FORD FOCUS C-MAX: Questions and answers

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

My Ford Focus C-MAX runs fine, but when doing about 70mph on the motorway and going up a hill the car won’t pull and slowly loses power. When I get to the top of the hill it starts to pull again. Can anyone help with this problem? Thanks. (1 .6 tdci)

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

What causes the temperature gauge and the fuel gauge on my Ford Focus C-MAX to read higher than normal both at the same time and then read normal again? Has anyone else had this problem?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

I bought my Ford Focus C-Max diesel last week. So far we haven’t seen the glow plug light on the dashboard. Is there one and does anyone know how we set the clock on the radio? (Ford 6000CD).

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

My Ford Focus C-MAX has lost power and it will only go up to 3000 revs. Does anyone have any suggestions? (1600tdci)

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Hi there, since the battery went flat and having to jump start the car, the radio (audio only) will not work, although all the digital displays still work no sound comes out. Do you have any advice about how to sort? Thank you.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Hi. Recently the oil pressure warning light came on. I have checked the oil and it is at the correct level. I took my Ford Focus C-MAX to a Ford dealer for a diagnosis check, which they didn’t carry out as they advised that the light was to indicate the car needs a service. They then tried to sell me a £300 service! Is this true? Its the first time I’ve had a Ford but I would be surprised if the oil pressure warning light also served as a proxy for the service interval notification. Thanks. (1.8)

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

When starting my Ford Focus C-MAX the lights flicker. So I changed the battery and it stopped for a bit but it’s now back as this happened before and what can I do next?

Answers

Get the alternator tested - Martin Jones from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2007

Hi, I really like the 2-litre Focus C-MAX automatic petrol but it will mean upgrading from a 1.8-litre diesel. Will it sting me in petrol cost?

Answers

More than likely especially being auto - Martin Jones from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Either of my keys won’t open my Ford Focus C-MAX’s bonnet to give me access to the engine. The first turn to the left doesn’t release the first part to slightly open. I’ve tried WD40 without any difference. What can I do?

Answers

Sounds like the Bowden cable between the barrell and latch has come loose try giving the key a firm push into the lock to see if it will push back in. If it won’t then it’s a new lock barrell and a new grill as the only way in is to smash the grill open - Stu from England

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Could someone please tell me where the rear wiper motor relay is located on a 2005 Ford Focus C-MAX? The rear wiper is not returning to the park position, was told this could be the problem, thanks.

Answers

The control of the rear wiper is done through the GEM (generic control module) which contols many functions on these vehicles, if the wiper is failing to park it could possibly be the wiper switch itself as the contol unit takes it input from this. However before going out and buying new parts, take the car to a decent mechanic with something like a snap-on scanner and check for a trouble code in the GEM, as it will normally flag the problem. Hope this helps - Steve Chamberlain from Nottinghamshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2008

With all the recent rain I have had water dripping onto my accelerator foot as I drive and the carpets have become very wet/saturated and are beginning to smell. Has anybody any ideas as to how the water might be getting in. Perhaps a blocked drainage hole!? Thank you. (Zetec)

Answers

Could well be the windscreen seal is leaking if it is the only cure is cutting it out as they are bonded, can’t guarantee screen won’t crack in doing so - Martin Jones from Essex

I am sure I just read on honestjohn.co.uk that there is a recall on this because the leak is through the wiper holes or something and worse still, it’s buggering up the car’s electrics, let alone the carpet. Hope this helps - Kaz C from England

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Engine starts but ignition light, ABS light and steering assistance warning displays come on. Switch engine off and it will not start. Wait a 1/2 hour and it will start again. Has anyone else experienced it? (Diesel)

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Can anyone help me? My heater stopped working on my Ford Focus C-MAX tdi. I have checked the fuses etc... but I think the heater motor has broken. I’m not sure where the motor is or how to change it - can anyone advise?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

WEIRD MALFUNCTIONS???!!! I went out to the car tonight because the alarm was going off only to find the wipers stuttering backwards and forwards and the headlights and indicators flashing.... no keys in ignition...?? I had to disconnect the battery as even disconnecting the wiring didn’t stop it? I have a bad problem with mice? Have they possibly chewed through a wire? Any ideas? (1.6tdci)

Answers

No answer I’m afraid but my 2005 Ford Focus Zetec did exactly the same at 5am this morning. I had to disconnect the battery. Did you get it sorted? - Gil Ward from Devon

I have a 2005 C-Max and have suffered the same problem. Is there any possibility that the problem could have occured shortly after heavy rain or after ploughing through a reasonably deep puddle? My thought is that there must be a relay or fusebox that isn’t particularly well sealed. The water across electrical contacts is a definite recipe for disaster. My only ’solution’ for me was to disconnect the battery every time I stopped. Keep an eye on the wipers and when they stop moving by themselves, proves that the relay box has dried out due to engine temperature. Hope ths helps - Alan Butcher from Kent

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Can anyone tell me how to adjust the time on my Focus C-MAX?

