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'00 Ford Focus: Alternator Problems?!?
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tonic1080
New User
Oct 17, 2007, 10:56 AM
Post #1 of 2
(1709 views)
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'00 Ford Focus: Alternator Problems?!?
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*this was posted in the engine problems forum as well*
I have a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3
I was driving to class the other morning when, idling at a stop light, my RPMs spiked about 1000 above the norm (1000 rpm - 2000 rpm idle), after pulling through the intersection the dashboard goes dead but the engine is still running and everything else is going just fine (AC, stereo, windows, etc.). I drive 100 yards to a parking lot as the engine starts sputtering then dies and I coast into a parking spot.
So I thought the dash going out was wierd but the tank was really low, I was heading to get gas before class. The station was a block away and I had a small emergency tank in my trunk. I went and got a gallon of gas for the car and it fired right up just fine. Relieved I continued driving to the station to fill up but only got another 100 yards before it all happened again. First the dash goes dead (but I am still driving), then a minute later the engine dies.
Called friends and family, none of whom had ever had this happen before. Then I called the local dealership and they said it sounds like my alternator is going out. He said that, in many newer cars, the dash will turn off first to save the computer memory, then the rest of the car will soon follow. He gave me a quick quote of $350 for the alternator and a total quote of $550-$650 for parts and labor (range is if I have a single or double head, which I am unsure.
This sound true to anyone else? Any other diagnostics come to mind?
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DrElectrics
Enthusiast
Oct 17, 2007, 4:02 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1705 views)
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Re: '00 Ford Focus: Alternator Problems?!?
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I have never heard of this problem before. This does not sound like an alternator problem though? Does your battery light come on when driving? This mean your ALT is not charging properly. The dash going dead sounds very strange. Have you had your battery tested? Try testing your battery 1st, if its dead or going to die, buy a new one. Also get your ALT charge tested (local mechanic) The reason i say this is: You say it started to die, then did die. You pulled into parking spot. Went to class came back and it fired after a little gas. This is why i think its weird. While your car is off, it doesnt charge anything. I would go for battery 1st then come back and tell me whats happened.
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