Ford Focus 2004 Problems

The problem you have with this particular make and model is that it’s really not worth very much even in good working condition. Cars like yours with engines in good condition change hands for about $3000 (sometimes less) so replacing the engine would almost certainly cost more than the car is worth. That said, if you can find a cheap second-hand engine (that’s been tested so you know it works) and you can find a workshop who can do the changeover for the right price, you might squeeze a few more years out of the car without blowing your budget sky-high. And at least then you know what you’re working with; buying another cheap second-hand car could land you in the same spot in a few months or even weeks’ time.

That, of course, only applies if the problem with your engine is of the terminal mechanical kind. Has the engine been assessed by a mechanic? It could simply be that a new set of spark plugs will bring the car back to its old, four-cylinder self. Selling the car to a wrecking yard will only get you the vehicle’s scrap value – maybe $200 or $300 dollars. And a private buyer is unlikely to offer you any more than that on the basis of a cheap car with a blown-up engine. Meantime, the price of newer second-hand cars has gone up lately with limited supply the main problem, so maybe a quote on fixing what you have is the first step.

Although both the Ford Focus from 2004 and 2009 were both offered with a two-litre petrol engine, those engines were actually different in terms of their mechanical specification. With that in mid, it’s very unlikely that the clutch from the earlier car would be compatible with the later version. A quick search also revealed that the replacement clutch kits for each version of the Focus you’re dealing with carry a different part number which is a pretty good indication that there are differences between the two.

Your question is a bit confusing Geniel, because the Ford Focus wasn’t released in Australia until September 2002. Which is to say, there wouldn’t be any 2000 model-year Focus engines lying around waiting to be fitted to another Focus. However, the original Focus was launched in Europe in 1998 and that car was broadly the same structurally as the version sold right up to 2005 in Australia.

The catch, of course, is that the Focus was sold with both a 1.8 and a 2.0-litre engine here, so you’d need to make sure that you were trying to fit exactly the same engine in exactly the same specification to ensure that everything from the fuel lines to the wiring loom and the cooling system to the gearbox matched up and fitted properly.

If, by some chance, you’ve found an imported Focus engine, be very wary of fitting that as it may not have the appropriate pollution equipment fitted to be legally registered in Australia. And don’t forget, whenever you swap an engine you need to inform the registration authorities and your insurance company of the new engine number.

I had a similar situation on another car, not a Focus. There was a problem with the temperature sensor that switched the cooling fan on and off. I would watch the temperature gauge rise to the point it was almost at boiling point when I was stuck in slow moving or stationary traffic, but it would drop again when I was able to get moving and pick up even a little speed. The problem was that the fan wasn't kicking in to keep the engine cool when it was needed, but the airflow was enough once the car was moving to do the job. The answer in my case was to run with the air-conditioning on all the time, because that way the fan was always running. I have never had the problem again. Mind you there is still a problem with the sensor, all I have done is circumvent the issue. I would suggest you try driving with the air-con switched on and see if the problem persists. If it doesn't you can be sure it's a problem with the temperature sensor that controls the cooling fan, if it does persist it could be the fan itself.

First find another one and compare the performance so you know if yours really is gutless or it’s on a par with others. If it is proven to lack performance, as you suspect, have a mechanic check it and make sure things like the fuel pressure is correct, the plugs, coils, leads etc. are in good condition, and the fuel filter and air cleaner aren’t clogged.

WE CONTACTED Ford to check the assertion you can't fit snow chains to a new Focus and the company confirms that they don't recommend it because there isn't enough clearance between the tyre and suspension components. Anyone wanting to visit the snow often should check that the car they intend buying can take snow chains before they pay for it. Reader Daniel Stevens says to buy a set of German-made RUD Centrax chains. These are not secured to the inside sidewall of the tyres so clearance is not a concern. Ph: (07) 3274 3666.