ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem

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Sun 19 Sep 2021 19:43
ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem - rhodi

Self and wife help in caring for neighbour. Her car, serviced to date, has developed a fault which drains battery completely in a few seconds. Main ford dealer services always but now closed locally. Battery replaced with Halfords who changed it after a few months as thought it had "failed" and replaced on warranty. Problem continues and AA called to start 5/6 times. Their check seemed to reveal the dumping of virtually all power within few seconds. Have brought it to our local, very experienced garage (originally estab 1933 still going strong) (escorted by AA in case of breakdown) cannot find fault after all checks and using auto electrician. Neighbour drives 350 to 400 miles per year and for a time started and left to run for 20 mins every 2nd day which worked initially but not now. Does this make sense? Any advice? Neighbour is 84 and wants to hold onto independence for while longer. Should I consider:

A. Taking to nearest Ford main dealer about 25 miles away? Would they be able to help with Ford technical services?

B. Mileage 30200 only. Any ideas about disposal?

Any thoughts or advice on what next and many thanks in advance for any suggestions. John

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Sun 19 Sep 2021 20:13
ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem - elekie&a/c doctor
For a battery to dump all its power within a few seconds , something must be getting extremely hot or it’s on fire . Can’t see that being the problem. Has anyone actually checked how much power is being drawn ?
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Sun 19 Sep 2021 20:25
ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem - rhodi

i was there when AA came last and Technican expressed surprise at what he was finding. Alternator working ok but power disappearing. Was able to start with his equipment. He briefed garage on finding and escorted me there as he feared a further breakdown. I will check tomorrow about power drawn but have been told that every test possible has been carried out. Im a non expert Im afraid

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Sun 19 Sep 2021 21:03
ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem - elekie&a/c doctor
A faulty alternator would certainly cause a battery drain , but would probably take a couple of hours , not minutes. Find a tech that has a thermal imaging camera . This should identify any unwanted heat source.
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Sun 19 Sep 2021 21:21
ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem - rhodi

Thanks for suggestion and will attempt to sort out tomorrow

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Mon 20 Sep 2021 08:51
ford focus 1.6 petrol auto 2011 - battery problem - rhodi

Camera used but still nothing found. Garage will retain until this thursday for further checks but need to draw a line then if nothing found. Will then see what is best going forward!

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