Selection and replacement of the battery on a Ford Focus car

The standard battery for a Ford Focus (2nd and 3rd generations, which are common in the Russian Federation) is designed for 3 years of operation. Subsequently, its capacity and starting current values ​​are sharply reduced, which is why the starter rotation speed when starting the engine also decreases. Sooner or later, this leads to the fact that the battery current drops to such values ​​that it is impossible to start the engine at all, and at the same time it becomes impossible to charge the battery. In such cases, the only option is to replace it with a new one.

Selection and replacement of the battery on a Ford Focus car

The standard battery for a Ford Focus (2nd and 3rd generations, which are common in the Russian Federation) is designed for 3 years of operation. Subsequently, its capacity and starting current values ​​are sharply reduced, which is why the starter rotation speed when starting the engine also decreases. Sooner or later, this leads to the fact that the battery current drops to such values ​​that it is impossible to start the engine at all, and at the same time it becomes impossible to charge the battery. In such cases, the only option is to replace it with a new one.

Date of manufacture

When choosing a battery, the date of its manufacture is important. Even without working, the capacity is gradually lost. A new battery that has been in a warehouse or store for 3-5 months will serve well. After another six months without work, its properties will become noticeably worse. Silver on plates will extend the shelf life by 5 months.

Most manufacturers indicate the production date on the case. Batteries often indicate not the month or date, but the calendar week and year. For Bosh and Varta, the period is reflected in a 24-digit code. The 4th digit indicates the year (7=2017, 8=2018), the 5th and 6th digits indicate the month (11 = November). On the original with the Ford logo, the date is marked on the “+” terminal, the week and year are indicated.

Before purchasing, ask the seller to measure the density or voltage in your presence.

Features of the battery for Ford Focus

The manufacturer's concern installs batteries of size 242x175x175 (the so-called “European”) in Ford Focus of both the 2nd and 3rd generations. This is the original size, but shorter ones also fit and do not dangle due to the presence of a lock. Exceptions are cars with a diesel engine, where the battery is 190 mm in height (increased capacity).

The battery capacity differs in different engine variations:

It is recommended to replace it with a compatible battery of the same capacity; this will ensure the optimal mode of the charging system (in this car it is “intelligent”).

Also, when choosing which battery to install, you need to pay attention to its maximum starting current. You can install a battery with this value higher than that of the original battery, but you cannot set it lower. For Ford Focus gasoline internal combustion engines, the current must be at least 540 A (in the technical documentation for gasoline 1.6 engines, a minimum of 510 A is indicated), for diesel engines - 680 A. With lower values, the battery may also be suitable, but the load when the ignition is turned on will be critical, which reduces the service life of the battery.

Reverse polarity is required (positive terminal is on the left). The terminals are standard (with a “snap-on” connection).

Main selection criteria

The most difficult thing is to determine what kind of battery is needed for a particular car. The following parameters are taken into account:

1. Polarity (position of positive and negative terminals). In European and American-made cars, reverse polarity is predominantly used, where the positive terminal is the left terminal. In Japanese, Korean and Russian - mostly the other way around.
2. Dimensions. In most modern cars, the battery is installed in a specially designated compartment. Naturally, it has size limitations that should be taken into account when purchasing a replacement battery.
3. Capacity. Indicates the storage portion of the charge. It is recommended to choose a battery with the same capacity as was originally installed by the manufacturer - the charging system is designed to work optimally with a specific range.
4. Starting current. It must be no lower than that originally set by the manufacturer. The more powerful and massive the engine, the higher the starting currents are needed for it, because more effort is required to spin up a heavier unit.
5. Production technology. It is also recommended to use the same type of battery as was originally installed. But the manufacturer in the technical documentation may indicate compatibility with other types of batteries.

It should also be taken into account that one car model can be supplied with different types of batteries. For example, the same Ford Focus is supplied to the Russian Federation in two variations: 2nd and 3rd generations, which, although slightly, differ in technical characteristics.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

To remove and replace the 3rd generation Ford Focus battery, you only need a wrench with a 10 mm socket and an extension. For the 2nd generation Ford Focus, you will also need a screwdriver to press out the latches of the plastic cover (they are more rigid and difficult to pull off with your fingers). Another nuance: in a car with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, you do not need to remove the air filter. For diesel and petrol 2.0 liters – mandatory. Therefore, before removing the battery for replacement from a Ford Focus 3, you should check the type of installed engine in the technical documentation. If its power is 150 horsepower, then the filter must be removed, since without this it will not be possible to get to the battery. For internal combustion engines of 105 and 125 horsepower, this is not necessary. Otherwise, replacing the battery is carried out similarly according to the following algorithm:

All that remains is to replace the battery with a new one. Assembly is carried out in reverse order. In the 2nd generation Focus, where restyling has not yet been carried out, although the filter does not need to be completely removed, without an extension cord it will not be possible to unscrew the battery lock. And if a non-original battery is installed, that is, with smaller dimensions, then the latch moves in the compartment (there are moving grooves for it).

