Focus Fuel Pump Issue

Has anyone heard anything on this?
Apparently the Focus has a problematic fuel pump, which I found out to my suprise yesterday....not to mention horror....

I had been seeing occasional drops in fuel pressure on the ZX3, so I checked the line pressure in my friends shop, it showed the fuel pump was not maintaining constant pressure.

I contacted my Ford dealer and they said I would need to replace the fuel pump soon, and then went on to explain that this is not an uncommon issue and Ford are aware of it but have not seen fit to issue a recall yet? WTF?? They know they have bad fuel pumps and yet won't issue a recall?

I thought I would post this here and see if anyone else can testify to this, since I plan on taking on Ford on this one!

Please don't bother posting if you can't post an answer or something constructive, I don't care who likes Ford and who doesn't, I want to see if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks.

What are the symptoms? I've got a problem with something that feels like a hesitation around 2,000 RPM. Especially in 4th gear. It only occurs with constant speed and goes away if I speed up or slow down. I actually came to this forum to see if anyone knows what could be the problem. I also feel an occasional light "thud" while idling.

Originally posted by letemsmoke
What are the symptoms? I've got a problem with something that feels like a hesitation around 2,000 RPM. Especially in 4th gear. It only occurs with constant speed and goes away if I speed up or slow down. I actually came to this forum to see if anyone knows what could be the problem. I also feel an occasional light "thud" while idling.

Those are the early symptoms.....similar to a dirty fuel line or getting some dirty fuel through the engine, but it will slowly get worse over the next month.
I started getting this about a month ago and just thought I had some bad fuel, but it got worse and worse so I was about to get my fuel filter changed, except it was too late by then.
If you leave it, you will find that anything below 2000rpm and your engine will just want to die on you.....
I recommend you take the car to a garage and get it checked, the one thing is a fluctuating fuel line pressure as well.....

This has really left a bitter taste in my mouth, driving a 2001 model and already having the fuel pump die is a joke, I have started shopping for another car, of a different make.

Ray

Thanks for the warning. I will get it checked out soon. Do you know how much a fuel pump goes for?

Originally posted by freakray
I contacted my Ford dealer and they said I would need to replace the fuel pump soon, and then went on to explain that this is not an uncommon issue and Ford are aware of it but have not seen fit to issue a recall yet? WTF?? They know they have bad fuel pumps and yet won't issue a recall?
You reminded me of a quote from one of my favorite movies:
http://us.imdb.com/Quotes?0137523
Narrator: A new car built by my company leaves somewhere traveling at 60 mph. The rear differential locks up. The car crashes and burns with everyone trapped inside. Now, should we initiate a recall? Take the number of vehicles in the field, A, multiply by the probable rate of failure, B, multiply by the average out-of-court settlement, C. A times B times C equals X. If X is less than the cost of a recall, we don't do one.
Business woman on plane: Are there a lot of these kinds of accidents?
Narrator: You wouldn't believe.
Business woman on plane: Which car company do you work for?
Narrator: A major one.

Too bad it seems true... :( Be careful!

Originally posted by letemsmoke
Thanks for the warning. I will get it checked out soon. Do you know how much a fuel pump goes for?

The fuel pump cost $242 and the fuel filter cost $16.
The labor will drive it up too, as they have to remove the whole gas tank to replace the pump.
My total came to $440 all done.

I hope this saves you the annoyance and inconvenience I had.

Ray

Originally posted by jay@af


Too bad it seems true... :( Be careful!

Thanks Jay, really good news ;)

It is ironic that a similar thing happened to my friend in his BMW 316i, except he saved the wreck and only trashed the rear axle assmebly and obviously tires.....BMW replaced it all.....

Ray

They do have inline fuel pumps! Much better than stock. Are you boosted or modded in any way?

Originally posted by CougarSVT
They do have inline fuel pumps! Much better than stock. Are you boosted or modded in any way?

Don't intend on having the Focus long enough to warrant any mods myself, the car is not worth keeping....already!!

My Ford Focus is only 1 year old and already replacing a fuel pump, which I've been told is not under warranty because of 'environmental' conditions, namely dirty fuel. There should be no reason to replace fuel pumps on such a new car!! Ford dealership gave me a quote of $750 charge for replacing the fuel pump, parts and labour. I'm wondering if this is going to be an annual cost and if so, my feeling is.....time to get rid of it!!!

Originally posted by laurel
My Ford Focus is only 1 year old and already replacing a fuel pump, which I've been told is not under warranty because of 'environmental' conditions, namely dirty fuel. There should be no reason to replace fuel pumps on such a new car!! Ford dealership gave me a quote of $750 charge for replacing the fuel pump, parts and labour. I'm wondering if this is going to be an annual cost and if so, my feeling is.....time to get rid of it!!!

2 things, the Ford Dealer I went to (State College Ford) admitted that the Focus fuel pump is problematic.

