Ford Focus Not Charging Diag and Repair

[@therrintyler7974]

THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR!!! I was pulling my hair out trying to figure this thing out changed the alternator and battery and still dying on me and was about to change the alternator AGAIN because I bought it used and I thought it was bad too until I ran across this video and PRESTO!!! Thanks again for saving me any further headache with your help. Be Blessed and keep up the good work 👏 🙌 👍 👌

[@arthurwallace3232]

This video seriously just saved me. I’ve got an ‘04. I’ve put a new alternator and battery in and it was still running at 11.3. I actually didn’t cut into it like you did, I just used a knife to peel of those little ports you pried off with a screwdriver. Mine wasn’t even blown! Just severely corroded. I sanded it off completely and my voltage jumped right back to normal. Now if it happens again I know what to to replace.

[@markjackson6134]

Thx, you gave me something else to check. And basically you're helping me help the next owner, for I bought it from a coworker to fix (transmission light was on and the dealer low-balled them on the trade) and either sell on the cheap or (first intention, until all these small repairs cameup) donate it to a shelter.

[@Alyssa-yv4cj]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! You just saved me $200 & a lot of time! I thought my alt was bad but it was where the fusible link is suppose to be, it was missing and the wire was cut! Thank you so much!

[@GabeOlea]

Thank you for your time . My Ford all of a sudden started to act like it did not have any charge . But my battery said otherwise. 13.8 . I'm going to get ready and find out if I am as lucky with my car as you were in your video ..lol I will let you know !

[@anthonyphilson2788]

Amazing,this video helped me confirm what was wrong with my 04 focus

[@boostedlss6450]

Very appreciative, I'm doing this job for a buddy, I'm not a mechanic just very enthusiastic for the old hardware, I'm a 3.8 Buick fanboy. Anyway I'm sure this is the remedy, the fuse is in a different plastic case but I suspect you just saved me a bunch of time. Big ups 👍

[@batagventures3435]

Super cool! I was already losing hope with the fix for my car after changing the alternator and battery already ['07 Ford Focus] and I found this vid. I will try this out and let you know the results.

[@2024YTR]

Batagventures did it work for u?

[@batagventures3435]

OneSickTa I can't locate the megafuse in his vid, it's only plain wiring there's no hump or anything.

[@2024YTR]

@@batagventures3435 I guess not all Ford Focus cars had thea fuse 🤷‍♂️ I couldn't find it

[@batagventures3435]

OneSickTa I'm checking on it, I'll let you know what I find soon.

[@mrhappywaffle]

​@@batagventures3435 did you ever find it?

[@Playermex2]

Thanks allot great video!! I finally got my focus running properly

[@willwill3240]

I just did this today. It has worked pretty good so far

[@eduardo3846]

Very good video i just find many folk that are clueless to the internal regulator problems and the resistance problems due to crap ford wiring looms

[@AKJeeper]

Nice way to save the customer money on an older car. I hope your customer appreciates that you had a fix that was cheaper than the new cable from the dealer.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It worked out pretty good and the customer is super happy. Love it when a job turns out that way. Blessings.

[@mikeoneill7360]

That’s a new one for me Tim, nice job.....

[@ThecardoctorTV]

They are always trying to keep us guessing aren’t they. Take care.

[@thomastommy1192]

Another great awesome video. That is a mean looking fuse. I don't think I ever saw one that big in a car. It's sad they have to put all the electronic junk on cars today. Tim, Stay well and safe my friend. Stay away from the various. Have a Blessed week.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It’s a big bad fuse for sure.

[@RMonkey]

I wish I had your skills, you made that look easy. It would take me all day and would have cut myself and dropped half of the parts. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

That’s the power of video editing. If any or all of those things happened I just cut them out of the vid and make myself look like a real pro. I need to change my bandages right now. Haha.

[@RMonkey]

I have some extra bandages if you need any, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate it.

[@Eargesplitten-Loudenboomer]

Thank you so much. This explains why I can force start it and it runs just fine but is dead as a door nail even though I changed the battery

[@trafalga5136]

Another good one Tim. Got to love how the paper engineers design things. Being an engineer my self that fixes their stupidity, I always said they should ask the ones fixing the equipment how to design it to make it easier to fix. They think it can be done in a certain amount of time but we know that is always not the way it works out in the field. Stay safe.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Please send them to my shop first. I have a lot to show them. Haha

[@titanicus5413]

Hi Dr. I’ve replaced my batt and alternator. This mega fuse gas continuity. Car batt light still comes on after driving a couple miles. Any direction I should head to? Thanks

[@jimthecarguy]

Nice diagnoses and repair Tim. Stay safe

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you. Will do.

