I have a 2012 Ford Focus SL bought in June 2011. Beginning the early part of November 2011 the battery went dead and we had it towed to the dealership. They checked out the battery, recharged it and said that was all. Two weeks later same thing. Dead battery. They checked out the electrical system, said it was a bad battery replaced it and three weeks later the car would not start because of a dead battery. This has happened three more times and the dealer cannot identify the problem. The battery has been replaced twice. I found on other forums this is happening to other 2012 Ford Focus as well. Are there any solutions out there?
Electrical issues non start 2012
nasoj1
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Posted via FF Mobile Hmm, very interesting, glad your problem was fixed. Also kudos to you for staying positive and not just coming on here and freaking out like a bunch of other people screaming you'll never own a Ford again.
Yes, that's what the tech's did. They disconnected a cable to the battery, put a meter in between and pulled fuses until they found the drain. However, it is not always as simple because you need a diagram of the circuit to find the drain within the circuit. I would let the Ford technicians do this although it is possible if you find a simple fix.
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1,466 Posts
Yes, it would certainly help to have the schematics and it would also help to have the troubleshooting procedure because it's likely that you need to test some things before others and do it in the correct sequence to pinpoint the problem.
Brian
Luckily for me, it was just a dead cell in the battery. Replaced battery, and it's good to go. Initially I was worried because when I jumped my car, the engine bay started smoking and my friend saw a spark from where the AC compressor is. The car only smoked when the AC was on. The mechanic was unable to duplicate that problem. Hopefully it's smooth sailing for me from now on.
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2012 Ford Focus Dead battery
I bought the car June 2012 and have had a dead battery 4 times! I have a standard and have been able to start it by popping the clutch. Today it didn't want to start and did end up turning over. Nothing was left on. My son is a mechanic and checked the alternator and it is fine, but he said the battery isn't. So frustrated! A new car shouldn't be doing this. Decided to search the internet and even more upset to see this is a common complaint from other owners and even more upset to see that Ford hasn't figured out why!
I bought the car June 2012 and have had a dead battery 4 times! I have a standard and have been able to start it by popping the clutch. Today it didn't want to start and did end up turning over. Nothing was left on. My son is a mechanic and checked the alternator and it is fine, but he said the battery isn't. So frustrated! A new car shouldn't be doing this. Decided to search the internet and even more upset to see this is a common complaint from other owners and even more upset to see that Ford hasn't figured out why!
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13,422 Posts
Well,
When people let their kids work on cars and don't bring them to the dealer for work, the number of incidents, complaints and resolutions are not properly logged/tabulated.
Perhaps if more people would take their new car in for work under warrenty, things might change quicker.
And 5-10 people complaining on the internet is nothing vs the total number of Focus's sold. By no means a problem of epidemic proportions.
When people let their kids work on cars and don't bring them to the dealer for work, the number of incidents, complaints and resolutions are not properly logged/tabulated.
Perhaps if more people would take their new car in for work under warrenty, things might change quicker.
And 5-10 people complaining on the internet is nothing vs the total number of Focus's sold. By no means a problem of epidemic proportions.
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First of all, I never said my kid worked on my car. I took it to him, because he is a mechanic and asked him to check the alternator for me.
Secondly, your post is nothing short of annoying. One of those people who think they know better than everyone else, but don't even know how to spell.
Secondly, your post is nothing short of annoying. One of those people who think they know better than everyone else, but don't even know how to spell.
itsublime2me......As your car is under warranty I think you would be wise to take the car to a dealer for troubleshooting. You may have some reason for not wanting to take it to a dealer, but you could possibly save yourself future problems and possibly help other Focus owners, and even Ford with their knowledge base.
Go easy on iminhell......he's not exactly a rank amateur here.
Go easy on iminhell......he's not exactly a rank amateur here.
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13,422 Posts
I'm more than fine with whatever people's opinions of me.
For future reference, http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/RoadsideAssistance
Every new Ford has included free roadside assistance. If you look in your owners manual there should be a card with a number to call if you're stranded again.
Your salesman should have explained all this to you. If he didn't, this may be reason why you wish not to go back to the same dealership.
Any Ford dealership can look at your car.
For future reference, http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/RoadsideAssistance
Every new Ford has included free roadside assistance. If you look in your owners manual there should be a card with a number to call if you're stranded again.