Answers

This may help. I have just picked up my (newish) 2005-max today and this was the first thing I did when I left the garage. Press the menu bar and scroll through until you get to the change time mode. Then you will see the first part of the time flashing. Just rotate the volume dial and either increase the numbers or rotate the other way to decrease the time. Then it’s set - Bev Saxton from Suffolk

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

Loss of power when driving with engine system fault and orange engine light on. Any ideas?

Answers

Had this on my Mondeo 2002 plate. Mill light and loss of power. Diagnostics said it was the EGR valve. I replace this and power was restored. No more having to over rev when pulling off to stop if from stalling and diags kit cleared the fault codes - James from Berkshire

Could be a number of things, you will have to get it code read - Martin Jones from Essex

I had/have the same problem! I changed ecg, egr, maf sensor, just had to get new turbo as prev was knackered, but still doing it! Apparently, it could be a tear in the turbo hose - A Gadsden from Perthshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Where is the washer motor fuse on a Ford Focus C-MAX and what number reference is it? (TDCi)

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Hi, my 2004 1.8 C-Max Zetec has been stood for 4 days. I came to start it today and had problems. I had to put the accelarator pedal right to the floor before it would start. This has happened a few times before - any suggestions please? Cheers.

Answers

Battery - James from Berkshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Hi, My C-Max’s automatic choke has started to get stuck on but it doesn’t happen all the time, any ideas?

Answers

Chokes are only part of car engines that run on carburettors, since the days of fuel injection they are no longer required - Matthew Wilson from Worcestershire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

Hi, can anyone confirm at what mileage, or year, the cambelt on my Focus C-MAX Zetec will need changing? Thanks!

Answers

If it’s a petrol engine, Ford’s guide is 10 years or 100,000 miles! I recommend 70,000 miles max. You must replace the tensioner as well - Martin Jones from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

I have a small but annoying problem why my 1.6-litre Ford Focus C-MAX TDI GHIA diesel. When driving between 1200 -1600 rpm I seem to get an instant loss of power for less than 1/2 a second. All the lights remain on abd no warning lights are showing - so it seems not an electrical problem. Can you help?

Answers

Me too! MAF sensor apparently or EGR valve?! I had both changed but still doing it! Maybe turbo? - A Gadsden from Perthshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Where could I find the oil pressure gauge connection on a Ford Focus C-Max 1.6-litre petrol engine? Thank you.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

My son-in-law suddenly found he could only drive his Ford Focus C-MAX in 3rd gear. The garage found that the gear box casing had broken up. He was told this was a fault of this model and charged £400 to fix it . Has anyone else had this problem? Was an alert ever sent out warning this could happen?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

I have white smoke coming from the exhaust of my Focus C-Max. Can anyone tell what could be causing this?

Answers

Sounds like the head gasket, you are burning coolant - Martin Jones from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

I have a problem with my left hand indicator in that it works intermittently but when I switch on the headlamps it rectifies the problem. Does anybody have any ideas?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

I have put £10 of petrol in and drove about 10 miles and now it will not start, do you think the damage is done or can it be fixed?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2007

Hi, can anyone tell me why the fuel consumption is worse on a euro 4 model than its previous model. What is the difference? Can this be rechipped or the likes? Thanks. (2.0 tdci ghia euro 4)

Ford Focus C-MAX 2008

Hi. The ESP icon is illuminated on the dashboard. How can we get rid of this without incurring a hefty bill?

Answers

You should check on the menu screen on the dash that you haven’t inadvertantly turned it off, which is possible. Press menu button and scroll through to ESP and turn back on, although on is the default setting once the car has been restarted. If the light still stays on, diagnostic equipment will have to be put on your car to tell you the problem - Martin Jones from Essex

I agree the button switch could have been knocked but also check that the switch is not faulty. Just push it on and off slowly several times, you will feel a slight click sharper than usual. The worst case is that the five pole switching relay is stuck. Get somebody to switch it on and off, you listen to the fuse box then near the right of the steering wheel listen for clicking it will not be loud but you will hear it good luck always an easy fix - Pauly Milburn from Yorkshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

I have a 2006 C-Max 1.8 tdi. After three years, the battery went it had only done 20k then the air con pulley fell off and now the alternator has packed up with no warning. It burnt the battery out and came to full stop. Good job we were only in a car park and not on the motorway. Has anybody had alternator problems?

Answers

Hi Tony, I am not a happy bunny. My Ford Focus C-Max Ghia 2006 with 29,000 on the clock wouldn’t start yesterday. I towed it to my local garage, battery burnt out and alternator is kaputt. Also because the engine wouldn’t start on four differtent batteries, the hand brake wouldn’t release. I tried the cable in centre glove box black handle broke off, car on side of road with handbrake stuck on! This car is now up for sale - Susan from Staffordshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2008

Does anybody know if Ford has a technical upgrade for turbo lag in low gears? I feel mine is very sluggish.

