2012 Ford Focus Titanium

[Podie]

geraintthomas said:

Podie said:

That doesn't sound happy. Where did you get your adaptor from?

Did you set the com port and set the port speed to auto?

eBay from China. Didn't think it had to be anything special... recommend any?

This is the one I bought (it was recommended to me) and had no issues with ELMconfig, Forscan or FoCCus.

Caveat - as ever, YMMV.

[super7]

I forgot...... Hill Start Assist! Holds the car on the brakes whilst on a hill to stop you rolling back. Just remember it only holds it for a few seconds before it releases.... and rolls back

[geraintthomas]

Podie said:

This is the one I bought (it was recommended to me) and had no issues with ELMconfig, Forscan or FoCCus.

Caveat - as ever, YMMV.

Wasn't sure if you forgot to post a link, or if you're referencing mine!

[Podie]

geraintthomas said:

Podie said:

This is the one I bought (it was recommended to me) and had no issues with ELMconfig, Forscan or FoCCus.

Caveat - as ever, YMMV.

Wasn't sure if you forgot to post a link, or if you're referencing mine!

Apologies - multiple computers... I think I did Ctrl+C on one, and Ctrl+V on the other...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-USB-modified-for...

[geraintthomas]

Podie said:

Apologies - multiple computers... I think I did Ctrl+C on one, and Ctrl+V on the other...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-USB-modified-for...

Ah mine looks identical to that:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312945560530

And it's from UK, thought it was China. I looked online and others do the same thing of throwing dash board errors when it's reading/writing. Seems to be quite normal. I'll give it another go when I get round to doing the projector lenses!

[Podie]

geraintthomas said:

Podie said:

Apologies - multiple computers... I think I did Ctrl+C on one, and Ctrl+V on the other...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-USB-modified-for...

Ah mine looks identical to that:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312945560530

And it's from UK, thought it was China. I looked online and others do the same thing of throwing dash board errors when it's reading/writing. Seems to be quite normal. I'll give it another go when I get round to doing the projector lenses!

Well when you get round to doing it, drop me a PM. Happy to stick my cable in the post for you to borrow if you wish (as a known working one).

[CX53]

Looks like a nice car, and they drive so well.

I panic bought a poverty spec Astra of the same vintage when someone crashed in to my Golf R and needed a car quick.

It's absolutely horrid and the Focii have always been the better car.

Might have to keep an eye out for these when replacing my car, I didn't realise they came so loaded with kit.

[geraintthomas]

Podie said:

Well when you get round to doing it, drop me a PM. Happy to stick my cable in the post for you to borrow if you wish (as a known working one).

That's very kind of you, thank you so much.

CX53 said:

Looks like a nice car, and they drive so well.

I panic bought a poverty spec Astra of the same vintage when someone crashed in to my Golf R and needed a car quick.

It's absolutely horrid and the Focii have always been the better car.

Might have to keep an eye out for these when replacing my car, I didn't realise they came so loaded with kit.

Poverty spec! Never heard that term before... brilliant. You ever going to get another car on par with the R?


I spent yesterday evening touching up the stone chips and scratches on the paintwork with a frozen white touch up pen. They're not perfect, but they're a lot better and aren't noticeable anymore.









This was the worst



But this is the best I could do



White paint is so forgiving.

I gave the car a thorough clean, more on the side of a partial detail, using detail brushes for all the tiny areas inside and outside of the body work. It's looking fantastic now:



















I've just come back from driving to West Wales and back, so over two hours each way. It performed lovely, with the adaptive cruise control being outstanding.

Just waiting for Monday when I can install the RimBlades on the wheels, and then paint the brakes silver (fronts) and black (rears), then cosmetically it's finished.

[Podie]

Ford did retro fit DRLs that go in those triangle bits in the front bumper - if that sort of thing floats your boat.

[CX53]

geraintthomas said:

Poverty spec! Never heard that term before... brilliant. You ever going to get another car on par with the R?

I think maybe something a bit cheaper but still fun, I got a bit precious over it and it did ruin the fun somewhat!