$750:eek: That's twice what it cost me to replace mine!!

If you can afford to get rid of the car, get rid of it, it will only cost you more in the long run.

I just replaced the fuel pump on my son's 2001 Ford Focus, 44,000 miles. I've researched the problem with these pumps and from viewing the pump I pulled out of his Focus, its clear the problem is the contamination from fuels clogging up the pickup strainers to the pump, there for straining the pump and causing it to fail. The relay usually kicks it off, but over time the heat and strain put on the pump will cause it to fail. There are two strainers on the pump, the sock is clearly the item clogging. Wether this is from bad fuels or the filtering property of the sock is unknown.
I went to auto dismanterler and purchased a used pump for $59. with 90 day warranty. It too had a severely contaminated pickup sock on it. I cleaned it and installed the pump. The Vehicle works great now and my son has returned my Ford explorer to me...in one piece.
The pump on the Ford Focus is the same basic pump installed on 80% of ALL vehicles onthe road. Being a ASE technician, its it only my opinon that the problem might be with the cheap fuels being used, or the pickup sock on the pump. Majority of the fuel tanks I've pulled over the years, there is no contamination and these vehicles had 100,000+ miles on them, except for this Focus. Good luck!!

Thanks for the responses to my fuel pump problem. Because I took issue with the fact that it was an evironmental problem, the dealership covered the fuel pump and labour under warranty. This does not change my opinion that there is something wrong with the design of the fuel pump in Ford Focuses and I therefore I expect to have to deal with the same problem in a year. This makes me feel that I should get rid of the car now before it happens again and I end up paying the bill!

Unfortunatly my son's Focus is not under warranty. But from the design of the fuel pump pickup assembly, its definitly poor design, allowing for sediments to collect near the pump. But the basic pump is identicle to most others for exception of the pickup. 100% of the pump & sending unit housing is plastic. Those little pumps run forever, but when they start adding things to it and degrading the material, thats when it all goes down hill. Best car built by ford for dependability was Escort and thier Ranger 4 cylinder p/up. My 2000 Exploerer 4x4 with V-8 is awsome, but will give it all up including the wife and dog for that Cobra!!:bigthumb: :loser:

According to the dealership, the fuel pump wasn't supposed to be covered by my warranty. I just made it very clear to them when they told me this that I was very displeased with the way I was being treated and that I would trade the car off on a different car as soon as possible. They are hoping to sell me a Mustang so I think this made the difference in their decision to cover the fuel pump. What are the ratings on Mustangs? I imagine the same fuel pump design is in this car as well???? I owned one 10 years ago and was quite pleased with it.

im prolly gonna dump my focus on a mustang to, or a truck whichever i need at the time.

My ford focus has begun to do the same thing...its gonna cost me 500 dollars to replace the fuel pump...Ford needs to get a different pump to put in because this is just ridiculous...There needs to be a recall...Not everyone has the money to put into a fuel pump especially with how new the Focus is...The pump should last a good long time because I just bought my car and dont have the funds to replace it without getting a loan...Its hurting people in the long run if the Ford company doesn't do anything about this...

From what the service manager at the Ford dealer told me, part of the problem is the use of soft brass gears in the pump, these are more susceptable to accelerated wear when abrasive impurities are involved, as is possible with the Focus's fuel pick up set up which was mentioned.

Either way, Ford should sort the problem out and issue a recall if their customers actually mean anything to them.
It's not like the asses aren't aware of the problem, I guess they just don't care about the customer once the car has left the lot.

Finally got rid of my Focus, thank goodness....
The car has too many issues to make it viable to keep it, the fuel pump being one of several issues that helped me on the way to my decision!

Have talked to several people after the fuel pump issue and lots of them say whether it's a focus or whatever, since the fuel pump is in the gas tank you should never run a vehicle under a 1/4 tank of gas at all. Is this true for all cars???? Also since getting the car back after having the fuel pump replaced I find it is more suggish when you step on it??? My imagination or what?

Originally posted by laurel
Have talked to several people after the fuel pump issue and lots of them say whether it's a focus or whatever, since the fuel pump is in the gas tank you should never run a vehicle under a 1/4 tank of gas at all. Is this true for all cars???? Also since getting the car back after having the fuel pump replaced I find it is more suggish when you step on it??? My imagination or what?

I don't think so, my Focus seemed to get sluggish after the fuel pump was replaced too - often wondered about that, but now I don't have to.

As for the 'under a quarter tank' thing, I have never heard of that said specifically for a 'in the tank fuel pump' type situation, but I have heard it said as a general rule that it's always better to not run it into the last 1/8 to 1/4 tank as that is where the sediment settles....
On the other hand, 1/4 tank at the gauge or 1/4 of the tank's volume?
Most gas tanks have about a gallon left after the gauge hits the bottom line....

Hi

I too am the owner of a 2001 Ford Focus. I have already changed the fuel pump and was wondering if it will have to be replaced in shorter than normal intervals or if the fuel pump installed was fixed of the problems my old pump had.

