If the air conditioner is not properly working in your Ford Focus try and troubleshoot the problem yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised that it is an easy fix.
Look first at the graphics display on the dashboard. If it is blank, or if the air flow controls do not work properly, the problem is in the control panel. Disconnect the battery first.
Remove the trim panels on the passenger side, unscrew the four panel screws, and detach the cables from the controls. Unplug the electrical connector and remove the control panel.
Listen for the blower motor to make sure that it is running, but not overly loud. Step into the car and play with the air controls on the dashboard to make sure the blower motor is making the appropriate increases and decreases in volume.
Start the engine of the car and allow it to run while looking at the compressor. Look for obvious signs of malfunction. Touch both of the hoses attached to the compressor. The larger one should be cool, and the smaller hose should be warm but not painfully hot.
Make sure the pilot lights inside the vehicle are working and the graphics display is lit. If these are not working correctly it might be the control panel or control cables. Find the control panel in a Ford Focus by removing the trim panel surrounding the air controls.
Bring the three small control cables out from underneath the instrument panel. Unplug the cables from the back of the control panel, and unplug the electrical cable before removing it.