Answers

Hi, Ford will not help save your money. Very simply look at the arm connected to the turbo, adjust this one and a half turns inward carefully using good WD40 or GT85 penetrating oil. Always mark with tipex or a dot of paint. Told you, simply done - Pauly Milburn from Yorkshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

My fuel light comes on when I have still got a quarter of a tank. Can anyone help?

Answers

Your problem is your connection to the fuel tank sender. The second wire is touching the earth. DIY job easy - Pauly Milburn from Yorkshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2007

Is failure with the ball joint on front steering a common fault with the car?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Whenever I turn off the ignition, there is a noise like an electric motor running. It stops after a few seconds but does anyone have any thoughts on what is causing this annoying problem please?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

What does Zetec stand for?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2008

My 1.8 Zetec engine is very noisy when starting from cold. Does anyone else experience this?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

The radio automatically changes to PHONE setting, which comes up on the display and no button pushing or button holding for the Radio/Aux/CD or function seems to work. It takes until the next day for the radio to return? Anyone have any ideas how to rectify this?

Answers

I have an 09 Focus were the CD player would cut off then turn itself back on to radio frequently when driving. I took it to Ford and they put their diagnostics on the car and they fitted a new stereo, said it was fault. Luckily car still under warranty, could be your unit is faulty too. I think Ford have problems with there stereos, if made by Visteon - Martin Jones from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Hi, four weeks ago my car went into the garage to have work done on it. The problem I was having was the car became quite sluggish and when I was coming to a junction the engine would begin to rev. When they examined it they said it wouldn’t be a quick fix as they were going have to take the manifold apart to replace the split air pipe, something which was connected with the accelerator. After a couple of days I got it back cost about £200 I think??!! Then shortly after that I then was experiencing more problems. My boot would keep clicking unlocking by iteslf as I’m driving, then my seatbelt would start beeping saying I haven’t go it on??!! 4 weeks later as I’m driving along I started to hear a whirring sound, the following day it was a knocking sound, this would only happen when I accelerated. I took it to the garage and they said to bring it in. They could only look at it in a few days time... The following day my husband was driving and it went into system failure and completely cut out. After investigation by the garage it now requires a new engine!!!! My worry is because this noise was connected to the accelarator again... Could it be something they have done when fixing the previous problem? I think a bearing deep in the engine had blown off and blown a hole in the engine somewhere?? PLEASE HELP!!!

Answers

It sounds like your big end bearing has gone, you could get it fixed but that means a total engine rebuild and it would be cheaper to buy a new one, it would cost the garage a lot of time and money to cause this problem so the chances of them doing this are very slim, I would check any breakers yards around you for an engine as it would be a lot cheaper than buying a new one - Jamie Spure from Carmarthenshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2008

Until this November my fuel consumption has averaged 51 mpg. Since a service it has dropped to about 45mpg. I took it back to the garage, they told me that there was nothing wrong. Anybody experienced anything similar? (C-max Zetec td 109)

Answers

Had the same problem. The injector seals were leaking (second time) and the egr sensor was dirty and, in fact, replaced. The seal problem does seem to recur and I doubt this will be the last time it happens - John Collins from England

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

My C-Max will start at times but there’s an intermittent clicking sound from the dash and the headlights flicker before it fires up. At times it doesn’t start at all. Can you help?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

What petrol consumption can I expect from my 2000cc auto?

Answers

Imperial Urban (cold) - 25.2; Imperial Extra Urban - 45.6; Imperial Combined - 35.3. Focus C-Max, Model Year - Post 2009¼ - 2.0 Duratec (145PS), automatic transmission - RoadTestReports.co.uk

I have a 2007 auto and I get 30 mpg urban and 41 mpg motorway - Jeremy Taylor from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Very occasionally I get a warning that there is a fault in the engine management system. This coincides with travelling up-hill. If I stop and then re-start the engine, the fault notice disappears and the car has full power once again. My local garage can’t identify the fault. The turbo has been replaced this year and they have checked the computer. Their last suggestion was that I needed a new battery as the existing one is 5 years old, however the car starts immediately and the warning came on this week on a bright sunny afternoon, with no ancillary equipment being used, after the car had been running at high speed for best part on 30 minutes. Have you any suggestions please? (Diesel 1.6)

Answers

Mass air flow sensor going out of limits, intermittent fault and will also require latest software upgrade for PCM that only a main dealer can do - Gary Johnson from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

I have a Ford C_MAX 1.8 LX. It sometimes has a bit of bad starting problem and also, at between 60 and 70 miles per hour, it judders and is very sluggish. Can you help me please?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

My 2 litre diesel has an intermittent fault of a miss fire and sometimes the engine management system kicks in and goes into limp mode and sometimes it doesn’t. Been to three main dealers and they can’t solve the problem. Can anybody help?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Sudden loss of power whilst driving on hilly roads and unable to rev above 3,000. The car has been OK when allowed to cool whilst walking around town. No indicated faults - it has 16k on the clock. Any ideas? (1.6 TDCi)

Answers

See the Honest John website. C-MAX owners for 04 period onwards have experienced similar problems - it appears that their is a manufacture issue which Ford will resist owning up to - Geof from Bedfordshire