The Ford Focus line of cars isn’t the most successful make and model of the Ford brand. The Focus is a compact car that was first released in 1998 in Europe. Since then, they have produced a new model every year. Unfortunately, the 2002 Ford Focus underwent numerous recalls and has been an unsafe make and model to purchase for any car owner due to the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
By keeping an eye on the history of the Ford Focus, the most common alternator symptoms, engine, and electrical issues with the 2002 Ford Focus, and the overall replacement price for the 2002 Ford Focus alternator can help you make the best decisions for your car!
History of the Ford Focus
First Generation
The Ford Focus was first created in 1998 and released in Europe. The Focus came after the Ford Escort and began with North American sales in 1999. The first generation came to America in the 2000 model year, undergoing some changes from the previously released European version. The car was launched as a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The five-door hatchback debuted a few years later in 2001.
In 2002, Ford launched a high-performing vehicle of the same model, the Focus RS. it came with a 2-liter engine, a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and other performance changes. The Brembo brakes were from the aptly-named Italian car company known for creating performance and luxury vehicles. Most of the components on this model were revised and upgraded from the previous years.
Despite the Ford company making various upgrades from the previous model years since its inception in 1998, there were troubling 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems that plagued this model year.
What is an Alternator?
To best understand the common 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems, you first need to know the alternator’s function inside of your vehicle. This internal component is a key part of your car’s electrical and engine system, directly influencing the engine’s performance levels and the electrical wiring.
The alternator generates electrical power and is a huge part of the vehicle’s charging system. Almost all cars with an internal combustion engine contain an alternator as well. When the engine in your car is running, the alternator’s job is to maintain a proper charge in the battery and supply electric power to the vehicle’s electrical systems.
The alternator is connected to the engine and is controlled by a drive belt. If the alternator doesn’t charge, then the engine won’t work properly and is the culprit for the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
An alternator is typically a unit that doesn't require any maintenance. In some cars, it can last for as long as a decade without any necessary repairs or maintenance required if the alternator is still charging. If the alternator does fail, the car can sometimes still run for a limited time on just battery power. However, once the alternator stops charging, the engine will stall and fail, causing the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
2002 Ford Focus Alternator Symptoms
You should take note of common signs and symptoms to properly diagnose what part of the charging system or alternator you need to replace. By keeping an eye on the lifespan and the health of your alternator, you can determine when or if you will be experiencing the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
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Battery Light Illuminated on Dashboard
The most common sign that there is a problem with your vehicle’s charging system is that a special icon will light up on your dashboard, usually in the symbol of a battery-shaped warning light. The word “CHARGE” might also come on while you are driving your vehicle.
Typically, this warning light comes on when you turn the ignition, and then disappears when the engine is started. If it remains lit up, then there is an issue with your charging system, and your alternator might not be charging. If your alternator is not charged, this will cause the noticeable 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
The charging system light doesn’t necessarily mean that the diagnosis is a failed alternator, but that there’s an issue at large with the charging system in your vehicle. However, your mechanic will be able to determine what exact part is the issue in the charging faults.
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Loud Noises
If your alternator makes a lot of noise, then the belt or pulley is usually the problem. The belt could also be misaligned with the pulley, which means they are not running smoothly and working together. If the noise continues after replacing the belt, then you need to replace the alternator before your vehicle succumbs to the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
In addition, noise from the alternator could be due to a damaged rotor shaft, rectifiers, slip rings, or brushes. You need to be sure to inspect each of these parts in order to determine which one is making the noise. After you determine where the noise is coming from and which part is damaged, you need to get a replacement to remedy the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
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Battery Issues
The battery in your car is crucial in many of the electrical components of your car. This process is ongoing while your car is running. When the battery charge is not replenished and is low, you will experience some issues with starting your vehicle, causing the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
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Slow Engine Cranking
When the alternator is damaged and not working correctly, the car’s engine will crank very slowly and even come to a halt sometimes. In order to figure out if this is the problem, you need to check out the ignition system before making a decision the alternator is at fault.
