Focus MK1 - Top 20 All-time Common Issues

Another blog in the world that is MK1 Focuses... this time I look at the most common things to go wrong on a MK1. Specifically items that have always been a weak point on these...
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[@adamjow8405]

A useful video for any mk1 focus owner/future owner to refer to. Fantastic video highlighting the things to keep on top of. Agreed the mk1 focus needs to be highlighted as a modern classic 😁👍

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

cheers adam, hopefully this will be a good reference :)

[@meepmeepimajeep]

475.000 km on the clock original engine in the Netherlands. Almost exactly same spec as the one you have here!

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Superb that's a great mileage !

[@richpierce5933]

After 1/4 century mine has developed high fuel consumption along with a lack of power combined with high emissions HELP

[@dvoz9023]

Mine has 285000. Have some issues currently but I'm attacking them one at the time.

[@vevos_]

The PCV hoses on the Zetec also go, especially the one in the rear that goes into the intake manifold. The rear hose replacement from Ford USA later got heat resistant foil around them to prevent them from collapsing, not sure how much it helps in practice though

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

That's very true they are just as vulnerable. The oil film coats them internally and that attacks the rubber and eventually it blows through

[@richpierce5933]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering may I ask if this could lead to high emissions ?

[@vevos_]

it could cause higher/unstable idle and also check if the PCV valve is clogged, because then it won't let through any gases and would increase emissions further. There are videos about this on YT. Gates EMH159 and EMH174 should be the correct hoses. I would try cleaning the valve or getting a good used one if it's bad (it should rattle consistently when you shake it).@@richpierce5933

[@nikgrundstrom2768]

Water in the boot should have a special mention. We all have that. Can rust out the spare wheel well something chronic. I've taken out the liner as it kept getting soaking wet and mouldy and have stuffed rags into the sides. I've sealed around the vents but it didn't make a difference.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

How did I forget! Probably in the top three at least...

[@nikgrundstrom2768]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering So common it should be called a standard feature.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

@@nikgrundstrom2768 it's hard to disagree on that!

[@dazlad1972]

Cracki g vid as usual mate when is rhe next mk1 meet bro. Mu dads car isnready for an audience now ...just to make him proud of whatbive done to it

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

cheers buddy!

[@mr.v.sinner8665]

I bought a 1.8l 2000 ford focus and cup holders are just aids where could I find smaller ones bcz I cant even have M size cup of coffee

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

the only solution is aftermarket cup holders Im afraid

[@johnleinen7167]

Good info, here in the states, I own a 03 SE wagon, estate to you guys, 2.3 Duratec automatic with 255k miles yep lots of challenges but mostly original!

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

I'm not surprised the Mazda L Series is a cracking engine if looked after with oil changes.

[@Rayc328]

Ford have a modified pollen filter scuttle that diverts water away from the pollen filter , you dont even need to use sealant

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Have you got a link to this because I'm not aware of this?

[@Joe-ug1vu]

The Mk 2 focus would rust around the sill at the front after two years. Ford then fitted a plastic trim on the sill to solve the problem. But really the mk2 focus should have mud flaps as the rear sill where the rear door curves at the bottom chips from where all the stones hits it causing rust

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

My rover 45 has the same issue the doors curve down and provides a fantastic corridor for stone-chips to fling the full length of the drivers door.

[@Joe-ug1vu]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering I have used paint protection film on areas where stone chips would cause damage

[@flatspot2050]

Hiya mate, these videos are super helpful, just wondering if you can help me out with a little advice. I'm about to buy a 2010 mk2.5 thats done 8k miles only, it had an oil change 500 miles ago and never had a cam belt. Its been standing for 4/5 years, i want to look after it so what would you recommend i do first after the cam belt? thanks

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

A full service and a full brake service front and back, discs and pads and maybe new sliders with some re-greasing of them to make sure everything is working correctly!

[@flatspot2050]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering Hiya pal, thanks for getting back. I've only got money for the cam belt currently so thats getting done first. I have just received the car and noticed like a 3 inch hairline split in the paint below the door, is this anything i should be worried about? thanks again

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Could be some minor rust pushing out. Very minor on a mk1 nothing to worry about too much

[@Tadasskr]

I may add some more things if I may. . On Tddi big problem is Bosch VP30 high pressure fuel pump electric part and when it will fail car will just cut out and that is question not if but when it will fail. Also Thermostat housing plastic is in tddi and they also start leak from old. And tddi maybe just mine but I have third starter failing (I was buying them used), Tddi is hard to turn over engine it needs 2.2kw starter. And one cheap way about blower motor is take it out (3 screws) take out cover of electric part, spray a lot with wd30 to free it up fully and then put little engine oil to lubricate it. I did mine 2 times lasting 4 years still and again starting make noise :)

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

is that the module that is coded to the ecu? that is a known failure on the diesels very good comment! I agree on all them points, the blower motor is a result of... pollen filter seal failure hence why it's the no.1

[@Tadasskr]

Yep it is programmed to immobilizer. And this blower at least is easy fix if you don't want spend too much lol@@usuallyfixingtinkering

[@gondenzator]

Great video. Thanks!