I have also read of faulty brakes in the Focus, has anyone here experianced these problems?

Good luck to all focus owners!
Thanks
Leah

:bloated:

Wouldn't a more appropriate name for this model be The Ford Out-Of-Focus. This will be the second very costly repair which probably should not be that costly. A few dollars for the pump itself and then $600+ in labor because the gas tank must be dropped to get to it. It's just my opinion (and I don't design autos for a living), but it would seem to me that if an automobile is designed where a part is very labor intensive to replace, the part had better be manufactured with the very best materials and "focus" on quality design of that part. lol.

Quality may have been "Job 1" where the Crown Vic, Mustang, Windstar, etc., etc. are concerned. But it would certainly seem Quality was somewhere about Job 246 when the Focus was designed. What's next....a new transmission at 50K? engine at 60K?

Well, it looks like the only cure for the common domestic is a Nissan.

Unfocused (completely)

Purchased a 2000 Ford Focus ZTS for my wife about a year and a half ago w/ 15,000 miles on it from Fred Martin Ford on Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown Ohio. I will never buy a Ford again especially from this dealership. My wife has had nothing but problems w/ car. I was having problems w/ acceleration like many other posters on this site.
Everytime I hit 3500 RPM's the car would bearly continue accelerating. If you were lucky it would shift or get out of the gas. It did this everytime, everyday for a week staight through every gear. Of course everytime I got it to Ford it would cease and the check engine light would never come on. I test it diagnostically with the Matco middle of the rode scanner and no codes would kick out. After an hour and a half of test rides today I finally got it to perform its act with a tech in the car. After a couple of hours I was called and told it needed a fuel pump and filter to the tune of 700 beans. My car now only has 32,000 miles and passed three years since warranty 8 days before it started acting up. I will do repairs myself. Say a prayer. AND NEVER EVER BUY A FOCUS!
Matt McGivern
-Youngstown, OH

In response to the fuel pump issues, I am currently having the same problems. I was going to have my focus taken in for a check and whatnot until I found this forum which diagnosed my problems exactly. This little problem with the fuel pump is not something that will cost you $750 or even $250 like some of you were saying. I just found a new fuel pump for $70, shipped. I will be putting it in myself and I am not ASE certified. The job itself will only take about 15-20 minutes. It is not hard at all. I dropped the tank this last weekend to look at it. I think the only tools I needed were a strait bladed screw driver to loosen the hose clamp on the filling nozzle, and a 13mm socket to loosen the harness. The rest of it was all elbow grease, nothing that anybody would pay hundreds of dollars for.
One other thing before you go blaming ford for what might be your own mistakes (and I'm not trying to offend anyone because I did the same thing), if you look in your owners manual, it says your focus is specifically designed to run 87 octane. For a while I was even running premium fuel, because I, like a lot of others I'm sure, thought that it was better for the car. Not the case. Higher octane fuel, as well as aftermarket fuel additives like carb and injector cleaners "could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your warranty." (Owner's Guide, Focus, 2001 Model Year). I added a bottle of injector and carb cleaner on every oil change. It did more harm than help, but it is definately not ford's fault, it was my own. A focus is an economy car, not a high performance vehicle. They don't want you to spend more than you have to in basic maintenance. You all may dissagree, but I am staying loyal to my brand of automobile.

When purchasing my 2002 Focus I specifically asked what type of fuel to run in the car. I was told the same, unleaded regular fuel with an octane rating of 87. I did not put any additives into the tank, just plain fuel. I have an old Ford Taurus which I fix and fix and fix. I bought a new Ford so I would not have to fix it every 6 months. It may be easy to replace the fuel pump but I don't feel that it should need replacing when the car is only 1 year old. Call me gullible but if a car company sells you a warranty and an extended warranty shouldn't you expect that the company should fix major problems with it especially within the first year???

So I may have exaggerated a bit on the labor….it was only $272.00. The fuel pump and filter, a mere $302.16. For illustrative purposes, let's say the efforts to drop the tank and replace the pump required 20 minutes, then I have just paid this particular Ford service center $13.60 a minute. If we do the math, that comes to about $816 an hour give or take a few coffee breaks. As a computer systems person, I'm obviously in the wrong field.

All manufacturers recommended service centers would rate an estimate on a repair by standards set by the manufacturer. Repair costs are pretty much fixed with very little variance largely due to regional issues, parts shipping costs, other expenses, and slight service center margin.

All things considered, either the service center made a grave error in calculation of my repair, this particular repair requires far more than 20 minutes, or we have found the real "Mr. Goodwrench".

Unfortunately, this is the wave of the future. The only way one of the largest domestic manufacturing sectors of our economy, the domestic automobile industry, and a producer of a significant portion of the gross national product can remain competitive in the world market is to inflate repair costs, mask poor design, offer new products at much shorter warranty periods than their foreign competitors, then offer high priced extended warranties often with inadequate coverage to their customers.