The inability to crank might also be partnered with loud noises coming from under the hood of your vehicle, which is due to a worn-out drive belt. The worn-out drive belt can cause the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
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Headlight Brightness Issues
Another bad alternator symptom is the dash lights and headlights will get lower when your car is idling but become brighter when you rev your engine. This means that you could have a weak alternator or a damaged battery terminal connection. You could also have a loose drive belt, which would result in a lack of power provided to the alternator and the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
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Alternator Voltage Leak
The alternator plays a vital role in converting currents from the alternator into a direct current. Over time, the electricity within the alternator can run out, causing dimming lights. We recommend using a voltmeter to ensure there are no leakages and additional 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems.
2002 Ford Focus Problems
Within the 2002 Ford Focus, there are various vehicle components that are negatively affected by the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems. The alternator, as we know, is directly connected to the engine. If the alternator is damaged or not working correctly, various engine and electrical problems harm the vehicle’s performance level.
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Engine Problems
The most common engine problems within the 2002 Ford Focus involve engine failure, engine stalling while driving, running rough, rough idling, rattling noise coming from the engine, check engine light turning on, engine shaking at idle, coil pack wires breaking, engine vibrations and the exhaust manifold cracking.
The engine failure is the most prevalent problem in user issues with the 2002 Ford Focus. The most common solution for this issue is to replace the engine, which usually comes out to a very high $2,570 on average at around 110,000 miles.
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Electrical Problems
The 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems can directly influence the electrical connections within the interior of the vehicle. The most common electrical issues with the 2002 Focus include the engine having trouble starting over and the alternator failure.
The engine having trouble turning over usually occurs at around 102,000 miles and involves users stating that the headlights blink unexpectedly. The battery light turns on, and the car randomly will not start when trying to use your vehicle.
The alternator failing usually occurs at around 62,000 miles and has the most common solution of replacing the alternator.
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2002 Ford Focus Reliability
The reliability of the 2002 Ford Focus refers to how this model has performed in the past, giving an idea for how well this model will perform and the effectiveness of the following model year in 2003.
Unfortunately for the 2002 Ford Focus, there are many recalls for this car. The main recalls involve the exterior headlights, with the decreased lighting visibility possibly resulting in a crash. Furthermore, exterior lighting may get dimmer over time.
Another recall that you may find in the 2002 Ford Focus is the latches, locks, and car linkages. If not latched securely, the door might open while the vehicle is in use, resulting in potential passengers or gear to fall out while driving.
Lastly, a final recall with your 2002 Focus that can make the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems even worse is the cruise control faults. If this condition occurs, you may have to depress the clutch and apply the brake to stop the car effectively.
2002 Ford Focus Alternator Replacement
As you know by now, your car is compiled of various components that are all important in the functioning of your vehicle. Each one individually plays a crucial role in keeping your car operational and keep it dependable.
One of the main parts of the internal car system involves the alternator. However, if your alternator fails and you experience 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems, this can lead to pricey replacements or repairs for you and your wallet. The average alternator replacement cost usually ranges from $500 to $1,000 on average.
Sample 2002 Ford Focus Alternator Problem Replacement Costs
To give you an idea of how much you might spend to fix the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems you are experiencing, we have the most common cars on the market and the sample prices of alternator replacement costs.
The least expensive option is the Honda Accord on the low end, coming out to just $280 to replace the 2004 model year’s alternator. The second cheapest option is the Toyota Yaris, coming out to just $300 in total. The Toyota Corolla and the Ford F-150 both come out to just $320 and $480 on average for the middle of the road options.
The more expensive options in terms of fixing the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems include the Scion tC, ranging between $335 and $570, and the Toyota Camry, ranging between $355 and $600 total.
What If I Do Not Feel Safe Driving My 2002 Ford Focus?
If you have a 2002 Ford Focus, you should know that there are numerous recalls within the car. The recalls are within various categories for the 2002 Focus, such as the vehicle’s body, interior, electrical, engine, and transmission portions. Due to the high amount of recalls, the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems make this car unsafe to drive.
Since the Ford Focus for this year is not safe for any driver, your best option might be to sell your car for some money. First, you need to remove all non-metal parts from the car. You can sell some of these parts for some extra cash, like the seats and electrical components. Second, find a reputable location that can provide you with a fair quote and a trustworthy service. We recommend heading to CashCarsBuyer to earn some money for your junk car and start saving for a new vehicle!
Conclusion
When looking at the causes of the 2002 Ford Focus alternator problems, you need to know the most common signs of a failing or faulty alternator. Being aware of the recalls involved with this model year and the alternator’s overall function can tell you when something is not working correctly in your car.