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Glad you liked it!

[@adriancooper8820]

thank you for this informative video i watched this and counted 5 problems that ive had on my various mk1's my current mk1 focus has had no welding underneath yet (its a 2004 1.6l zetec hatchback) currently just started to get a slight stiffness occasionally in the steering so i will be changing the steering fluid asap to see if that stops it also im getting oil in sparkplug wells and have already ordered a new rocker cover gasket. despite the mk1's faults i love it , its got lovely handling and my previous one saved my life when i had a crash in it both airbags deployed and i walked away with only a bit of whiplash anyway keep making the videos and i'll keep watching them !! . Adi in Somerset

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Oh that sounds like a nice example you have there! Steering racks are now common to go and rocker cover gaskets are very easy to swap so no major issues there, the main thing is the bodywork condition which is the no.1 issue. Fingers crossed it remains solid for you :)

[@Mighty_Metro]

Brilliant and very helpful video. My sister has a 2004 1.8 Zetec on 115,000. She was considering getting rid because it has been problematic but now I’ve watched this video, I’m convinced at least 12 of these problems have already been rectified. So hopefully that’s the worst of the problems over and done with. So now she’s keeping her Focus and you’ve gained a subscriber. Cheers

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Oh this story has made my day thankyou for your kind words I'm glad that this may have covered quite a few of them problems!

[@oliverpowell3141]

I had a central locking issue by where all the doors would stop reacting, but I managed to recreate it by locking and unlocking too quickly. Managed to reset by individually unlocking and/or locking the doors and then unlocking the master on the drivers door certain way, and that would solve it. Not sure how that connects to yours or anyone else’s issues, might have just found a way to confuse it.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

that's a new one I need to try! Thank you for this comment I find that interesting!

[@matthewrossi3498]

Very informative and helpful video...liked and subscribed. I would like to ask you about the instrument cluster. Mine goes out completely when I turn the key, apart from the airbag and a couple of lights...door and oil, which then go out when I start the car. It is intermittent though. What do you think is the best way to solve it?

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Welcome buddy! I'm afraid that's rather common the soldered curcuitboard goes wrong with age. It'll need to be sent off for repair at ECU testing. They'll have it back to you quickly for around £65 and it'll be like new.

[@fpngames4403]

Where did u find the zetec badge?

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

on ebay after some deep searching, not cheap around £15-20

[@fpngames4403]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering Thanks a lot!!

[@markchapman1757]

I've got a 1.6L LX. Petrol showing nearly 238000. It's 237920 exactly. One of my work colleagues seems to think it might have had a new engine at some stage in its nearly 20 years. I've had an updated coil pack from Ford. Had no issues since. But if it has had a new engine,how many miles had done since I bought it. I've done nearly 93000 miles since I've had it. Rust holes on the bottom of both front wings, and both rear doors bottoms. New wings from Ford are still available.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Sounds good especially with an engine of that mileage!

[@snbala]

Useful guide for Mk1 owners, I have to say I didn’t come across much of those issues when I owned my three MK1s apart from the wheel bearing on one of them. On another note, spotted your tax disc which said £155 to tax in 2003, those where the days. Your Focus is gleaming too. 👍

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

I'm glad you have it's a nice touch isntbit! 155 a year deems a long time ago for these cars

[@snbala]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering always nice to see a car with the tax disc even if it’s a rip off tax, just a shame many have thrown them away since.

[@flycorvus]

Couldn't agree more. Same issues here, with my 1.8 Zetec. Thermostat housing (needed a new one), rocker cover gasket (new one, properly installed), PCV hose (new one, oil and heat resistant), IAC valve (new one), ignition coils and cables (new Bosch parts) What's more: dirty throttle body/throttle valve (poor idle), cleaned, runs like new. Engine/transmission mounts (interior vibrations) replaced Rear subframe/swing arm bolts and bushings (knocking noises) replaced

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Engine mounts are definetly a newer issue as they age, the most common is the hydromount leaking its oil! I agree cleaning the throttle housing is a great job and inlet manifold as much as possible. The idle will be noticeably smoother.

[@flycorvus]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering Exactly. Smooth idle, smooth acceleration. Btw, the No1. on the list is a pain in the @ss. That bloody plastic cover above the cab filter.. I use a strong silicone gasket (a special one, used in glass water tanks) every time. Heat, frost, UV rays, vibration? No problem, at all.

[@slavennikolic620]

I had some strange sounds from door panels when its cold outside,but no sounds on summer days,could it be engine mount?

