2002 Ford Focus won't start!

[itsbob]

Son bought, and is making monthly payments on a Ford Focus (ZX4?).. He's had it less than 3 months, and when it's cold in the AM it won't start.

He bought it from Hodges, and they've had the car since 1 Dec. They tell us almost EVERYTHING to do with starting and the car running has been replaced.. Fuel Injection, Cold Start System, Computer etc.. etc.. They have offered nor are willing to help him out with a loaner car while they have his.

Luckily my son has a cool dad that gave him his truck to use, but I'm now stuck on the bike everyday despite what the weather is doing.

The question is, after almost 2 months, I figure either Hodges is not REALLY working on it, and hope we'll give up and come get it, or it's beyond their ability to fix (my bet is on the first choice).

ANYBODY familiar with this problem and what it could be? I really think I'm going to be the one to fix it, IF I can find out what it is..

Problem is, it will start when it's say >40 degress.. He's picked it up from Hodges two or three times in the afternoon and it's started, only to not be able to go to work or school the next day because it won't start in the cold(er) morning.

Not happy at all with Hodges..

 

[itsbob]

THis is what I'm thinking for a solution:

We've asked Hodges to supply us in writing EVERYTHING they've done to the car, and the old parts they should still have.

Take (tow) the car to a new repair facility as he has an after market warranty I think the work could be done anywhere.. and one verify everything Hodges said they did has actually been done, and second, actually get it repaired.

If the work hasn't been done find what recourse we have through a lawyer.. if the work has been done, just realize that the problem was well above their abilities, and never do business with them again.

Lastly, I REALLY need for him to get his car back, so I can get my truck back!

ANy ideas? Any suggestions?

I believe it's a 2002, a little over 30K on it.. and after researching on the internet it's KNOWN problem with an unknown solution!

 

[Angel]

The car won't start at all?

A few years ago I had a Ford Escort ZX2 that would not start intermitantly and it would just die while driving down the road intermitantly. The dealership changed out fuel filters, starters, computer chips, you name it, they changed it atleast twice. After 6 months Ford decided they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it and told me I'd just have to live with it.

Fast forward, my 2006 Focus has intermitant issues with starting. When those intermitant issues occur, it takes about 60 seconds of cranking to get it to start. Ford told me it's a known issue with the Focus (I don't remember the exact years) and to deal with it.

 

[itsbob]

The car won't start at all?

A few years ago I had a Ford Escort ZX2 that would not start intermitantly and it would just die while driving down the road intermitantly. The dealership changed out fuel filters, starters, computer chips, you name it, they changed it atleast twice. After 6 months Ford decided they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it and told me I'd just have to live with it.

Fast forward, my 2006 Focus has intermitant issues with starting. When those intermitant issues occur, it takes about 60 seconds of cranking to get it to start. Ford told me it's a known issue with the Focus (I don't remember the exact years) and to deal with it.

Thanks.. so are you going to buy a THIRD Ford??

 

[Angel]

Thanks.. so are you going to buy a THIRD Ford??

This is actually my 4th Ford. The other 2 never gave me problems.

 

[oldman]

Not that it's a solution Bob, just a thought. How about a motor warmer kit/blanket like they use up north in the really cold weather. My garage door remote, that I left in the car inside the garage, all of sudden quit working this winter until I brought it inside. Not one problem with it since. Heck it might be worth a try.

 

[nicole_M]

Not that it's a solution Bob, just a thought. How about a motor warmer kit/blanket like they use up north in the really cold weather. My garage door remote, that I left in the car inside the garage, all of sudden quit working this winter until I brought it inside. Not one problem with it since. Heck it might be worth a try.

This is what I was going to suggest. I don't have any problems with our new Expedition but our old Expedition had trouble starting when it was cold so we kept it plugged in on the cold days. I don't even think this new one has a plug, though.

We have already had a problem with the rear differential, seal leak?, I believe. Thankfully we bought the extended warranty. $50 deductable they fixed the problem and gave us a rental. This is PF Ford.

Hope you find the problem and a solution soon.

 

[itsbob]

This is what I was going to suggest. I don't have any problems with our new Expedition but our old Expedition had trouble starting when it was cold so we kept it plugged in on the cold days. I don't even think this new one has a plug, though.

We have already had a problem with the rear differential, seal leak?, I believe. Thankfully we bought the extended warranty. $50 deductable they fixed the problem and gave us a rental. This is PF Ford.

Hope you find the problem and a solution soon.

I hate to say that might be a solution.. a silly one considering where we live, but if it's what we have to do.. it's worth a shot.

 

[clevalley]

My brother had a Focus and one day it would cut off when you came to a stop... they had to put it in neutral and give it gas to keep it going.

He trouble shot this for two months until he found the problem;

Of all things it was the PCV Valve Elbow Hose (real part name)... the diagnostic code was Oxygen Sensor... it goes from the PCV valve to the valve cover. He said this was a known problem with the Focus and not very easy to find. It is towards the back of the motor and is one of those things that you really have to work for! This elbow hose does not rub against anything - it just gives up and deteriorates over time... do a search for PCV Elbow Hose Focus on Google - you will see it... you can only buy it from Ford, not from NAPA, or CarQuest or any other place...

It is about a $40 part...

:EDIT: - the hose develops a hole in it at the elbow... it is a cheaply made part and depending on the size of the hole will give no start conditions as well... also my brother said it is prevalent on the ZX line...

 

[nicole_M]

I hate to say that might be a solution.. a silly one considering where we live, but if it's what we have to do.. it's worth a shot.

I know, gets to 20 degrees and we have to plug our vehicles in to start . Ah, well, like you said, if it works....

My DH has a 95 Dodge 3500 (diesel) and that poor thing won't RUN if it doesn't stay plugged in. It's crazy how warm the engine block stays when it's plugged in, too.

My truck runs/sounds like crap if I start it and just drive off. I have to let it run for a few minutes. I do LOVE my truck, though. Not dogging it, just being honest.

 

[VduvUMarie]

I had a cold start problem similar with my Jetta this time last year. Turned out all I needed was my idle level adjusted, haven't had a problem since. Before I had the idle level fixed it was the weirdest thing- the only way to get it to start was to pump the brake at the same time as starting.