This Focus is my wife's car, her primary transportation to and from her occupation daily. I have experienced several fuel pump failures in various ways in the past. In most cases they have failed gradually, but on one occasion I had experienced an immediate fuel pump failure that became inoperative without warning. In this scenario, a fuel pump failure is a potentially hazardous situation especially if it should occur in heavy traffic at high speeds. If it is necessary to continue to make costly repairs to this Focus, I will begin driving it and let my wife drive my considerably more dependable Maxima. A peace of mind issue.

For those of us who have a knack for amateur auto repair and enjoy the fragrant splendor of gasoline, motor oil, and hydraulic fluid as well as the physical challenges that abound pursuits, auto mechanical, I commend you. But for those mere mechanically challenged mortals, our only recourse is to be as well informed as possible. Seek knowledge, get second opinions, ask questions…accurate consumer advocacy is about the only way we can reduce our losses when we are "taken to the cleaners"….uh…"auto repair shop".

Still Unfocused
:banghead:

Unfocused,
There is nothing wrong with being a little auto-illiterate(sp) so to speak.

As it is, I have a background in Automotive engineering(manufacturing side) and I love cars, when it comes to the Focus, I was sincerely disappointed with the overall quality, or lack thereof, which became apparent over several months.

I worked for 2 companies previously which were both suppliers of components and machinery to Ford, I can tell you that Ford are as picky as all hell about what they want and are very quick to let you hear if something isn't right.
Strangely they are quick to scream like hell when some equiptment they buy goes wrong, yet they expect teh consumer to drive around in a faulty/potentially faulty vehicle.
Double standards are amazing!!

You will probably find that your local garage is replacing so many Focus fuel pumps that they could do it in their sleep too!! (kind of like the racing pit crews that can refuel and change 4 tyres in a matter of seconds!)

It is amazing how easy it is to drive my previous points home (no pun intended).

After paying $619 for the fuel pump, I left the Ford service center, drove the car that night and to work the next day. Went out at lunch, the car seemed to perform fine. Left work about 4:30, got into the car, turned the car, and what happened? Nothing…Notta, Zilch, Squat. Tried pumping the gas pedal…nothing.

There I sat for 2 hours waiting for a wrecker in a hailstorm contemplating the absurdity of the whole situation. The original fuel pump lasted less than two years, and now the $619 replacement fuel pump lasted less than one day.

Well, perhaps nothing else of great significance and substantial cost will happen to it for a few months….remains to be seen..

Unfocused
:dunno:

Unfocused, considering it did that to you in such a short time, is it even worth you considering keeping the car?:confused:

Best thing I did for my peace-of-mind was sell my Focus.

I own two 2000 Ford Focus ZX3's (don't laugh they were perfect for my wife and I while we were going through college) and they both were plagued by the same stumbling problem! Our cars would act as if they were running out of gas when the fuel gauge was reading just under a quarter tank. Instead of replacing the fuel pump I decided to clean the tank, pump, and pump sock. After removing the tank I cleaned the very filthy fuel pump sock with B-12 and rinsed the tank out using a towel and B-12. The cleaning along with a new fuel filter solved the problem for both cars! Total cost roughly $14, the cost of 2 fuel filters from AutoZone. I would recommend trying to clean the tank & a fuel-filter change before getting a replacement pump. If it doesn't work you're only out of a little time a little money; if it does work you just saved yourself several hundred dollars!

The problem seems to be that the fuel pump sits inside a "coffee-can" contraption inside the fuel-tank (this might act as some type of baffle in cornering?). My theory is that once sediment from fuel gets inside this "coffee-can" it simply deposits in the "coffee-can" and doesn't have the oportunity to flush around the rest of the tank. Since the sediment collects in a small space problems arise much quicker since the fuel pump is always drawing fuel from inside the "coffee-can" where the sediment is deposting. This is only my theory but judging by the deposits I witnessed, on both cars, on the sock and inside the can and how relatively clean the rest of the tanks were, it makes sense to me.

Remember: Try not to run your car with less than a quarter tank of gas.

If you have any questions let me know.

jason o'brien
2000 ZX3 Kona
2000ZX3

Here's a synopsis of how I removed the fuel tank. Its what I could remember of the top of my head. Hope this helps.

It took me probably 10-12 hours to do the whole procedure (including the 3 or 4 trips to the auto store, lazy breaks, and eating). If you have a Haynes manual it suggests removing the exhaust & heat shield but I was able to leave the heat shield & exhaust in place (simply bend the heat shield out of the way). If you don't have a Haynes manual see if you can find one, the illustrations help a lot.

