QuestionI have a 2002 2L Zetec Ford Focus (Im an expat. in Ottawa, Canada). I have owned the car 18 months with no problems. It has done 80 000 kilometers.
Last week while driving, the battery charge light came on. This only appears to happen when the rpm is below 1000, for example when idling. When I rev the car, the light goes out. The problem then worsened while I continued to drive it. The car suddenly had like a hiccup, because the brakes went hard, all guages on the instrument panel fell to zero, it did continue to drive the couple Km to get me home but it was rough. Coughing and spluttering like one of the sparks was missing.
So far I have replaced the plugs & battery - no joy. Ive bought an OBDII to get an error code - its reads zero - no joy. I cleaned the EGR, MAFF and PCV - still it runs rough. The symptoms now are it idles but the battery light comes on (although it doesn't cut out now!). The emmissions really smell bad like rotten eggs - very strong. There is also a lot of water leaking from the exhaust while the car warms up. Once warm, the exhaust is dry. I have actually noticed small amounts of water in the exhaust over the past few months (I hope it is not the head gasket!).
I hope you may be able to shed some light on my dilemma! Please don't hesitate to email for additional info if required. Please help!
AnswerLets take one thing at a time. The charging light seemed to start everything, you have changed the battery, was it bad? Did you check the drive belt, if thats OK THEN THE CHARGING PROBLEM HAS TO BE IN THE Alternator. Clearly, you lost electrical feed to begin with and this can cause all kinds of problems on an electronic car. The smell means it is running very lean, not enough fuel. The water is most likely just from the moist air, I doubt it is a head gasket. You first have to deal with the charging light issue, then get back to me please. REGARDS
