Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Ford / Ford Focus / July 2008

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Please help - 2003 Ford Focus

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Richie - 07 Jun 2008 01:22 GMT
I have a 2003 Ford Focus and as many people have described my heater
switch only works on 1 setting. I have tried changing the heater
resister but I am now on my 3rd in 12 mths and even this one has gone
duff too. I am at the end of my tether. Obviously there is an under
lying problem. Any ideas?? Could it be the air-con? There is a really
bad smell of burning just before it gives out. Please help o I wll
have to take out shares in resisters :?

Signature

Posted at author's request, using moderated http://www.AutoForumz.com interface
Thread archive: http://www.AutoForumz.com/help-ftopict228861.html

Paul Giverin - 07 Jun 2008 06:43 GMT
>I have a 2003 Ford Focus and as many people have described my heater
>switch only works on 1 setting. I have tried changing the heater
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>bad smell of burning just before it gives out. Please help o I wll
>have to take out shares in resisters :?

The underlying problem is probably a blocked pollen filter. The airflow
through the pollen filter cools the resistor pack. When the filter gets
blocked the resistor pack overheats.

Signature

Paul Giverin

British Jet Engine Website:-    www.britjet.co.uk

My photos:-  www.pbase.com/vendee

Alan - 07 Jun 2008 08:08 GMT
>I have a 2003 Ford Focus and as many people have described my heater
>switch only works on 1 setting. I have tried changing the heater
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>bad smell of burning just before it gives out. Please help o I wll
>have to take out shares in resisters :?

First, it's nothing to do with the Air Conditioning.

The circuit for the blower is relatively simple. On the fast setting the
fan is straight across the 12V from the battery. On the slower setting a
set of resistors lowers this voltage. A thermal fuse protects these
resistors (stopping them catching fire) and it is this thermal fuse that
goes.

Circuit and photographs at:
http://www.amac.f2s.com/Focus1/

As the resistors are getting too hot possible causes could be:

i) There is some obstruction in the air flow and/or the pollen filter is
blocked.

2) Water has entered, via the pollen filter/air intake, and the motor
shaft has become rusty and the motor is binding on its bearings.

3) Duff fan motor.

The pollen/cabin filter cover on the early Focus is on the passenger
side at the bottom of the windscreen (the seal to the windscreen is part
of the cover). To save costs, on some models Ford didn't actually fit a
filter element but the holder is still there as it is also the air
intake to the inside of the car.  If no filter is fitted check for any
rubbish that may have entered the air intake.

Be aware that that is not uncommon for an incorrectly fitted cover to
allow (rain) water to fill up the passenger foot well.  When I removed
the cover from my Focus pollen filter one of the plastic clips broke :(
I also had to use some rubber sealer on the bit that attaches to the
windscreen.

For motor problems you will have to remove the fan assembly. If the
problem is a rusty shaft, and if you can get to the bearings, a few
drops of oil may be all that is required. Don't use something like WD40!
Use a decent thicker oil engine oil and apply one or two drops, using
the dipstick,  to each of the bearings. Make sure that the fan spins
fairly freely before re-installing.
Signature

Alan
news2006 {at} amac {dot} f2s {dot} com

Richie - 07 Jul 2008 08:22 GMT
Hey thanks guys thats a GREAT HELP :)  ! At least now I might get to
resolve the problem. Will keep you posted but thanks. I live in
Scotland and we need the heater over here  :lol

> I have a 2003 Ford Focus and as many people have described my
> heater switch only works on 1 setting. I have tried changing
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> shares in resisters :?
> [color=darkred:bb32ab62cf][/color:bb32ab62cf]
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2009 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.