Batteries for Ford Focus cars typically last between 3-5 years, although this can vary based on weather conditions, driving habits, and the type of battery. When your battery is losing charge, the check engine light will illuminate.
It’s still important to remember that just because your battery isn’t dead doesn’t necessarily mean it’s functioning optimally. Leaving your battery unchecked can put pressure on your Ford Focus alternator or starter when it isn’t running at peak efficiency.
You may have a loose connection if you notice the battery light flashing on and off. The alternator might have a problem, or the terminals could be damaged. It is still a good idea to troubleshoot this issue to see what is causing it.
Ford Focus Battery Light: What Does It Mean?
Ford Focus battery lights indicate that the battery is not charged. There could be a problem with the battery, so it no longer wants to charge.
The battery could have also been drained overnight if the lights had been left on overnight. To start it, you will need to jump-start the battery.
In addition, your alternator may malfunction, which will prevent the battery from charging. When left alone, the battery may drain and become dead.
It is important to address this problem as soon as you can. Otherwise, you can expect to pay about 110 to 130 dollars for a new battery, and about 400 dollars for a new alternator.
Troubleshooting Your Ford Focus Battery Light
Here’s what you need to know about your car battery light! This could indicate that the battery needs to be replaced. In addition, corrosion and lose clamps can also trigger the light.
To troubleshoot the battery yourself, consult your owner’s manual and follow the steps below. Wear some gloves to protect your hands.
Make Sure The Battery Terminals Are Clean
It could be that your car battery light is on because you have noticed significant corrosion or grime around your battery terminals.
With a bit of elbow grease and some common household items, you can easily clean your battery terminals.
Give the terminals a good scrub after removing the covers, disconnecting the cables, and scrubbing them well.
Make Sure There Is No Corrosion
It is common for fumes from regular vehicle operations to cause corrosion on the battery terminals of some vehicles, especially throughout the summer and in regions that are warm all year round.
Make sure the terminals on the top of your battery are free of corrosion by removing any covers. If you see something white or green around the terminals or on top of the battery, you have corrosion.
Despite battery corrosion being common, it can interfere with your car’s ability to conduct electricity. You shouldn’t touch corrosion on batteries with your bare hands since it could irritate your skin.
Make Sure The Cable Clamps Are Tight
It is sometimes caused by a weak connection between your battery and the cables that connect to it that a car battery light comes on. Check that the battery clamps are securely fastened to the battery terminals while you have the hood open.
The clamps should be tight around the terminals if they are loose. Use a small wrench or pliers to tighten them. To find out specific instructions for your make/model of vehicle, consult your owner’s manual.
Diagnosing the Battery Light on a Ford Focus
The alternator in your Focus can be diagnosed pretty quickly at home. Again, voltage meters are an excellent place to start.
Performing A Voltage Test
- You should first purchase a decent multimeter. Then, test your Focus alternator with a multimeter to see if it’s working.
- Put the multimeter in voltage reading mode. The voltage should be set to 20V DC.
- The negative side of the meter needs to be connected to the negative battery post or wire when the Focus is off.
- The positive side of the voltmeter should be connected to the battery’s positive wire.
- Your reading should be between 12.0 volts and 12.6 volts when the engine is off.
- You’re ready to turn the engine on now that you have a baseline. Do not turn on the air conditioner, headlights, or any other accessories.
- A voltage of over 14.2 volts should be obtained after starting the engine. A 14.2 or higher voltage indicates a fully charged alternator.
- It’s time to replace your alternator if it’s still in the 12’s.
- You may want to take it into a parts store for testing if it produces a voltage level of 13 or higher.
- There’s probably something wrong with it.
- Rerun the same test after turning on the headlights, the air conditioner, the radio, and any other accessory you can think of, assuming the alternator produced over 14 volts.
- A voltage drops back into the 12s is a very strong indicator that your Focus’s alternator needs to be replaced. You should still have it tested but be prepared to replace it if it fails.
What Are The Signs That Your Ford Focus Battery Needs To Be Replaced?
If your car is slow to start after turning the key, or if your battery cables and connectors show heavy corrosion, you probably have a bad Ford Focus battery.
If you turn the key and the car doesn’t start, you may hear a clicking sound. The following are all signs that your Ford Focus’ battery is failing.
Depending on the battery capacity, your Focus will operate for a short while on its own. In the event of a bad alternator, you will be left stranded. You should have your battery tested if your battery light comes on while you are driving.
Diagnose With An OBD2 Scanner
A fault diagnosis can provide information regarding where the problem is located in Ford Focus is equipped with onboard diagnostics (OBD).
Using the diagnostic tool on your Focus will enable you to begin troubleshooting. Under the dashboard, you can find the OBDII connector. Turn on the ignition while the tool is connected. In most diagnostic devices, the vehicle’s information is requested.
The search results may be inaccurate if you do not enter this 100% correctly. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must also be entered along with the make, model, and engine type of the vehicle.
The scanner will be able to provide more accurate information about your Focus if you enter more details about it. Some OBD codes are manufacturer specific.
Ford Focus Battery Replacement
Batteries have become increasingly difficult to replace, especially in vehicles with shrinking hoods to improve performance. It is, therefore, difficult to access some batteries because of this.
The location of the battery in your Ford Focus can be found in the owner’s manual. There have been instances where batteries have been found under the floorboard or in the trunk, but this is extremely rare.
The Bottom Line
It is safe to say that you should be able to get 3 to 5 years of battery life from your Ford Focus. However, the battery’s life depends greatly on the type, the climate, and the driving you do.
It doesn’t mean your battery is operating at its optimal levels just because it’s not completely dead. Therefore, your battery must be inspected every time you have your vehicle serviced.
An important part of this process is inspecting the battery and the battery cables. When your Ford Focus battery isn’t functioning optimally, your alternator or starter can be under pressure to increase power if you leave it unchecked.
You can make your engine run outside ideal conditions if you draw excessive power to compensate for the battery loss. Ultimately, you’re going to have to spend more money on this. Therefore, a near-perfect Ford battery is essential.
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