First relieve the fuel pressure by removing the fuel pump fuse and running the car until it dies (do this without the car jacked up). Second, syphon as much gas as you can out of the tank (I had to remove the filler hose to get the syphon tube into the tank). Then remove the fuel supply & return line at the front of the tank and remove the filler and fent hoses at the back of the tank, the process is much easier if you remove the right-rear (US passenger) wheel. Go ahead and take the fuel filter & mounting bracket out. After that you simply remove the single bolt holding the tank straps to the car (front of tank) and lower the tank. I used a jack to help support the jack and lower the tank slowly. Once the tank is low enough disconnect the 2 vent hoses (1 in front 1 in rear) and the two electrical connections (both near the front of the tank). The tank should come out if the heat shield is bent far enough out of the way.

Once out, I emptied the rest of the fuel from the tank and removed the cap on the tank above the fuel pump. The fuel supply line that is connected to the cap was tough to get off but it does need to come off. Pulled everything out of the tank, cleaned the sock really well with berryman's B-12 and rinsed the tank out with B-12 and let dry.

Push everything back together and you've saved yourself plenty of money. I did this cleaning about 1 month ago and haven't had a single problem since. The process is time consuming (for me at least; I'm a slow worker) but its all very easy.

Let me think, drive a car that requires continuous maintainance and cleaning of the fuel tank, or drive a perfectly reliable car which doensn't constantly plague me and my bank account with problems?

I think I will go with the second option.

How can you justify having to remove everything to clean it?
It is a bad design and you shouldn't have to go through that at all!

Time consuming? Yes.
Time is money, yes?
Ford screwed up the design, yes.
Maybe Ford should pay you for the time it takes you to clean the gas tank which is subject to a problem through a design flaw.

Best thing I did for peace-of-mind is sell my Focus, one less thing I have to worry about.

Well, looks like i'm going to have to change a fuel pump. However, i really don't want to do the job if it's going to have to be done again within a year or less. Has anybody heard of, or tried an alternate route? Aftermarket pump? Maybe a delco that might work? :) Anything at all that has been tried with success will be greatly appreciated.:rolleyes:

i have a 2001 Ford Focus with 63000Km on it and the fuel pump has all ready been changed. just 3000km after warranty and all ready 750$ down the drain. i am really upset with the reliability of my focus and to top it all off the new pump is still causing some slight hesitations suring acceleration. I'm scared to go on road trips last time I went I stalled tree time because of the fuel pump......HELP

Other issues include blown EGR sensor (3 times)
Cigar lighter not working
passenger's drivers side window not working
not to mention the recalls...

i just had my car in the shop for the 5th time in three months. Every time, the car wont start, when it does, it sputters, the dies. Each time its something new, bad pcm, bad connector, i picked it up Saturday at 1pm, it was back in the shop by 4pm. Finally they figured out it was the fuel pump. The car only has 13000 miles on it, what a total piece of S$^@ In 2 years it has been in the shop at least 15 times, I will never buy another Focus

After working on the fuel tanks on both Foci (from my post above) and then all the other problems that began occurring after the Warranty expired (hmm?), we ditched one Focus in favor of a new HEMI. Unfortunately I think I sold the wrong Focus because since the purchase of the truck the remaining Focus has been producing check engine lights and after all my work to clean the tank the fuel pump eventually died. I guess I only succeeded in pro-longing the inevitable. Anyway, paid a mechanic $430 to replace the fuel pump because I was simply too aggrevated to do the same procedure again. Also I've got a transmission or power-steering fluid leak from an undetermined source that will eventually have to be fixed. I'm extremely disappointed in the Focus and now wish I would have purchased another proven economy car, namely a Civic. "If only I knew then what I know now...", there's probably a lot of us saying that right now.

I hope the Dodge treats me better and I hope Ford has learned from the 2000 Focus and applied the changes to the newer models. I still can't believe there hasn't been a recall issued for the fuel pumps, how can we rally up and make Ford responsible?

jason o'brien.

can anyone give advice on how you got ford to cover this part under warranty? i have a 2000 w/a little over 50,000 miles and just found out i need a new fuel pump which ford told me will cost close to $700 -- i called ford corporate after reading all of your posts and they told me there is nothing they can do for me! any advice would be great!

In the thread some people have indicated that the pump was replaced. One individual said that he bought one for 70 bucks..shipped! I live in Toronto, Ontario Canada and I CANNOT FIND AN AFTERMARKET PUMP!! Could someone direct me to a site and or name of company that builds a BETTER pump than the original replacement that FOR will sell me??

Just found this forum yesterday while researching the root of my problem.. losing power while cornering at high speed, engine stalled even when I still have a quarter tank of gas left and engine keeps getting 'hiccups' at 70-80 mph. So, right after reading all of your posts, I called my Ford dealership, explained the exact thing and suggested it may have to do with the fuel pump. The guy at Ford immediately agreed with me. I asked him about the repair costs and if it is under warranty (I just have 38K miles on the car). He said he'll have to check with Ford. 5 mins later, he called back and said Ford just started the recall program for fuel pump this morning (meaning yesterday 11/15/03!!) . So, I immediately sent the car over to them, waited 3 hours, and I'm out! I hope everything goes well this time... If you see me post another message soon with Ford problem, please be advised that at that time, I'll be driving another car and nope... not any of those Fords!!