After installing a new battery, you will also need to reset the control unit. To do this you need:

Once the reset is complete, the battery icon on the panel will light up - this confirms that the procedure was successful. In this way, intelligent charging is “reset” and configured to work with a new battery.

So, it is recommended to change the battery in a Ford Focus after about 3-4 years of active use. The whole procedure takes 15–20 minutes. It is not necessary to charge a new battery before installation if its charge is sufficient for at least the first start of the engine. And most importantly, do not forget to reset the BMS settings, since without this the control unit may not work correctly (for example, lower engine speed at idle).

Source

Removing the battery - step-by-step educational program

Armed with a 10 or 13 wrench (this tool has a small head and an extension for ease of operation), it will be easier to think further about the question of how to remove the Ford Focus 3 1.6 battery. Then we proceed as follows:

1. Unscrew the positive terminal. The negative one cannot be touched because it is difficult to reach.
2. The plastic cover will have to be removed so that nothing interferes with the procedure.
3. Remove the clamping bar, held by two nuts, with a wrench.
4. To avoid simultaneously removing the air filter and replacing its clamp, you need to lift up the cover with the positive terminal of the battery. By pulling the battery towards you, it will be convenient to unscrew the negative terminal.
5. By unscrewing it, it is easy to pull out the device.

As can be seen from this manual, the question of how to remove the battery on a Ford Focus 3 is not difficult to solve. In this case, it is important not to confuse the polarities.

How to change the battery for Ford Focus 2 restyling and pre-restyling

Unscrew and remove the bolt that secures the “-” wire to the body mass, so to speak, of your car.

Before installing the battery, do not forget to clean the terminals and tip surfaces (from the inside). This can be done with fine sandpaper. Do not mix up the wires when connecting. After connecting the wires to the battery, lubricate the exposed parts of the terminals and the metal ends of the wires with a thin layer of grease (or something similar).

I think there are no more questions with the question of how to remove the battery from a Ford Focus 2!

Device programming

The key fob does not always start working after replacing the power source. First of all, you need to check whether the battery in the car is dead. To do this, you can directly try to start the car or turn on the headlights. If the battery is in working condition, then the key needs to be reprogrammed, since the car does not “see” it.

To do this, insert it into the ignition switch and turn it to the 2 o'clock position four times in a row. Then return it to 0 and wait for the sound signal. This will take about ten seconds. A sound will be heard, which means programming has begun. Now quickly press the button on the key. The lock should click, which means the key has received a new program.

Which battery is suitable?

The Ford Focus 2 key fob will require a battery number CR2032. Such “tablets” are used in car keys of other brands and in watches. Features of the element: power – 3 V, diameter – 20 mm, height – 3.1 mm, type – Li-ion.

When purchasing, the company that produced the current source and the price are important. You should not buy cheap analogues.

Guide on how to remove the battery from Ford models

Ford Kuga car

The design features of Fords prevent independent intervention in the operation of technical components and electronics. What should I do if the battery needs to be replaced? Many Ford engineers in its homeland consider it natural to contact a car service center and, if necessary, call a tow truck.

The traditions of driving and servicing cars in Russia have taught car enthusiasts to overcome all obstacles and change the battery with their own hands. Once you figure out how to do this, there are no questions later.

Depending on the car model, the battery is available to varying degrees. If you have little experience in dismantling, before unwinding and disconnecting, take a close-up photo so that you can accurately restore the connections later.

Focus

Ford Focus car design

For a comfortable view and, if necessary, to remove the battery from a Ford Focus 2, 3, restyling strictly in a position without tilt (for example, a cracked housing), it will be convenient to remove the air filter.

Find out the charging time of your battery

Let's figure out how to remove the battery from Ford Focus 2, 3, restyling, without removing the filter:

The second generation of Kuga was released in 2013, despite noticeable changes in the body, the location of the battery in the Ford Kuga 2 has remained recessed since 2013; access to it is gained by removing the air filter, or by dismantling the shelf under the front window, which is also called a frill.

In car repair shops, it is customary to remove batteries on Ford Kugas after first disassembling the air filter.

