2012 Focus problem HELP !

[FF4]

could be a loose ground connection on the battery, or like you mentioned the alternator failed. Have you had any recent work done on the car or ever had the battery disconnected?

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by Some Guy From NY

Strange. If it was a bad battery or bad alternator I don't see why that would cause the transmission to overheat...

The OP stated that the power steering stopped working, a bunch of warning lights illuminated, and the car will not start.

Considering all of the problems (which are related to the electrical system), the transmission warning message (or any other warning message) should not be trusted.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by FF4

could be a loose ground connection on the battery, or like you mentioned the alternator failed. Have you had any recent work done on the car or ever had the battery disconnected?

The alternator is "smart" as it is controlled by the BCM. If the alternator failed, there should simply be a warning light or message first.

I would agree that a loose battery ground (or bad battery that appears as a high impedance to the electrical system) are likely culprits.

[misfire]

CALL 1-800-241-3673 for Ford Roadside Assistance. They will tow it to your local Ford Dealership for FREE and they can diagnose it for you. I'd start with that instead of coming here to just wind up with guesses. let us know what the Dealership finds!

[dan50]

Originally Posted by carlie

I really don't think it's the battery though. All of the lights are still working in the car and everything. I guess the dealership will tell me tomorrow. I hope they know what they are doing. Only one focus on the lot and mostly used cars it seems like such a tiny dealership.

A battery can have enough voltage to illuminate lights but not enough to run other electrical systems in the car, so it's still a likely culprit. Good luck and please let us know how this turns out.

[PDQEagle]

if it's cranking, there isn't a battery problem. What does "it won't start' mean

[carlie]

It was the alternator ! The dealership said they won't know if anything else is wrong with it until they replace it.

[Cam2012SE]

That makes sense. Lose electrical power from the alternator and you will loose steering. It is electric. Hope they fix it quickly for you. Good luck!

[whynotthinkwhynot]

You, and everyone else reading this, should write down that number Misfire gave you. It's very important for anyone who has a car under warranty. I have towing built into my car's insurance, however, this is a tow that they won't have to handle because Ford will pay for it under the warranty.

1800 241 3673 or 1800 241 FORD