All the dash lights go on, the gauges go to max and then dash lights go off and gauges go dead. Then back to normal. Durning this the transmission (automatic) is prone to go in and out of gear. I have had the dealer replace the alternator but it is happening again one month later. Please email me at snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net if you have had this happen and know what fixes it.
Thanks, Lehr
I have seen this same problem on a 2001 Ford Focus and the cause of the problem was a defective colling fan. When the fan kicked in, a 90 AMP draw from the electrical system was seen. If you have a digital volt meter, connect the leads across the batter (watch polarity) and while monitoring DC voltage watch the effects when the cooling fan starts up. Typically, the voltage should read somewhere around 13.5VDC. If the voltage drops to below 12.5VDC or there abouts when the fan is running, you are looking at replacing the fan assembly.
Good Luck!
I too have had this problem on a 2000 1.8 model - also then central locking system clunks. It seems (touch wood) to have gone away ever since cleaning the battery terminals! I also was told it was an alternator problem but went for the cheaper option. Hope this is of some use.
I'm having the same problem in a ford focus 2000, please help. Should I check the cooling fan? cleaning the batteries will really solve the problem? The problem it doesn't happened all the time. It's random.
Similar problem (gauges sweep to the end for 2-3 seconds, then "die," then start working) with my 68k-mile 2000 ZX3 w/Manual transmission. In my case, the passenger door lock also quit working, as did the dome light ( both at about 45k miles, fuses okay).
Any ideas?
Fixed mine by cleaning the battery terminals!
I have a 2001 focus with flickering lights, dash lights/gauges go all on, dial to max, lights out & dial off, auto Trans drops out of drive, lights & dial back to normal & trans locks up again etc. Have been to 3 Dealers but still no fix. Engine keeps running normal. Has anyone reporting this problem found the source of cause for this problem?
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