Ford Focus 2018 Problems

Whatever battery your particular model comes with, which should be written in the owner's manual.

The different engines used in Ford's differing Focus models require different specification batteries so I can't answer that question without more information.

A Trend hatch comes in a 1360kg while the Sport hatch is 1380kg, the Titanium models range between 1403kg (hatch) and 1409kg (sedan), the ST2 hatch is 1425kg, and the all-wheel-drive RS is 1575kg.

The RS because it has the biggest spoilers and makes whooshing noises when you drive fast. Of course, if you can't afford an RS buy the highest spec model you can afford.

They might both be Ford Focuses, but they're a couple of generations apart meaning that they are not only physically different, they also used different transmissions to each other. Even if, by some miracle, the older gearbox would bolt to the newer engine, the car still wouldn't have the correct electronics to make the transmission work properly.

Even if the transmission in question was a manual which requires much less in the way of electronic control, the unit in the 2008 Focus was a five-speed, while the later car used a completely different six-speed. Even things like the clutch and flywheel would be incompatible. You'd probably even find the gear-shifter for each transmission enters the cabin in a physically different spot, meaning the interior trim would no longer fit.

If you have a non-turbo Focus model I'd suggest looking to trade it in on a turbocharged ST or RS model Focus. These models can be easily upgraded to be made much faster, however before you modify your car you should talk to an engineering signatory in your local state to ascertain if the modifications are legal.

Don't be so sure your car isn't covered by Ford's factory warranty. If it was delivered brand-new (as opposed to built) after May 1 of that year, it's subject to a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, so would still be covered. However, if it was delivered before that date, the warranty would have been three years or 100,000km which has now run out. Even so, given the kilometres and the service record, I think you'd be a good case to have Ford come to the party with some help on the repairs on a pro-rata basis.

From what you've told me, I'm guessing you've only dealt with Ford at the dealership level. Go over their heads and talk directly with Ford HQ's customer service department. A quote for $3500 just to examine the car is, on the surface of it, absurd and should be treated with suspicion. Any competent mechanic should be able to diagnose what's going on and whether or not the engine needs to be replaced. My advice here would be to have the car inspected by your state motoring club (the RACV in Victoria) which can give a cost-effective and independent report on the car's condition (and won't cost anything like $3500). This is also excellent legal and evidential back-up if the case does progress to VCAT.

On the face of it, 62,000km is not a reasonable lifespan for a fully serviced engine and the manufacturer should shoulder at least some of the cost of putting it right. Your last resort should be to contact the ACCC and talk to that body regarding your rights under Australia Consumer Law which covers goods (including cars) that are not built to a reasonable level of quality or are unfit for service. A failed engine at such mileage may well fall into that category.

It doesn’t take much of a leak to allow enough rainwater into a car to wet the carpets. Given your car is a 2018 model, I’d be surprised if the rubber seals have deteriorated to any great extent. The best bet is to open the doors and hatch and have a close look at the surface of the seals. If there’s a nick or a cut in the rubber, you’ve probably found the problem. But also look for a twig or other piece of rubbish that could be stuck to the rubber and be forming a gap for the water to enter.

If the front floors were wet, the advice would also be to check the drain hose for the air-conditioner, but if it’s the rear floors, it’s almost certainly rainwater. Don’t forget the obvious stuff like a window that looks closed but is actually open a fraction.

Press the start button with your foot on the brake, while you wiggle the wheel to the left and right.

Press the grooved buttons on the side of the smart key, then lever the raised centre section on the rear off. Pop the metal key out and, using a metal screwdriver split the key in half by inserting the screwdriver into a slot inside the end of the key. You can then access the battery, prising it out and replacing it.