Great job on the paintwork, looks really good.

[geraintthomas]

Podie said:

Ford did retro fit DRLs that go in those triangle bits in the front bumper - if that sort of thing floats your boat.

I saw those on Ebay and have them on my purchase list for the car. I didn't know that Ford retrofitted them? I thought they were just aftermarkets?

CX53 said:

I think maybe something a bit cheaper but still fun, I got a bit precious over it and it did ruin the fun somewhat!

Great job on the paintwork, looks really good.

Thank you! Get an MX-5. Beautifully balanced, amazing driving position, great gearbox and cheap to run and repair. Some of the best driving fun you can have. Honestly if I drove an MX-5 (of any year) before I bought my Boxster S, I'd have been very torn between the two.

[MP-Racing]

Like what your doing with the car, your parcel shelf is actually missing two hard plastic holders that locate the shelf to the quarter panels. They are meant to be fixed to the shelf itself.

[geraintthomas]

MP-Racing said:

Like what your doing with the car, your parcel shelf is actually missing two hard plastic holders that locate the shelf to the quarter panels. They are meant to be fixed to the shelf itself.

Oh! Didn't know that, thanks for telling me. Need to find them on ebay or get the part numbers now. Cheers!


Had a day out in Tenby yesterday (albeit a socially distant day out), which took just over two and a half hours each way. Also drove to Winchester today which was also just over two hours each way, and the car performed brilliantly. Beautifully smooth and feels as safe as a tank.









Was good to get out to be honest, somewhere new that's not the house or the local park. We had a walk around Tenby with our face masks, and a socially distant meet up today in the park in Winchester, which did us all some good.

Next week will be a relaxed week and back working. The car is in the garage Tuesday to get its track rod ends replaced, but that's as exciting as things get. Tuesday evening I'll be fitting the Rim Blades, so I'm looking forward to getting those alloys a little nicer to look at.

Anyway. It's been a lot of driving this weekend, and I've got a Leffe Ruby in my hand as we're just about to watch a film. Will let you know what happens Tuesday.

Cheers all

[Podie]

geraintthomas said:

I saw those on Ebay and have them on my purchase list for the car. I didn't know that Ford retrofitted them? I thought they were just aftermarkets?.

Yep, Ford did genuine LED running lights. FINIS 1746355

[geraintthomas]

Podie said:

Yep, Ford did genuine LED running lights. FINIS 1746355

Thank you!

[Bowen86]

If this is anything like your Porsche thread this should be one to watch....

Great touches so far.

[JohnWest]

geraintthomas said:

Oh! Didn't know that, thanks for telling me. Need to find them on ebay or get the part numbers now. Cheers!
...

I bought this:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

Then Nissan part seems to be cheaper than the Ford despite being the same. I bought it to fix my Focus parcel shelf that failed in exactly the same way as yours.

I have a titanium x but don’t have adaptive cruise, blind spot or auto high beam, you’ve found a well specced one there!

Following with interest, been a long time follower of your Porsche thread.

[geraintthomas]

Bowen86 said:

If this is anything like your Porsche thread this should be one to watch....

Great touches so far.

I'm sure it'll turn into a thread that's god knows how long, but hopefully it'll be happy journeys and photos of a clean car, as opposed to maintenance. But we'll see! Thank you all the same.

JohnWest said:

I bought this:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

Then Nissan part seems to be cheaper than the Ford despite being the same. I bought it to fix my Focus parcel shelf that failed in exactly the same way as yours.

I have a titanium x but don’t have adaptive cruise, blind spot or auto high beam, you’ve found a well specced one there!

Following with interest, been a long time follower of your Porsche thread.

Many thanks! Lovely to see people reading the other thread.

That's interesting... I can't see how they fit on though. Could you take photos of yours at all?


Today was an interesting (and expensive) day. The track rod ends were so seized that I needed to replace them both. The warranty were umming and ahhing over whether it would be covered, so I just decided to front the cost myself. After all, the track rod ends were the only thing that was mechanically wrong with the car (aside from some surface rust on a brake disc, which I'll be tackling myself soon).