[@Media-Cafe]

this fuse isn't found on the 2006 Focus ZX4, at least not in the same spot in the video. A New alternator resolved battery not charging.

[@delo_mastera_boitsa]

Hello! On my 2013 Ford Focus Electric, the battery stopped charging. Charging turns on and after 1 minute a flashing error ring appears. Don't know what to check?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Its a Focus Electric Vehicle?

[@delo_mastera_boitsa]

@@ThecardoctorTV Yes, it's a Ford Focus Electric.

[@5jjt]

I found your video b/c my battery light stays on when the car is off snd the key is out. I replaced the battery even though it was showing 12.6 v, and charging at 14.3. I checked the 175A fuse, and it's good and cleaned two grounds by the battery. Any other guesses that could point me in the right direction? Could it be the ignition tumbler?

[@carlosjr4386]

Does a 2003 Ford focus have this fuse? I can't find it anywhere online

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great diag and repair Tim

[@christephonparmes8575]

Do you think a dewalt drill could drill holes in the connector pieces like your drill?

[@vernonroderick5736]

I'm desperate I'm hoping that will solve my same problem although. .my terminals are frayed so I'll try the mega fuse thank you so xmuch

[@esemiklo5833]

Hey Tim good to see you're well in this crazy days and as always thank you for taking the time to make the video with that awesome tip to keep in mind whem doing a no charging diagnostic . Be safe and thanks again boss!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks. You’re too kind.

[@stephenbuck8667]

Can you please tell me the correct terminology for the cable the 175 amp fuse is connected to? Mine has corrosion and need to be replaced but no one knows what the hell I'm talking about

[@claytondeppe6920]

I have an 06 focus. Having same issue. Replaced alt. And bat. Just checked the cable and has 2 disable links. Power on both sides. What else could I look for?

[@johnnynelson6593]

I have a 2006 focus that is over charging. Alternator checks good and battery. Doesn't over charge while cold. Could this be the pcm?

[@salmanali4003]

I've ford focus 2013 model recently replaced new battery but after car resting at night when I try to start in the morning I found battery dead. I have to jump start to turn on my car. Please can you advice on this

[@jasonwright-brown6240]

nice work mate, where do I find one of these aftermarket mega fuses!?

[@woodsnwater28]

Where do the wires go on the ground side of the battery that are attached to the side of the post along with the main groundd???

[@joehyundaitech7961]

tim I have the same veh only it is a 2.3 and the wagon model now this beats changing the entire cable . I have been working on the focus since 2004 and know it well this is a common issue on this model most shops and the dealer just tells the customer they need a new cable there not pricy at all but the money is in the labor there a real pain to change out. I like this way. he blew that fuse out himself when he changed the alt buy not dc the neg cable on batt where did you get the parts because I want tokeep one on stand by

[@AP9311]

Wow, Tim, a chevy mega fuse 175 amp with holder in Ford car. Wow, classic fix lol. So chevy helped Ford to start, hahaha! Nice video!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Hahah. Awesome.

[@clutch5sp989]

I've learned to test & confirm a part is bad before replacing it. This isn't always true as something weird makes something else go bad. As a DIY reasonably knowledgeable guy, it helps to research all the things that are common to go bad on your specific car before it happens.

[@jordanbukach2013]

Would it matter if the year is a 2007 I’m kinda having the same problem

[@nomanjones4803]

Great tip never would have thought to check that.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It’s hard to find if you didn’t know where to look for sure. Glad it was helpful.

[@ricardosanchez7517]

where did you get those parts from

[@viajerozz]

Excellent and informative video thanks! I assume this would be a fix for an alternator problem where the battery light is always on? My problem is the battery light is intermittent...usually comes on after ten or fifteen minutes of driving and then goes off again,.on again..any thoughts? Update: Replaced the alternator. Same problem, light now on all the time but alternator charging, old was was fine too! No idea where to turn and mechanic doesnt know either.

[@BannedPhotoshop]

I have the same problem

[@d.a.2742]

Check the pigtail connector going into the alternator as this is a common problem on Ford Focuses Through 2007 ....another place to have checked is the dash cluster as well as again these can cause intermittent battery lights do to soldering issues on the motherboard ....Belt Tensioner should be checked as well as these need to be replaced after so many thousands of miles as they lose their ability to keep proper tension on serpentine belt so alternator does not charge efficiently causing the light to flash or come on intermittently . Just a few ideas from an old mechanic who has seen and fixed these issues .