Thanks for the info. Is there a recall specific number that you can post??? Our dealer does not know anything about this recall.
In the last week, I have done a lot of troubleshooting on my own. I don't actually think that I have a fuel pump problem. The car pulls hard after the hard starting has subsided. I have some kind of weird electrical thing happening. I moved to a different forum because this one is really low in activity. I moved to focusfanatics.com, which has a lot more action and posts.
I Hate Ford Focus at this point. I just want to make it start properly every day, regardless of temperature. I don't want a gauge sweep every morning,...and I want to use my power lock with confidence.....and the list goes on. I just bought CAA because of this damn car.
When all of the glitches are sorted out the car will be OK, I hope. I just have too much money invested to sell it for a loss. Ford really doesn't care about us 15-20K guys I guess.

Just got '01 Focus out of the shop. Replaced Fuel Pump. Car would die for no reason. Wait 5 minutes and it would start right up.
This was happening for the past 5 months intermittently. Last time was barely able to pull off the hyway. Had it towed to the dealer, the next day it started right up. Told them all along it will start if you wait 5 minutes but they had to recreate the problem. They wouldn't check anything unless they could recreate it. Left it for 2 days finally they said they think it was the fule pump.

I told them to give me a loaner and have one of their family members drive my car for a month.

To make a long story short
Duked it out with the Ford service manager and the district manager.
Contacted Ford customer service. Finally they agreed to replace it

This is a very dangerous car. It should be recalled for the pump.

This just in from the net: I did a google search on ford focus fuel pump;

News: Ford to replace Focus vehicle fuel part - Seattle Post Intelligencer - Nov 19, 2003
Try Google News: Search news for ford focus fuel pump or browse the latest headlines.


Wednesday, November 19, 2003 · Last updated 4:05 p.m. PT

Ford to replace Focus vehicle fuel part

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will replace a part in the fuel system of 671,000 Ford Focus vehicles because it can cause the engine to stall.

Ford received reports of seven accidents and one injury due to the problem, spokesman Glenn Ray said. It is notifying Focus owners this week about the defect.

Focuses from 2000 and 2001 are affected. The part will be replaced for free if dealers determine it is causing engine problems. Engine problems caused by something else won't be covered, Ford said.

Ray said certain types of fuel can progressively clog the fuel pump filters, causing the vehicle to hesitate, surge and eventually stall. The part was redesigned in 2002 once Ford began learning of the problem, Ray said. A new part had to be designed for 2000 and 2001 vehicles.

Ford is not conducting an official recall of the vehicle because the company determined it isn't a significant safety risk. Even if the vehicle reaches the point where it stalls, Ray said, drivers can still maneuver their vehicles and restart them.

Ray said hesitation or stalling is most likely to occur in vehicles that have been driven 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Vehicles with less than a quarter tank of gas also are prone, he said.

---

On the Net:

Ford Motor Co., http://www.ford.com

The Program or recall number is 03N01

But there is a little thing that says if you have no problems right now do nothing

If you have Mild to moderate symptoms wait till January when the new design Pump is avalible

If you have major problems go to the dealer imediatly.

Tom

This is great to know.... I was in the high speed lane where two highways merge into five lanes, and my car suddenly lost power and I had to coast across all the lanes filled with cars and semis to get to the berm, where I sat for a few minutes with my hazards on until my car started again.

This same thing happened two weeks ago, right before I took my 2003 ZX3 in to the dealership for its 15,000 mile check-up. I described it to the mechanic as feeling like a vapor lock, or running out of gas, and asked them to check it out, but they told me that they were unable to "reproduce the problem." From the sounds of all your comments, I would think they would have known immediately what the problem was. Anyway, when it happened again yesterday the "check engine light" came on, so they came and towed it away and diagnosed it as the fuel pump, which they are going to replace under warranty. They are saying that it's my responsibility to lay out $60 for a fuel filter, though -- do you think that's reasonable?

And as far the fuel pump failure not being a significant problem because you can still steer, that means absolutely nothing when you've got semis crawling up your butt on a congested 5 lane highway!

This is great to know.... I was in the high speed lane where two highways merge into five lanes, and my car suddenly lost power and I had to coast across all the lanes filled with cars and semis to get to the berm, where I sat for a few minutes with my hazards on until my car started again.

This same thing happened two weeks ago, right before I took my 2003 ZX3 in to the dealership for its 15,000 mile check-up. I described it to the mechanic as feeling like a vapor lock, or running out of gas, and asked them to check it out, but they told me that they were unable to "reproduce the problem." From the sounds of all your comments, I would think they would have known immediately what the problem was. Anyway, when it happened again yesterday the "check engine light" came on, so they came and towed it away and diagnosed it as the fuel pump, which they are going to replace under warranty. They are saying that it's my responsibility to lay out $60 for a fuel filter, though -- do you think that's reasonable?

