Ford Focus Zetec Climate '05 55 - Trade In Problem Before Picking Up New Car

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Mon 5 Dec 2011 20:51
Ford Focus Zetec Climate '05 55 - Trade In Problem Before Picking Up New Car - Benniuk

Hi Guys,

I have a bit of a moral dilemma here. I've just agreed a decent trade in price of my Focus for a newer used car. It was an honest deal and the garage I bought my new car off were very accomodating, so much so that I want to get the car I bought from them serviced there for the rest of its life.

My problem is, as sods law dictates, that as I was driving home in my "old" car, the check engine light came on, and has stayed on. There is no difference in the way it drives or performs so I hope its nothing major. Its also not long had a new alternator and battery (about 2k miles ago) so I know it cant be that. I did tell the dealer that the car had had some problems earlier in its life (core plugs, leaky windscreen washers onto the HT leads) when I first bought it, and showed all receipts since.He checked it visually and started the car before we did the deal (no engine light came on, as it hasnt done since the alternator change), asked about servicing and I showed him the book.

We did the deal (I got £2,895 against parkers £3,047) and then as soon as I left the damn light came on!!

Now am I best to tell him about this or just plead ignorance? If the car had waited another week I'd have been none the wiser (i'm convinced its done it on purpose cos it knows its going). I'm convinced that if I tell the dealer that he's gonna think I've been having him on all along. I have thought about going to my regular mechanic to see what he can do, but in all honesty I'd be tempted to ask him to patch it and that would make me feel even more guilty.

I'd be grateful to hear any thoughts.

Many Thanks

Ben

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Tue 6 Dec 2011 17:04
Ford Focus Zetec Climate '05 55 - Trade In Problem Before Picking Up New Car - MikeTorque

Have you checked if there is a diagnostic code flagged ?

Follow the instructions via the line below (Mondeo and Focus are the same) to get to diagnostics :

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=27098&m=278190

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Thu 8 Dec 2011 13:06
Ford Focus Zetec Climate '05 55 - Trade In Problem Before Picking Up New Car - Benniuk

Hi Mike,

Checked the readouts using the Key in Ignition thing, however it didnt throw up any DTC #. There was some flickering between letters an numbers on the rest of the readouts though.

I took it to my usual garage and they got it on the machine for me. Apparently it was a problem with the Mass Airflow Sensor. They cleared the codes and we are waiting to see if it comes back on. So far (after 35 miles) it hasn't come back on, and my garage told me that it could be anything from a dirty or damp MAS to a failed one, however if it was failed the light would've come straight back on. They cant strip the sensor and find out as its attached to the throttle body and (apparently) according to Ford, the entire unit must be replaced and not stripped, making it an expensive process if it is just damp or dirty.

Still not sure whether to disclose this to the garage I bought the new car off; they did check it over themselves before we discussed prices etc and the car runs absolutely fine..

Ben

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Thu 8 Dec 2011 13:10
Ford Focus Zetec Climate '05 55 - Trade In Problem Before Picking Up New Car - Mike H

As long as you are sure he's revealed all the faults, existing and hidden, in the car you are buying, then yes, it's morally correct to tell him about yours ;-)

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