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jsa7532
Novice
Nov 15, 2009, 8:49 AM
Post #1 of 4
(2226 views)
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03 Focus Power Surge
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2003 Ford Focus ZX3
2.0
Auto
70,000
The alternator went bad so I decided to let a shop put in a new one since they quoted $50 for labor and it is in a hard to get to place. I received the car back and everything was fine for about a week, then it went out again. I took it back to the shop. They where totally cool about putting in another alternator. When I picked up the car, they told me that the car was not seeing the alternator and it was charging at a constant 16 volts. So the shop I took it to called their place that rebuilds the alternators for them said they have the right alternator for the car. In turn they called Ford who agreed with the people who rebuilt it. After further research, I was told for this year, this model, this motor, Ford put in a Japanese voltage regulator and thats the problem with it all. So they had a special one built for my car. Now every time I have to go above 2500 RPM's, like traveling on the freeway, or accelerating hard, the electrical system surges. It affects the heater motor, interior and exterior lights.
Is this a common problem for these cars? Do I have to just deal with it?
Any suggestions would be appreciated
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 15, 2009, 12:47 PM
Post #2 of 4
(2217 views)
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Re: 03 Focus Power Surge
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jsa; This alternator is internally regulated. The voltage output should not vary to the point that it is doing. The voltage should stay in the range of 13.6-14.6V. Sure sounds like it is a regulator problem. Too low of voltage, the battery will eventually go dead. Too high of voltage will ruin the battery. With that said, a faulty battery can cause the problem you are describing. Have the battery tested, maybe even see if they will put in a loaner battery to see if changes. New alternators are now available through CarQuest and NAPA, rather than using a reman. unit. But, I'd want to make sure that the battery is thoroughly tested, first.
Loren
SW Washington
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jsa7532
Novice
Nov 16, 2009, 8:06 PM
Post #3 of 4
(2208 views)
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Re: 03 Focus Power Surge
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I will have the battery tested. FYI, I replaced the factory battery about two weeks before I had the alternator installed. I put in a Optima red top. I thought this battery is a good brand.
Thank you
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 17, 2009, 4:34 PM
Post #4 of 4
(2200 views)
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Re: 03 Focus Power Surge
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jsa; AFAIK, Optima is a good brand. But, with any manufacturer, defects are possible...I'd start by making sure that it's not the battery. Probably isn't, but worth testing just to be sure.
Loren
SW Washington
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