Our veteran Ford Focus mechanics at Oceanworks have come across these five issues most frequently at our shop in Berkeley and have developed reliable solutions:
Fluctuating Engine RPM
Unstable engine RPMs that spike up and down can leave you feeling uneasy every time you drive. What’s causing the fluctuations? Sensor disruptions? A sticking valve? Vacuum leaks? At Oceanworks, we dig deeper to uncover the root cause. Do you notice RPM instability mainly at idle or highway speeds? Have the fluctuations worsened gradually or started suddenly? Answering key questions helps our technicians perform a careful diagnosis. We check engine components, scan for trouble codes, and test for vacuum leaks that can disturb air flow and trigger RPM spikes. Will replacing your idle control valve stabilize those fluctuations? For some earlier Focus models, yes. But for newer ones we get to the bottom of what’s disrupting normal operation.
Ignition Issues
Does your ignition fight you every time you get in the car? Are you sticking keys in and out five times praying for the engine to finally catch? Or does it start OK, only for different issues to emerge once running? From sticking locks to faulty switches, our techs methodically uncover where along the line disruptions emerge. Is anything preventing smooth electrical signal transmission? Locating the disruption source is step one. Step two is replacing that worn lock module or malfunctioning switch. At Oceanworks, we’ve restored seamless ignition function and key entry to countless Berkeley Focus owners. And we can do the same for you.
Exhaust and Fuel System Problems
Drivability problems plague certain Ford Focus models from 2012-2018. The problems include engine stalling, rough running engine, sudden power loss and shuddering engine. The culprit? The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system and failing purge valve. The purge valve’s job is to control how much gas is allowed into the engine. When it fails, the engine suffers performance issues.
Does your Focus exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned? How often do they occur—mainly on cold starts or during highway driving? Determining a clear pattern helps us diagnose. Then we scan for purge valve codes. Finding fault codes verifying a defective purge valve points to our solution: purge valve replacement. We source original equipment or aftermarket valves. Then install and test the system thoroughly, clearing codes and confirming normal performance has been restored.
Steering Problems
Ever turned the Focus’s wheel and felt only empty space? Terrifying not having steering response when you need it. Even intermittent loss of power assist makes driving unpredictable and dangerous. Our factory-trained specialists diagnose the root cause–whether electrical fault or mechanical failure in the rack-and-pinion. Does the wheel turn abnormally heavy sometimes or resist turning altogether? Are any dash warning lights illuminated? Specific symptoms give us clues. Replacing the faulty power steering component like the sensor or control module will have you maintaining control once again. For Focus models prone to sudden power steering loss, we advise a precautionary sensor replacement before issues leave you stranded.
Engine Stalling or Failure
Few things disrupt your daily commute like an engine that randomly quits on you. Are you tired of your Focus unpredictably stalling, sputtering back to life, only to die again a few miles later? Pre-ignition knock? Overheating warnings? We know firsthand how frustrating Ford’s 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine issues are.
But what exactly is causing your engine woes? Fuel pumps fail. Modules malfunction. Overheating damages internals over time. Determining the root problem is key to correct repair. Nailing down patterns and diagnosing codes guides our troubleshooting. For common overheating problems in the EcoBoost, we complete Ford’s recall, installing a coolant level sensor to protect your engine. We also update control modules and replace damaged components like defective turbochargers. Has your engine died completely? Our rebuilt longblocks restore performance. Get to the bottom of your Focus engine problems with our diagnostic expertise. We fix stalling, overheating, and failure issues for good.
Ready to stop putting up with any Ford Focus problems? Contact Oceanworks or stop into our shop in Berkeley, CA to schedule your free inspection and get a reliable diagnosis and solution. Our Ford specialists are here and ready to help restore smooth performance to your Focus.