[@viajerozz]

@@d.a.2742 Thanks good ideas!

[@danreese3192]

Thank you so much for making this video!!!

[@dstreet.mp4874]

Thanks appreciate this to the fullest we thought we were missing something when we replaces the alternator thanks you ylthansk.yoj

[@jamesu]

Good Morning Tim. Thanks for the video.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Gooday mate!

[@everardodesign]

Thanks Tim this was helpful

[@stevericketts810]

Excellent work!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thnx

[@seansmith9277]

I have 2005 Ford Focus 2.0 engine was running find then all sudden it start up and just die need some help on what to do ? If u can’t help please let me know thanks

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Have you checked for fuel spark and compression?

[@nancyramirezindallas-fortw2791]

I have a 2007 Prius and it has the same problem. The battery struggles to charge, doesn't maintain charge, dies constantly even with a full tank of gas. I looked up issues and on a car forum people complained that it was the combination meter. Whatever that thing is... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

[@iselafabela7064]

🤩Woww you are awesome, I love your videos, you have been a great help because of you I have learned so much...

[@gonzgarr1592]

hell of a nice tech tip thanks

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you

[@jasonsecora8214]

can't thank you enough. went through over 1000$ in parts and labor just to find out it's this fuse. I can finally drive my beater again !

[@bronsonjones1210]

Kind

[@jamestackett2879]

Good fix Tim you made look easy .

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks.

[@IRONMAN-kb4su]

How does a 175 amp fuze blow ?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

No kidding. That’s some serious amps. Must look like a thermonuclear blast when it goes. Haha.

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing job :-D, you just fixed a silly design. Fuses must be easy to replace, no matter how big they are. I imagine the diode rectifier in the old alternator must have shorted in one or more of the diodes.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

That’s possible. Or the old fuse just gave out and it didn’t need an alt but got one anyway. Now it has a fancy quick change fuse for future ease of repair. Now to fix my short fuse!

[@PlumberAl]

Great video very informative but you need a collar microphone to improve audio quality

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks

[@14waysILY]

Thank you so much! I have an 02 focus that I love to death but was worried I'd have to get rid of because the alternator was replaced and it was still dying on me!

[@robertruiz857]

How much do you think how much it will cost if you do your self.

[@willefixit]

bought 8min in i was tinking wizz wheell ..good fix thankz .

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Love the wizzer

[@gregoryearlnelson5570]

Can't figure out why the battery light goes on and off causing low charge

[@benhurst6501]

ok ,I have this car, 2004 ford focus z 2.3 engine new alternator, battery shows 12.6 volts but not new. The mega fuse is not blown (checked resistance either side) checked resistance from positive post to B+ post on alternator no open on cable. checked voltage at alternator engine off B+ to chassis shows 12.6 volts from battery. checked voltage engine running 1500-2000 rpms B+ to chassis 14.1 volts, checked voltage at Battery engine running 1500-2000 rpm 12.6 and draining???? I am bamboozled by this one...

[@scottkennedy5302]

Same exact problem here...03 2.3l, new alternator, all cables have continuity, 14.4v at alternator, 12 and dropping at battery. Good thermal fuse, all other fuses good.

[@justinpratt4465]

Same here have you all figured anything out?

[@Longtrailside]

Understandable mistake he/she made. Back in the day it used to be simple. Either it was a voltage regulator, alternator. Now it's breakers, relays, computers, ect, ect. I'll give them props for at least trying. Take care Tim.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Yes indeed. Blessings.

[@kd5nrh]

Ah, back in the good old days when the regulator was separate and could save you the cost and hassle of replacing the whole alternator...

[@BeachCarr]

where is the mega fuse on a 2010 ford focus?

[@markheckman3987]

Nicely done

[@msclecarcrzy]

Did you miss speak at :25? Furd focus lol! Man I do that all the time I call it a brain fart. Nice fix on that fuse. How much did Ford want for the whole cable?

[@wallaceloper637]

Good job. spark chasing is the worse part of the job.

[@braydenlogan5875]

I replaced that alternator, the positive cable with the fuze in it, and the battery, I'm still having issues, I've cleaned all the visible grounds, I just can't get the battery to hold charge from the alternator. The first alternator went bad of age, the second was a reman that burt at the positive and alternator connection, and I'm still having charging issues, I don't want to keep changing alternators and battery's so I have the car sitting still, I've worked on this car for 2 weeks and still the same problem, and something seems to continue to draw power

[@BannedPhotoshop]

May I ask how much you paid for the alternator replacement/work?