And as far the fuel pump failure not being a significant problem because you can still steer, that means absolutely nothing when you've got semis crawling up your butt on a congested 5 lane highway!

When the fuel pump on my Focus was replaced, the fuel filter was found to be full of debris from the failing fuel pump, since this is likely the case with yours I don't think it is reasonable to expect you to pay for the replacement fuel filter. Besides, a fuel filter shouldn't cost that much!

Yes, you can steer the car after the engine has died due to the fuel pump failure, the problem is you have to steer against the power steering which makes for one seriously heavy steering car.
Like you, my car died on an expressway with busy traffic, between the loss of power and effort required to steer the car to the shoulder while hoping nothing hits you, that is a safety issue!

I just had the fuel pump replaced with my Focus the other day. Warranty covered it, my co-worker had it done himself earlier last year for his Focus - cost him almost $800.

Now if only i can get them to do something about my front end suspension.
:smokin:

I just had the fuel pump replaced with my Focus the other day. Warranty covered it, my co-worker had it done himself earlier last year for his Focus - cost him almost $800.

Now if only i can get them to do something about my front end suspension.
:smokin:

Whats wrong with your front end? We feel almost every bump through the steering problem, and had it checked through ford, it also seems like there is play in it, the dealership stated it was normal, but our warranty runs out in 400 miles. It seems like the hope the warranty runs out before they have to fix it

Whats wrong with your front end? We feel almost every bump through the steering problem, and had it checked through ford, it also seems like there is play in it, the dealership stated it was normal, but our warranty runs out in 400 miles. It seems like the hope the warranty runs out before they have to fix it

Just a slight rattle when i go over bumps. Here's the kicker. They originally sent me a recall on it. I lost the letter, but then brought it in on some other recall work. I mentioned the first letter, they didn't know what i was talking about. I am also gettin vibration on the highway when i past 70mph. I know it is an alignment, because it isn't pulling. We shall see.

let me know what you find out, I dont want this to turn into a $500 repair when the suspension or mounts fail. This is my main concern with the car since everything else works as it should, even though our traction control works too well to have fun without turning it off.

Whats wrong with your front end? We feel almost every bump through the steering problem, and had it checked through ford, it also seems like there is play in it, the dealership stated it was normal, but our warranty runs out in 400 miles. It seems like the hope the warranty runs out before they have to fix it

If you complained about a problem when the car is under warranty and they continuously find nothing wrong, yet miraculously have to repair the problem which you originally complained about soon after the warranty expires, you can still make it their expense.

I had a problem with a Ford Laser (South African market car, pretty much a Mazda 323) when I purchased the car new.
The clutch would stick in 1st and 2nd, but everytime I took the car for service I asked them to check it and they 'found nothing wrong'.
Lo and behold, shortly after the warranty was up, they found a problem with my clutch and needed to replace it, at my expense!
I asked to see the service manager about the issue and told him the whole story. He had the file on my vehicle pulled up and right there, at every service, it showed I had complained about the very issue that they said made it necessary to replace the clutch.
Needless to say, they had to concede that I had notified of the problem during the warranty period and they had not acted on it, they replaced the complete clutch assembly at their expense.

If you get the gist of what I am saying, make sure you have in writing what the problem is and that they can't find anything. If they miraculously find the cause after the warranty expires, and you have proof you notified them under warranty, you have grounds to make them pay!

Hi all, new here. Just had to start investigating this 2000 focus that I have only owned for a year and one half! I didn't own the car one month when the throttle body had to be replaced, 25,145miles. It was only two years old! Then get recall for battery cables and while it's in there they call me and tell me my brakes are gone, talking $245.00. Told them just do recall, had a friend replace for $100.00, parts and all, much better parts I might add! Same story brakes were gone, pads and rotors. Then my key started sticking in the iginition! Happened 5 times in two weeks. Got a notice in the mail about the fuel pump, which I must have lucked out on because my car only stalled out on me once, but we do experience flutters. Took the car in today for the fuel pump to be checked out and have the iginition work fixed, I swear the guy was trying to talk me out of having the fuel pump checked! Saying that if it only stalled once and that it might be our keys because they have computer chips in them, blah-blah and that they had to order the parts and they might have my car for a few days. I stuck to my guns and told him to have both checked and let me know what was what. So he calls and said $318.00 for iginition and they have to ordered parts for fuel pump, I'm like WHAT! Even with the extened warranty! Oh, I don't see that here, I'll call you back, so he does and it is only gonna cost me $50.00, but how many days without a car? Oh by the way my digital clock went by-by on me almost as soon as I drove off of the lot. Good luck and God by with us All!

