Ford Focus Problems

I doubt it’s the tyres that are the problem; I would be looking at the car itself for the problem. Start by having it wheel aligned, and while you’re at it just check that it is tracking straight. Is it possible that it had been crashed before you bought it?

It could be interference from other sources, such as phone towers, but normally you would find that it happens at the same place every time, and when it does you should be able to see a phone tower or something like that nearby. If it happens randomly I would look for some other cause. The immobilizer is a good place to start, it’s possible that it’s not communicating with the car’s computer, but it’s a very difficult problem for a dealer to diagnose when the problem can’t be replicated. Perhaps also consult a locksmith.

You say the car is now running well, so it would seem that by draining the fuel tank and replacing the filter the mechanic fixed the problem. You can connect the charcoal canister, it’s there to collect the fuel vapour from the tank so it’s no released into the atmosphere; the accumulated vapour is then burnt in the engine, so it’s safe to reconnect it.

The easiest way of fixing it is to buy a new badge, which will come with double-sided tape already applied and ready to affix to the body, but if you don’t want to do that just use some double-sided tape, which can be bought at hardware stores or office suppliers. Using glues would damage to paint.

While the crash might have seemed minor the damage could have been more substantial than you think, that they changed the timing belt   would seem to suggest there was some significant damage to the car and that's where I would start investigating. I would suggest you   contact an experienced assessor like Graeme Cuthbert on 0422 444 335 and have them inspect the car and the repairs.

Good info that could be the thing that solves the problem with Alex's car and the sort of thing that's hard to trace.

A noise that goes away when you press the clutch pedal in is usually a sign that the thrust bearing is “gone”, but it’s unusual for that to happen at such low kays. Have it assessed by another dealer to get a second opinion, and of that supports your view that it’s too noisy take it back and demand it be fixed. That fix is likely to be a replacement gearbox. While you are in negotiation with your dealer, and with Ford itself, keep meticulous records of conversations and agreements for future reference if needed.

Normally they don't disengage automatically, only when the driver disengages them by switching them off or braking. In other situations where the driver might override the cruise it remains engaged and then resumes where it was set. These things can be hard to diagnose when they can't be demonstrated to the mechanic, so I would find a location, hopefully somewhere convenient for the dealer, and take the mechanic with you on a test drive.

We contacted Ford on your behalf and they have told us they are fast-tracking the part and it will be available within days. We also understand that the dealer will take the part from another car in stock to get yours going in the meantime. As for the insurance on the rental car I would present the dealer/Ford with the bill and ask them to take care of it. There is no reason that should be out of pocket.