[@braydenlogan5875]

@@BannedPhotoshop I've paid about $300 total maybe in parts, but labor was just me doing the work myself. I can tell you a thing or two about replacing an alternator because I've done about 5 in the last year. Anyway with my car I have yet to figure out what exactly is constantly using the battery, I'm assuming it may have something to do with my gauge cluster or radio. The best fix I can suggest when something is drawing power and killing the battery while the vehicle is off is to keep a 10mm and ratchet with you and disconnect the negative battery cable if the car is going to sit for a while. Another idea is before you turn your car off, make sure you shut off ac, radio, and turn the dial lights all the way down. I never did take my car to see how much the alternator would cost to replace because the nearest shop to me quoted me $400 to replace a 6 inch hose under the manifold, which only cost me $20.

[@BannedPhotoshop]

@@braydenlogan5875 thank you for responding with that info….I was quoted $400 total for parts and labor from my mechanic. It sucks because I already bought a new battery thinking that was the culprit! I have 247,000 miles on my ‘05 Ford Focus so I’m weighing my options here. I’m going to send my mechanic this video tomorrow and get his opinion on trying this option, since I don’t have a multi-meter, hopefully he won’t be a jerk about it!

[@braydenlogan5875]

@@BannedPhotoshop if you would like to give me a little bit more in depth is wrong with your car I can give you a little bit more direction into where you want to look. I have am 05 focus as well with only 97,000 miles on it so I'm trying to keep the car thriving.

[@justinpratt4465]

@@braydenlogan5875 hey hoping you see this so I have a 2005 Ford Focus zx4 2.0 I left the ac on full blast for 15 maybe 20 minutes came back out it was dead I jumped it it started then I drove it for a week straight and one day I didn’t use it the next day it was dead had to jump it again got alternator tested it was bad replaced alternator today and now the mechanic says it’s not charging the battery and battery light is on now it wasn’t on before he said fuses are good regulator is good battery is good

[@spacecalander]

Nice job!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks.

[@chobitrial]

I like to know if ford sale the complete wire?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I do believe so.

[@KanakaMaoli1]

Your the best, Aloha

[@ThecardoctorTV]

😊

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you Tim!!!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks for watching my vids!

[@BYENZER]

At 06:43 mm:ss, STOP! Restore removed battery cable back to batt post. THEN, touch an old big wide screwdriver between the blown halves of the old fuse. If a BIG ARC re-blows the rest of the fuse, it means BAD SHORT is lurking somewhere. A small arc is GOOD, and rules out any dead shorts in that entire cable sys. THEN replace the fuse.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Good tip

[@62ejo]

Thxs Tim nice too know.....

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Glad to inform

[@Quixotepr]

I hope that this is my problema. Otherwise, the other option is to replace the alternator, which thanks to Ford is difficult to do, though not impossible. My mechanics knowledge is limited, although I may succeed after several days, I may have to take the car to a shop.

[@Quixotepr]

No luck. Alternator is no good. I guess I'm taking the car to a $$$hop.

[@sirsweetness8332]

No jokes on this video. Tim was not feeling well this day.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Hahaha. My wife was probably angry with me.

[@stratuszero]

Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@nicklowery5852]

Where is the fuse on a 2002 DOHC ?

[@josephpadula2283]

Yes he was showing the non Ztek engine .

[@29auto30]

What fuse would blow if it was hooked direct? if any?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

If there was a direct short maybe the alternator would go up in smoke or battery explode but that’s about the worst that could happen. Oh or the car burst into flames. Haha.

[@Claude_van_Dammaged]

You created 10 times more work than you needed to do. Next time cut the old fuse out with cable cutters. Strip wires and solder new ends on the cables and install the new fuse.

[@willefixit]

nice repair bet you cant wait too fish ... happy day gby.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you. I can’t wait for fishing!!!

[@robertruiz857]

Can you do it yourself.

[@jonathanschomer6853]

Stupid Ford make it hard to change the fuse. Well done!

[@capri8225]

Saved my ass Tim

[@DavidSmith-vr1nb]

Careful with that Stanley knife (box cutter).

[@faisalthatsme7816]

I have Ford focus 2004 1.8 It keeps killing the alternators that i put on it When I put another alternator it works fine even when i remove battery cables the car dose not stop working So I just drove with it half a day and it died again This is the 3rd alternator that I used pls help

[@Arthur-ee1vd]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@willefixit]

11 in never same size ..lololol

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha