2001 Ford Focus: wrong fuel gauge reading

Filed Jan 27, 2012 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact noticed the entire instrument panel and other gauges failed to function properly. The speedometer and fuel gauge also would not display an accurate reading. Immediately the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. Upon restarting the vehicle it began to function for a brief period and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the instrument panel cluster was replaced. The similar failure recurred six months after the repair was performed. The contact stated the instrument panel cluster would need to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Updated 03/14/12*lj updated 03/19/12

Filed Aug 10, 2007 · Electrical · 113,000 miles · VA

The car almost stalls then surges like a kick. It happens mostly at around 30mph. All the lights come on and the speedometer and gas gauge go all the way up and then back down to zero then everything goes back to normal. I had the battery replaced but now the problem is back after only 2 weeks with a new battery. I took to a repair shop and they cannot find the problem.

Filed Aug 31, 2006 · Fuel system · 00

I have a 2001 ford focus -- clogging of the fuel delivery module (fdm) filters in the subject vehicles leaded to stalling and other related symptoms. These symptoms become increasingly obvious to the driver as the clogging gradually increases over extended periods of driving. Stalling in these vehicles is most likely to occur when accelerating through a right hand turn such as merging into freeway traffic when the fuel level in the fuel tank is less than 1/4 full.

Filed Mar 24, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 50,000 miles · NM

While driving the consumer noticed that the instrument panel gauges were in operative. She could not tell how fast she was driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. *jb on some occasions when the speedometer failed the odometer also stopped working and the vehicle idled erratically. At times when the clutch was pressed while stopping the engine would die which resulted in loss of power. The fuel gauge was also unstable and as a result the consumer is never sure how much fuel is in the vehicle.

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 27,000 miles · CA

The vehicle stalled on two separate occasions. *jb the speedometer in the vehicle always reads zero. The milage erase on their own and pop up again days later then disappear again. The consumer stated that he has to turn the vehicle off and turn it on again to read the gas gauge. Automatic locks engage 20 minutes after the consumer has started driving. The vehicle steering wheel became hard to move as the vehicle loss power and shut down on several occasions.

Filed Sep 25, 2003 · Fuel system · 63,000 miles · GA

While driving down a freeway off-ramp, my 2001 ford focus zx3 started to buck and hesitate, eventually stalling and causing a dangerous condition due to sudden decceleration and loss of power steering and brakes. Luckily the vehicle had enough inertia to coast down the ramp and eventually I was able to pull it into an emergency lane using the remaining assist left in the brake booster. There, I attempted multiple times to restart the vehicle and it finally started. It had a half tank of fuel so low fuel level was not the cause and I had only driven 163 miles since the last fill-up so I knew the fuel guage was operational. I attempted to drive to the nearest gas station to fill up just in case and as I as about to turn in the car died again. It restarted after multiple attempts and I waited a long time for traffic to get as clear as it would on this busy road. Then, as I attempted to turn in, creeping forward and fearing the worst, the car died again, but luckily I had not yet begun to impede oncoming traffic. If I had been, an accident would likely have resulted. After multiple attempts, the vehicle did start and I pulled in, filled up, and drove home uneventfully to do some research. On the message board at focaljet.com I read about other focus consumers encountering a similar problem with a defective fuel pump and some sort of degradation of a material lining the fuel tank causing the condition I experienced. I feel it is a safety concern of high priority and should be brought to ford's attention immediately. I am angry that my life was put in danger running the most mundane of errands and I will let them know about it tommorrow.

Filed May 19, 2003 · Fuel system · 12,325 miles · MI

I have a problem with my 2001 ford focus zx3. It has the zetec engine and the mtx75 5 speed manual transmission. The fuel pump for this vehicle is in the fuel tank (I have had the car in for fuel gauge repair a couple of times). The problem occurs whenever there is half a tank or less showing on the fuel gauge. When taking a right hand turn - I.e. Expressway on/off ramp - the car engine will stutter and die. This only happens turning to the right. The lower the fuel gauge reading, the more severe the problem becomes. Turning left has no ill effect on drive ability. It seems the fuel pump is not at fault. Only under the right turn conditions do I experience any loss of fuel to the engine. Could this be a design flaw in the fuel pick-up system? I have heard of many complaints on this very issue. Thank you for your time. Tim ruiter - michigan certified master mechanic # m140125

Filed Mar 10, 2003 · Fuel system · 40,000 miles · OK

Our car currently has 40,000 and the fuel pump has gone out. The problem with the car was the fuel gauge was not reporting the correct amount of fuel and at times the car would not go forward when the accelerator was pushed. My wife almost had an accident because the car would not accelerate.

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle will stall out once gas gauge reaches a quarter tank. Also, keeps getting a power surge. Policeman offered consumer assistance, and moved her vehicle. Noticed that every time she turned ignition switch, odometer would increase several thousand in mileage. Please describe details.

Filed Jun 7, 2002 · Electrical · NC

Car shuts down completely, no warning. The first time it happened, the car took a while to restart, radio wouldnt come back on. Dealership replaced radio. After numerous times in the dealership, service manager of the dealership, as requested by ford motor co, ask specific questions as to help isolate why it was happening. I was asked if I notice the lights dim prior to car shutting down. I replied, I dont recall if the lights dimmed because I was more thinking about it is dark, I have a black car, no lights, no power & a semi coming up behind me, on i40. My thoughts were of not getting killed at that moment. The car started back up, however the radio again didnt come on including the clock. The last time it was brought in after it shut down, I brought it into the dealership with the radio and clock not working. It was kept for one week and I was advised the radio works, it merely has a loose face plateon the radio & you have to keep" hitting the control to get it on. I know first hand the radio shutting down is a resulting of complete power lose (including the clock). I dont think a lose face plate on the radio will cause the car to shut down. This has been going on for over a year now. From what the dealership says, after consulting ford , they have replaced anything the can be replaced. I have brought this car many times. The dealer has less repair invoices because they have combined multiple reports into one. If you count the dealership records of how many times, it is alarming. I purchased what I thought was a safe car. 99%of my driving in on the interstate. I fear driving this car and dont want to prove it is unsafe by my death. Other problems w/car: traction control fuel gauge. Engine surges at idle key sometimes will not go in and turn, sometimes the key will be stuck and you have to keep trying it to get it out. Car locks itself after you exit.