For an experienced electrician, dismantling it is not difficult; the method has important advantages over gaining access through the top:

Remove the filter and take out the battery:

Removing the battery from the car

Access through the top requires a minimum of mechanical work; with little or no experience, removing the frill from a Ford looks easier. There is a possibility of a problem with the battery size. It does not always pass through the resulting opening. Often, after removing the frill, you have to disassemble the filter.

Replacing the battery on a Kuga through a removed frill:

For clarity, watch the video.

Mondeo

Ford produces the 5th generation of Mondeo cars. All trim levels, including the large Mondeo 4, have a deep-seated battery.

It is obtained after dismantling the air filter:

Ford Mondeo car

Transit

The design of the Ford Transit is designed for frequent self-charging of batteries, so getting them is quite simple:

Ford Transit car

On Ford Transit cars until 2000, the plant provided space for one battery. Afterwards, cars with space for two batteries began to be produced. You can use one or two batteries as needed, depending on the driving cycle.

Finding the fault

If the check battery icon lights up and remains on when the engine is running, the first thing you need to do is test the charging. It is necessary to attach the contacts of the multimeter to the output terminals. If the battery works correctly and is fully charged, the device will display a voltage of 12.5V, but if the characteristic drops beyond 12V, the battery should be removed and additionally recharged, having learned in advance how to charge the Ford Focus 2 battery.

Next, the generator itself is tested. Wires are connected to the terminals and with the engine running, check the voltage with a multimeter using the positive terminal. At idle speed and switched off consumption, the tester should show about 13V, when the speed reaches 3000, the voltage should increase to 14.4V. Then it is necessary to activate electrical consumers and increase the load. The characteristic must remain at the level of 13V, otherwise it can be stated that the generator is faulty, which is why the battery is dead.

You can test the functionality of the generator, regardless of the location of the battery, using a simple method - with the engine running, you need to disconnect the wire from the positive terminal of the battery. If the engine stalls, the problem is in the generator.

The instrument panel and optics lights, adjusted by the number of revolutions, indicate a problem in the generator system or a decrease in the drive belt tension. Diagnostics of the voltage relay, if the battery is discharged or low, is quite possible by applying voltage from the battery to the contacts. In a situation where the generator brushes show 12V, the relay is working properly, but otherwise the unit requires replacement.

Interaction between battery and generator

When the engine starts, the battery loses some of its energy. When the vehicle is moving, the battery is constantly charged by the generator. If the engine speed increases, the voltage supplied by the generator also increases. To ensure that this characteristic is in the range from 13 to 14 V, the rotor excitation circuit has a special voltage relay.

Before looking for a battery fault, you need to understand the charging circuit, which includes 2 branches:

• The first unites the generator with the battery, and is also connected to the battery charging lamp through the ignition switch and fuse.
• The second combines a light bulb and a voltage regulator.

When the ignition key is turned, voltage is supplied through the fuse and generator to the indicator lamp. While the motor is not running, the generator does not generate electricity, and there is no voltage on the second branch of the circuit. The potential difference across the lamp contacts ensures that it lights up and eliminates any problems in the circuit.

When the engine starts, electricity is transferred from the generator to both contacts, potential equalization occurs and the indicator on the panel turns off. The first branch of the circuit is used to supply voltage directly to the battery, which allows you to replenish the charge.

How to select and, if necessary, replace the battery in a Ford Focus 2?

To ensure the normal operation of electronic devices and devices in the car, a powerful battery must be used. We are talking about cars from any manufacturer, including American-made cars, which are characterized by the presence of many voltage consumers. In this article we will talk about how to choose the right battery for a Ford Focus 2 car and how to replace it.

Criterias of choice

The choice of battery for the first, second or third Focus should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. According to experts, today when purchasing, you should pay attention to a dry-charged battery. One of the key advantages of such devices is their long shelf life and, accordingly, service life.

In addition, dry-charged batteries are characterized by the following advantages:

Ford Focus engine compartment - battery is covered with a lid It is impossible to say exactly which battery is best to buy for Ford Focus 2, since products from different manufacturers have both advantages and disadvantages. To choose the most optimal option, you should be based on your experience, as well as recommendations from Focus owners. Today, the most popular batteries among domestic buyers are Warta, Bosch, Viking, etc. batteries. Such models have long established themselves as reliable batteries that rarely fail. Of course, you can choose other manufacturers, but the most important thing in this case is that the device fits Focus 1 or 2 sizes.

So, to select the correct battery, you should take into account the recommendations of the automobile concern, as well as the technical characteristics of the vehicle. For example, if the capacity size must correspond to 70 Ah, it is not recommended to buy a battery with a different capacity. Of course, sometimes you can deviate from this rule and purchase a battery with a smaller capacity, but this is true for Focus 1, 2 and 3 cars, which use more viscous oil. In addition, a lower capacity is relevant for vehicles that have problems with the ignition or power systems.