The garage had a nightmare with the track rod ends, resulting in cutting off one side completely. In all they replaced both outer track rod ends, and one inner track rod end. Parts and labour with VAT came to £174. Tracking was £30 per axle with a hunter machine, so it was £204 in total. Not amazing, but the car seems perfectly fine now, so I'm happy to pay that to make the car mechanically sound.

Up on the ramp, I had a good look at the underside



Doesn't look too bad for 137,000 miles



The track rod ends were replaced



And the car was finished



Whilst I was at the garage, they were working on an E-Type that had its head gasket blow. Must be expensive on a V12!











They also had this gorgeous Sierra RS Cosworth. Must be worth quite a bit, especially in its condition.













Anyway. I digress. Car went straight to another garage where they did a hunter alignment system. The car was throwing traction control errors due to the wheels being pointed in different directions, so this needed to be done asap.

This was the angle of the steering wheel when driving straight.



Look at the wheels! This was straight:





Before and after





Car now drives beautifully.

The weather held off today, and it looks like it's holding off for the next few days - perfect for applying the RimBlades.

Here's the wheel before





And after









That front wheel was the worst at the top as it had a big chunk taken out of it. They're not perfect, but they hide a lot of the curbing which is all that matters. I cleaned the wheel with normal cleaner, then alcohol wipes that were supplied. I then applied some adhesive primer that they supply, then applied the RimBlade itself. Within 10 seconds it bonded to the alloy, and was almost impossible to pull off. I'll leave the car 24 hours either way, but these aren't coming off in a hurry. At least they'll be soft if I ever touch a curb (or a pothole) with the wheel.

If that was the Porsche, I'd have got the wheels refurbished (as I did on the Boxster), but this car is a daily so there's no need for perfection here.

That's all for now!

[ChrisR99]

Can't beat a Focus, We have several in the family and they've always been dependable and good to drive cars. You'd be hard pressed to tell it had that mileage!

I've had my 2014 1.0 Titanium for over 4 years now and am in no rush to change yet. It's my first and only car I've had and couldn't ask for much more. Xenon headlights and a bit more power would be nice though.


(Aston isn't mine unfortunately)

Liking the wheels on yours, I believe they came as part of the 'Appearance Pack' with Privacy Glass but not entirely sure. Mine originally had 16" wheels but I changed them for Tit X wheels. I wanted the ones on your car but there weren't any for sale at the time!

On the DRL front, I've got Osram foglight ones which I'm pleased with. Personally I prefer the look to the ones fitted in the grille and you get 'cornering' lights with them too when indicating with headlights on. Let me know if you want a photo at all!

[geraintthomas]

ChrisR99 said:

Can't beat a Focus, We have several in the family and they've always been dependable and good to drive cars. You'd be hard pressed to tell it had that mileage!

I've had my 2014 1.0 Titanium for over 4 years now and am in no rush to change yet. It's my first and only car I've had and couldn't ask for much more. Xenon headlights and a bit more power would be nice though.


(Aston isn't mine unfortunately)

Liking the wheels on yours, I believe they came as part of the 'Appearance Pack' with Privacy Glass but not entirely sure. Mine originally had 16" wheels but I changed them for Tit X wheels. I wanted the ones on your car but there weren't any for sale at the time!

On the DRL front, I've got Osram foglight ones which I'm pleased with. Personally I prefer the look to the ones fitted in the grille and you get 'cornering' lights with them too when indicating with headlights on. Let me know if you want a photo at all!

Great to hear from another pleased focus owner. I didn't realise how good these were. Yours is a beautiful colour!

I think I'll be getting the horizontal DRL's in the grilles as, like mentioned above, Ford did this themselves so it's nice to go down the original route if you know what I mean? I did consider fog light ones though.

On the Xenon front, I'll be doing my conversion in the coming weeks where I'll split the headlight open to fit projectors. If they go well I'll let you know!