After a successful 19-year run with its popular Escort model, Ford shifted gears to the Focus, a model the maker introduced in Europe in 1998. Ford eased buyers into the shift by continuing to offer the Escort alongside the focus in 2000. In 2001, Ford cut the tether on the Escort and it was gone forever. With the Focus, Ford gave buyers a more modern and aggressive look than the Escort ever had. The 2002 Focus came in a wide array of trims, ranging from its fuel sipper, the LX, to its 170-horsepower SVT model. Regardless of the style of Focus, replacing the battery is the same, straightforward process.
Open the Focus’s hood and find the square battery cover on the front driver’s side of the engine compartment. Squeeze the tab on the side of the battery cover and pull the cover from the engine compartment, exposing the battery under it.
Loosen the nut on the negative (black) battery cable end’s pinch bolt, using a combination wrench. Pull the cable end upward to remove it from the negative (-) battery terminal. Repeat this step on the positive (red) cable end to remove it from the positive (+) battery cable. If the cable ends do not pull off easily, position a battery terminal remover, so its screw part touches the battery terminal and its claws grip the underside of the cable end, then tighten the puller until the cable end pops off.
Remove the bolt securing the battery clamp to the front of the battery tray, using a ratchet, 6-inch socket extension and a socket. Pivot the battery clamp upward and away from the battery.
Gain a firm grip on the battery and pull it from the engine compartment.
Set the battery onto its tray in the engine compartment, with its terminals toward the rear of the Focus. Pivot the battery clamp back over the battery and center it between the two battery terminals. Hand-thread the battery clamp bolt and tighten it to 9 foot-pounds with a torque wrench, 6-inch socket extension and a socket.
Press the positive cable (red) end back onto the positive (+) battery terminal. Tighten the nut on the cable end’s pinch bolt to 4 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket. Repeat this step to connect the negative cable (black) end to the negative (-) terminal on the battery.
Guide the battery cover back in place over the battery and press it downward to snap it into place.
Close the Focus's hood and take the battery to a lead-acid battery recycling plant. Many parts stores take old batteries and give you money for them.