Your salesman should have explained all this to you. If he didn't, this may be reason why you wish not to go back to the same dealership.
Any Ford dealership can look at your car.
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5,898 Posts
Hi itsublime2me,
A great first step is to go to your local Ford dealership so they can inspect. Ford certified techs are in the best position to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Additionally, I'm happy to escalated your case to your region's customer service manager. Send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll do the rest.
Thanks for sharing great info and suggestions, Grumpy and iminhell!
Have a great day,
Crystal
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4 Posts
Re: Parasitic battery drain 2012.
Bought my 2012 SEL this last Tuesday from selling dealer, brought it home & parked it overnight, but on Wednesday morning, not enough "juice" to engage starter. Had it towed to servicing dealer that morning, got it back Friday afternoon. Tech discovered source of parasitic drain was light(s) in hatch area. But ... here is the strange part: drain existed at that fixture but light(s) was not illuminated ! Did not speak directly with Tech, but with service "writer", so don't have further details. Vehicle has existed in this state since initial delivery 15 months ago, and tech determined battery was became degraded, so they installed replacement bat ( I assume new ). I like my 2012 hatch, but I'm beginning to REALLY like my servicing dealer
Bought my 2012 SEL this last Tuesday from selling dealer, brought it home & parked it overnight, but on Wednesday morning, not enough "juice" to engage starter. Had it towed to servicing dealer that morning, got it back Friday afternoon. Tech discovered source of parasitic drain was light(s) in hatch area. But ... here is the strange part: drain existed at that fixture but light(s) was not illuminated ! Did not speak directly with Tech, but with service "writer", so don't have further details. Vehicle has existed in this state since initial delivery 15 months ago, and tech determined battery was became degraded, so they installed replacement bat ( I assume new ). I like my 2012 hatch, but I'm beginning to REALLY like my servicing dealer
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3 Posts
Same issue, but out of warranty period
I am having the same issues with my car. It "died" about 3 months ago, 3 days in a row, and we bought a new battery for it. I haven't driven the car in about 4 days or so, and I went out today and TADA!! Dead Battery. I bought my car in May of 2011 when they first came out, and had a few problems then, but since then nothing until the battery issue I am having now, and it is out of the warranty period. How can I go to the dealership and let them know what is happening without being charged? Since this is a widespread problem, shouldn't they check it out without charging me to check it out and fix the problem?
Any help would be appreciated.
I am going to call customer service in the morning and request a case number so this can be documented in their system because my dealership in Mesquite, TX is not the best at customer service, nor are they great with service records.
Thanks!
I am having the same issues with my car. It "died" about 3 months ago, 3 days in a row, and we bought a new battery for it. I haven't driven the car in about 4 days or so, and I went out today and TADA!! Dead Battery. I bought my car in May of 2011 when they first came out, and had a few problems then, but since then nothing until the battery issue I am having now, and it is out of the warranty period. How can I go to the dealership and let them know what is happening without being charged? Since this is a widespread problem, shouldn't they check it out without charging me to check it out and fix the problem?
Any help would be appreciated.
I am going to call customer service in the morning and request a case number so this can be documented in their system because my dealership in Mesquite, TX is not the best at customer service, nor are they great with service records.
Thanks!
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5,898 Posts
Hi Ravensunset,
I want to touch base with you and see how things are going with your Focus. If you need any assistance, feel free to send me a PM with your info (VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name) and I'll see how I can help.
Crystal
I too am having similar issues. Starting about two weeks ago, the car would lag when I'd turn the key to start. I would have to turn the key to the on position and wait, similar to letting a glow plug heat up, prior to starting. The other day the would not turn over at all, called roadside support, got a jump and took the car to the dealership. They replaced the battery and the car is still not starting. Just wanted to post so that another case is documented. My car is currently in the show with the fuse box and side panel pulled apart.
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5,898 Posts
Hey cbadq3 & Kenmend,
I'd like to put you in touch with your regional customer service managers, who'll work with your dealer directly. Please send me a PM with your full name, daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership.
We'll go from there.
Todd
What I had was a parasitic battery drain. It was finally fixed but they had to trace all the circuits in the car to find it. A quite laborious process. Basically it was an electrical short that kept the whatever it was on after the car was shut off.
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