While I have had my focus die in freeway traffic( I was lucky and I got it started again), I was told I would have to pay $83 to have a diagnostic done on my car . If it was determined that I had the "Program 03N01" problem ford would pay for the test, if not the $83 comes out of the car owners' pocket.
This is Ford's way of having a recall but not paying for the diagnostic and leaving you stranded before fixing a known problem.
After reading the threads in the focus messgaes boards here and across the web I realize my situation could be a lot worse.

Below is a link talking about Fords infamous "Program 03N01"


http://www.ofoc.ca/news/news_2003_11.html


2000-2001 FUEL PUMP SERVICE BULLETIN - U.S. Only
BlueOvalNews.com | 19 November 03
Robert Lane
Note: Canadians have yet to receive official notice from Ford Motor Company of Canada regarding this bulletin. Please stay tuned for further details!


Ford Motor Company will recall 573,585 Ford Focus models made between 2000 through 13 June 2001 for a defective fuel pump for the third time. The recall issue number is "03N01."


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford recalled the Focus twice: Once in June 2001 for an interim fix and again in December 2001 for a final fix. Neither recall appears to have solved the fuel pump from failing though. This third Ford Focus fuel pump recall; however, will not be like any other recall Ford has instituted in the past, and will almost certainly receive scrutiny from the NHTSA and disapproval from safety advocates and consumer alike.


Rather than issue a standard recall where Ford would replace the defective part or component, for the first time Ford will try and avoid replacing the known defective part at all. Ford's new recall scheme mandates that they will only replace the known defective part after it actually fails. Ford has specifically instructed their dealers to "Fix only if broken" the known defective Focus fuel pump after it fails.


Further, Ford has warned its dealers that unlike previous recalls where the new part would be guaranteed under provisions of the vehicle warranty or an additional warranty, Ford will only replace the eligible part once. In cases where a customer previously paid to have the repair performed, the customer would be entitled to both a refund and a repair though. In addition, Ford will replace the original fuel pump should it fail for 10 years from the warranty start date.


A document from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that Ford and the ODI have a combined 3,475 complaints filed by consumers. Additionally, as of 09 September 2002, 18 crashes and 4 injuries have been attributed to the failed fuel pumps after the vehicle's engine failed to due a lack of fuel. The defective fuel pumps fail without notice.


The U.S. government has also concluded that the 2002 Ford Focus may have the same problem as the 2000-2001 models and should be included in an upgrade. Ford's latest recall does not include the 2002 Focus.


Ford has responded to the NHTSA's investigation stating that they do not believe engine stalling in the Focus models presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. The NTHSA disagrees. See the NHTSA document at AutoSafety.org.


By instituting a recall on a defective part and then refusing to replace it until it breaks sets a dangerous precedent for Ford, their consumers and the motoring public. This new policy also questions Ford's commitment to


This new policy may also place the lives of the motoring public at risk and questions Ford's real commitment to consumer loyalty. It's quite simply a bad way of retaining current consumers and attracting new ones. And that's what survival in the auto business is all about.

got my car back today, six days later. everything seems okay, except now it is hard to pull key out of the iginition. hubby said it just might be because it is new.? we'll see. i'll keep you all posted as to what happens from here.

key stuck in iginition for husband the other day, got it out. Key stuck in iginition for me today. for some reason if you drive the car again, such as today all i did was back up and pull forward, the key comes out. anyone got any ideas about this one? other than the car stinks?

I have had that problem with my SVT actually...the dealership was all like don't worry about it...screw that...the car has actually dies on me four times...two of those could have resulted in serious accidents...the last time this happened i almost took out another car and put it over a snow bank...i am giving my dealership an option of either fixing it now or taking the car back. the car is still under warranty with 9700 miles on it...

I just had the fuel pump replaced with my Focus the other day. Warranty covered it, my co-worker had it done himself earlier last year for his Focus - cost him almost $800.

Now if only i can get them to do something about my front end suspension.
:smokin:

$800 dollars to replace a fuel pump?? did he hire carroll shelby to do it?

$800 dollars to replace a fuel pump?? did he hire carroll shelby to do it?

What i meant by him getting it done himself was he had to take it in to ford and have it replaced because of problems. After replacing it, it was starting to go again, but he had an accident (unrelated to the fuel pump) before he could get it fixed again. He is happier now without his Focus.

key has stuck three more times since i had it fixed. i now have to drive with two keys, just in case. your friend can get a refund from ford, or so they say. good luck!

My fuel pump went out at about 60,000 miles 6 months ago. Dealership replaced it under warranty, but it wasn't without the usual "I don't see anything wrong with it" spill. Ever since it was replaced the car runs fine. The check engine light was coming on quite frequently and all diagnostics always came back without any problems. After changing to a "better" fuel and always using 87 grade the light hasn't come on. This car definately has problems but treat it right and it will be just fine. Don't forget to change the fuel filter every 10,000 miles, it's not hard to do and only costs $10 bucks.