Five problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 2004 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2004 Focus.
My vehicle instrument cluster failed causing alternator to die and false readings on the dash with multiple alerts such as battery, airbag , oil and incorrect speed dial. The vehicle instrument failed at 30,000 miles and if you search it is a very common issue with the Ford Focus vehicle's. The vehicle staled and died while being drove in town and thank god it did not happen while on the highway.
Alternator caught fire, Feb 2017. Replaced and checked system. July 30, 17 alternator smoked and melted inside. , positive terminal on battery was so hot that the connector was too hot to touch. Replaced. Alternator and battery. Picked up car from repair shop and within one mile the alternator melted its internal wiring wiring and smoked. Car is back in shop. Each time this happened the car was being driven.
The car has had 5-6 repairs over the last 6 years. 3 batteries and 2 alternators. The car dies out while driving and wont restart without a jumpstart, is dead randomly or only clicks. Just spent another $200 on an alternator when the key wont turn and the real problem over all these years has come to light. Very dangerous situation with the car just dieing wherever and whenever.
I have two issues with my Ford Focus (2004) first, I ran into a problem with the ignition switch and it will not turn. I left the key in for a couple of months when this initially happened but, it wore out my alternator and I had to have it replaced. I removed the key once the new alternator was installed. I had some minor success with inserting the key and had to bang on it with my hand to get it to turn. This worked successfully for 2 weeks. The ignition switch is now frozen. I am back to square one. Secondly, the trunk latch doesn't close properly and I have to use my remote to reopen the mechanism in order to get it to close. Very aggravating. I will not purchase another Ford if these issues are not recalled.
On the alternator plug there is three wires one wire broke off by itself and it has left the battery light on all the time I don't feel I should have to go and get the new plug for the alternator if it is defective as well.