Same engine compartment - battery cover removed

It is worth considering that in some cases it is necessary to install batteries with a larger capacity. In particular, we are talking about cars equipped with various electronics - GPS devices, video recorders, powerful sound systems, monitors, etc. When driving on the highway, a conventional battery can cope with powering such devices, however, when driving around the city and in traffic jams, the car owner may encounter certain problems. So when purchasing a device, you must first of all be guided by the features of your vehicle.

So, what features need to be considered when purchasing a battery:

Instructions for dismantling and replacing the battery

In general, replacing a battery is a fairly simple task that any car enthusiast can handle. To perform this procedure, you only need to prepare in advance the wrench needed to remove the terminals. It should be borne in mind that the battery itself is a rather heavy device, which will require some effort to dismantle.

Algorithm of actions

To remove the battery on a Ford Focus, follow the steps:

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Video “How to properly replace the battery on a turbodiesel Focus”

Instructions for replacing the battery on a Ford Focus with a 1.8-liter engine are presented in the video below (the author of the video is Pavel Menshakov).

Nominal capacity

When choosing, you should take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as operating conditions. The battery capacity is increased in proportion to the load on it. For middle and northern latitudes, larger capacity batteries are relevant, as well as more careful control of electrolyte density.

Especially with frequent trips around the city. Residents of the southern regions can easily afford a battery with the same capacity as the original.

The following batteries are often installed on Ford Focus 2, 3 depending on engine power:

• 55 Ah with 80 hp engine 1.4 l;
• 60 Ah – 100 hp 1.6 l;
• 64 Ah – 145 hp 2.0 l.

Larger capacity batteries for such cars are justified when you have many electronic devices connected that are not provided by the factory. It is important not to abuse it; a few Amp hours, for example 5Ah, will be enough.

If you install 80Ah on a Ford Focus 2 liter gasoline when the factory recommends 64Ah, the generator may not have enough power for sufficient recharging. Operation will become uncomfortable, and its life will be shortened due to exposure to deep discharges. After a short period of time, the battery light on the panel on the Ford Focus 2 will light up again.

It is rational to abandon some devices, especially in winter. If you decide to install a higher power generator, contact a specialist. Many generators are not interchangeable; a new one with higher power may not be compatible.

Ford Focus 2 Manual

We remove the battery to replace it when it fails, as well as to charge it and when repairing the car. Remove the air filter cover (see “Replacing the replacement air filter element for Ford Focus 2”).

Pull up and remove the battery cover.

Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the nut...

...and remove the wire terminal from the “positive” terminal of the battery.

We remove the wire harnesses from the two holders on the battery casing.

Unfasten the holder and remove the wires from it.

Having released the latch (shown by the arrow), remove the protective casing of the battery.

We service the battery. Removal/installation.

Imagine that your Focus, purchased not so long ago, maybe a little more than six months ago (color, body, engine size and equipment do not matter), one fine day refused to start. Instead of the usual sound of the starter turning, did you hear a click-click-click-click-click-click?

Congratulations - you also got it! (You can find and discuss the reasons for battery discharge in this topic All about the battery) Of course you are right, what normal person would try to measure the density of the electrolyte in a NEW car. (I thought so myself too. Now I’ll do this on a new car too

But emotions aside, let's get to the point: the battery is discharged - that's a fact. But don’t rush to “just charge” it. As you know, Focuses are equipped with calcium batteries. This is the whole problem. Be sure to check the density of the electrolyte. Pay attention here. My density was 1.15 - this is below all permissible limits. Therefore: 1. If you do the same, then point 2 is NOT FOR YOU. 2. If your readings are about 1.20 or higher, then first try to charge it, but not like a regular battery, but with a low current of 1-2 Amps for 2-5 days. (Be sure to make sure there is no strong boiling). If it doesn't help, read on.

So you have 1.15 or so. Alas, nothing can be done here. And no amount of charging will bring the battery back to life without damaging your health and resource. There is only one way out - replacing the electrolyte (although this concept is not practiced by specialists). It was not for nothing that I mentioned at the beginning of the topic that your car should be up to six months or a little more. Then this procedure should be as painless as mine. Just during the replacement process, the battery will have to be turned over. On aged and old batteries, this is fraught with short circuits due to sediment at the bottom of the battery.

