace it? I really need the car fixed for about 2pm at the latest.