Shuts off while driving

Tiny
SUMMER529
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
The battery in my car listed above is new and charged. When I get in it to drive it it drives just fine for a while and then the ABS light comes on the emission light comes on and the brake light comes on and all of a sudden the radio shuts off. I lose my speedometer goes to zero, my gas gauge goes to zero, my lights get dim and then the car just shuts off. But the very first thing it does is the radio will shut off and when I go to turn the radio back on it says low voltage then all of a sudden the radio will come back on and then everything happens.
Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 11:44 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
You will need to have the charging system tested. Even though the battery is new and charged, your vehicles charging system needs to replenish the lost voltage. Here is a guide that can explain it better: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
SUMMER529
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Do I need certain tools to charge the charging system?
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Do you mean change the charging system? Because you can't charge the charging system. Only replace the alternator if it is faulty, or any associated fuses or wiring. This is a general guide to alternator replacement, but should only be done if it is deemed faulty.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
SUMMER529
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
I read that over with my fiancé and he asked me to send this to you. This is what the diagnostic launch report said.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Just to jump in here. The first thing you need to do is have the alternator tested. It sounds like the alternator is weak or failing and not properly charging the battery. The other small issues can wait but you need to have a reliable car that won't leave you stranded. Auto parts stores will test your alternator for free when you bring it to them. I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace the alternator on your Focus. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 1:25 AM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
You can have the charging system tested without removing the alternator if you can get it to a nearby shop or parts store that has a VAT-40 or 45 preferably. All of the codes you presented can be generated by a low voltage condition, but needs to be verified by a qualified technician before you go and spend money on parts, just my opinion because I have had customers that finally bring me their vehicles after they have spent too much money on an un-repaired vehicle.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
SUMMER529
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
One more question. Would a radio suppression capacitor have anything to do with it?
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

No, a radio suppression capacitor would have no affect on the alternator or charging system. You really need to have your alternator tested as we've stated in our posts. Most auto parts store like AutoZone can test you charging system for free. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
The radio suppression capacitor that I think you are talking about can and will cause a no start condition, but will not cause a loss of voltage and the symptoms that you have had. The ground wire will pull right out of the capacitor. Bad design for sure!
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
SUMMER529
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Thank you we are going to check into it tomorrow. I will be sure to let you all know. Thank you.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 10:51 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
You're welcome!
Yes, Please keep us updated. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:15 PM

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