So further in order: 1. Go to the Auto Parts store and buy 3 liters of electrolyte. The capacity of this battery is about 2 liters. But you need a reserve, you never know if you spill it past, and then the electrolyte is sold mostly in 1.5 liter bottles. Therefore, 3 liters is just right! (Just under no circumstances tell you why you need it. They may dissuade you. Remember: YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE. If you charge, then if you are lucky and reach the coveted 1.27, then the process of such a long charging will reduce the battery life by at least half.) 2. Take your battery out of the house and remove the plugs. 3. Pour out the unusable electrolyte. (It is better, of course, to dig a small hole). Just don't pour it down the drain. This is still rubbish. In this case, we choose the lesser of two evils. 4. Fill in new electrolyte. The most important thing here is to minimize the time between draining the old one and filling in the new one. The plates do not like open air. Close the traffic jams. 5. Carry the battery home. Open the plugs and charge it with a low current of 2 Amperes. The density of store-bought electrolyte is 1.27-1.28. After pouring into the battery, it should fall a little, mixing with the remnants of the old one. 6. Use a tester and a hydrometer to control the process. When the voltage on the battery is 15.7V (I couldn’t do it anymore after 6 hours of charging), and the density is 1.26-1.27, you can consider that the battery is charged and turn off the charger. After the battery cools, the density will rise a little more. 7. Install the battery on the car and enjoy the usual cheerful sound of the starter.

Diagnosing other problems

Many situations require knowledge of where the battery is located and how to remove the battery. Let's look at diagnosing and repairing various problems:

• A situation occurs when the multimeter on the dashboard shows the charge, the battery charging indicator does not activate at all, and the voltage at the battery terminals is about 12V, while the battery is completely discharged. You can solve the problem by stripping the terminals on the battery - if this does not help, you need to measure the voltage at the generator. One of the electrodes is connected to terminal 30, and the second is placed on ground. In situations where the voltage is greater than the battery specification, “30” must be cleaned with sandpaper. You should also carefully inspect the wiring from the generator to the battery for breaks.
• The on-board voltmeter and indicator indicate charging, the voltage at the battery terminals is about 14V, while the battery is discharged, and when the load increases, the voltmeter indicator goes to a minimum. This is all due to weakening of the tension, wear or breakage of the belt. The slack belt should be tensioned so that when pressed, it bends 1 centimeter.
• The situation may also arise as a result of a breakdown of one of the generator diodes. The motor is turned off and the entire diode bridge is rung, and any faulty elements found must be replaced. It is necessary to test the generator brushes - if their length is less than 5 mm, the parts should be replaced.

Brands

Bosch and Varta have become popular batteries for Ford Focus 2 1.6 restyling (100 hp).

Which battery to install on Ford Focus 2 1.8? Varta, Bosch, Moll, Tudor have quality comparable to prices. Moll is the most expensive option. It has a well-thought-out design of increased strength.

There are practically no complaints about Tudor batteries when working in severe frosts. Bosch and Varta are 2 brands of the same manufacturer, the most common among car enthusiasts due to their relatively reasonable price and sufficient reliability for 3-5 years.

The original with the Ford logo is not popular among car owners. The price-quality ratio is noticeably inferior to those listed above.

Catalog articles, prices of batteries

How to remove the battery on a Ford Focus

Author: Sochi Auto Repair

The Ford Focus brand uses a battery with a nominal voltage of 12 V and a capacity of 60 Ah. The battery cover and housing are made of polypropylene. There are holes on the battery cover designed to add water, and also used as ventilation holes. In addition, an indicator indicating the density of the electrolyte can be installed on the lid. How to remove the battery on a Ford Focus - simple instructions in our material.

To remove the battery from a Ford Focus, you will need a wrench with a 10 mm socket head and an extension.

The battery has a significant mass. Before you remove the battery on a Ford Focus, you need to make sure that you have enough physical strength to lift it. Turn off the ignition and all electrical equipment. The wires must be disconnected from the ground wire.

On vehicles with 1.8 or 2 liter engines as well as turbodiesels, before removing the battery, it is necessary to remove the cover installed on the air filter.

Why is the battery light on?

In a situation where the engine of your Ford Focus II is started and the battery light is on, the battery is not charged. Before removing the Ford Focus 2 battery, let's consider possible problems:

• Damage, slipping or insufficient tension of the alternator belt;
• Malfunction or loss of fuse contact within the installation complex;
• Deterioration or oxidation of contacts on the battery or the generator itself;
• Damage or disruption of the wiring braid in the generator circuit;
• Damage to the stator or rotor braid;
• Brush life depletion or retention in holders;
• Worn collector contact rings;
• The problem is in the voltage relay;
• Insufficient ground contact.