FORD FOCUS Alternator

What causes an alternator on a Ford Focus to fail?

The following factors can trigger the breakdown:

• misuse;
• poor quality or production defect of the component;
• mechanical wear;
• corrosion;
• overheating;
• incorrect drive belt tension;
• service fluids getting in the component.

Besides, this part is sensitive to voltage surges. To prevent its failure:

• don’t let the device work if the battery is disconnected or faulty;
• avoid attaching or detaching any wires between the component and the battery when the engine is running;
• prior to performing any welding work, disengage all the cables from the part;
• check that all electrical connections between the device and the battery and metal car body part or engine block are tight and correct.

How do I know that the alternator on a Ford Focus fails?

This device is highly reliable and has a long service life. If you eliminate the first signs of malfunction right after noticing them, you can avoid replacing the unit. The following symptoms indicate a faulty component:

• the engine won’t start;
• the dashboard battery charge indicator goes on;
• the battery suddenly goes flat;
• the brightness of lights changes with changing rpm;
• sudden electrical power loss to the car’s equipment that occurs even when driving;
• strange sounds coming from the engine compartment: squealing noise due to a loose drive belt, rattling sounds caused by worn bearings or overrunning clutch, and electrical humming in case of the winding short circuit fault.

What tools do I need to replace the alternator on my Ford Focus?

To remove the component, you’ll need the following:

• 8, 10, 13, and 17 mm combination spanners or corresponding drive sockets with an extension bar and a tap wrench fitted with a ratchet;
• a slotted screwdriver;
• Torx E10 socket.