[@oscarzt1652]

141,000 miles on my ST170. the steering is a bit notchy when cold but otherwise cracking motor. (180bhp 206Nm)

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

That's really good

[@c.m.l.184]

100% right

[@scorcha100]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Ive currently got a mk1 Focus Millennium which im gonna be putting up for sale. Its in very good condition for its age but requires a bit of tlc to bring back to its former glory. Its just passed its mot and could do with slight attention to the drivers front wing. The rest is very solid especially the underside. My main concern is someone buying it as a cheap runaround then disposing of when the mot runs out. Its well worth saving and i only wish i had the money to invest into it

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

You've come to the right place and I've seen your posts on the group! Its in amazing condition and it will hopefully go to a good home finger crossed :)

[@JoshuaEttery]

Another issue I've had which I found very common was the speed sensor on the gearbox. My original went a few months back and after 2 aftermarket ones from Euro Car Parts it still didn't fix the idling issues and the cluster issues I was facing. After just saying sod it, I eventually bought a genuine one brand new from eBay for about £110 and had no issues since :)

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

The speed sensor is an issue on the manual models, me having an automatic I've forgotten! You were very good to buy a genuine one because most people opt for aftermarket which aren't bad tbh.

[@NSDflug]

Hello. What Kind of issues did. you have? I also have a 03 model with manual gearbox and at idle the car vibrates or if I put it in neutral while still Rolling then the rpm is going up and down. Already changed the Plugs, wires, cleaned the idle valve.

[@JoshuaEttery]

Sorry if you see 2 replies from me I posted a reply and looks like it vanished.@@NSDflug if i was you check that breather hose shown in the video around 10:30 mark. I had a split in mine and the car seems to be running much better now with a new one. That could be causing idling issues with yours. Then after I'd take a look at the speed sensor because I did experience idling issues to a point it would cut out at traffic lights, the cluster would sometimes show ---- instead of showing my mileage. the mph needle would sometimes drop to 0 when i'm doing 20 then jump back up at random times. I also had a horrible pinging noise coming from the engine/gearbox but all of this went away with a new sensor. Definitely check that hose first as its cheaper and much easier to replace than the speed sensor :)

[@NSDflug]

@@JoshuaEttery thanks for your answer. I forgot to write, But I also changed the pcv and the Hose, both OEM. I have the new OEM Sensor home but was Not sure if i should change it Now or not. Again, thanks for your reply ! Greetings !

[@JoshuaEttery]

No problem, it might be the sensor actually, good thing you already have one! Hope that solves it for you mate :)@@NSDflug

[@chris-q4b6x]

wish i can have phone number so i explain my issues maybe could help fix it please

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Whats the problem your having?

[@MegaReddevil71]

My steering rack has always had a tight spot I find flushing the rack out with clean fluid helps massively

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

it does help sometimes depending on the severity of the rack condition, thankfully it sounds like yours got the right help at the right time

[@chris-q4b6x]

my mk1 deiver side works but not passenger side fuse all good

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

It could be either the switch or not ruling out the regulator. Is there a click?

[@jeffmee763]

Hi Great vidio would you know were the a/c drain pipe is on a mk2 2007 as getting water in the d/s floor the heater is full of water and is coming out on the floor bower vent the water is not coolant thanks for any help. Jeff

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

Unfortunately I have less experience with MK2's in this area, sounds like the matrix is leaking are you sure it's not coolant?

[@jeffmee763]

No not matrix is ok when air con is on know water is coning out under car and is staying heater box.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

It sounds like moisture off the air con pipes as the refrigerant passes through the system, but it seems excessive. I'd have an air con check to see if its at pressure personally.

[@danielbaystead-ew2lv]

Hi, got a problem with my number plates lights not working, all other lights work,changed unit ,changed bulb nothing, any ideas, thanks

[@Madinnit]

might be a broken wire in the rubber conduit where the wires go from the body to the rear hatch., this has happened on mine causing my rear wiper to not work.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

sounds like the wires are broken in the grommet as mentiomed

[@vgl402]

What about the problem with the speedometer which goes on and off and after hitting a bump on the road on again!

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

that sounds like a speedo sensor fault and not a symptom that often people encounter

[@vgl402]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering thanks for the answer.

[@richpierce5933]

Perished vacuum hose causing rich mix ?

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

I meant to say lean.

[@Scottishrobert1]

Great information 👍

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

😁

[@enchantress7940]

I have my own list the way that I am going

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

oh dear doesn't sound good!

[@enchantress7940]

@@usuallyfixingtinkering I have something breaking every other week. Lost 5th and reverse now. 1st is where third is and 5th is third gear. The whole thing has shifted and I have lost 5th and reverse as I can no longer select them. Got someone looking Tuesday and if it’s the box, that is my lot. Spent so much, it has to stop somewhere. I love the car though and the emotional attachment makes a fool out of your wallet