cooling system problem
8.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
no data
Average Mileage:
59,337 miles
Number of complaints:
3 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace thermostat housing (3 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Focus leaking thermostat housing
2008Feb 14
Focus ZX3
- Manual transmission
- 45,000 miles
Thought the problem was an engine problem, but when I brought to the Ford dealership, they told me that the thermostat, thermostat housing and O ring had to be replaced at a cost of $1100.00. I took my car and paid the $125 for the analysis.
2005Jul 14
Focus ZTS 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 57,885 miles
Thermostat housing failed on this car long before it ever should have. Had to be replaced by the dealership thankfully under extended warranty. Would have cost at least a few hundred dollars without warranty. I would suggest not buying one of these cars without an extended warranty. I've gotten my money's worth out of my warranty.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Apr 10
Focus SE 2L Dohc
Anticipating a huge repair bill, I decided to fix this thing myself. The puddle of coolant in the driveway was obvious, but it took a long time to determine the exact point of the leak. Observation indicated it was above the transmission housing and none of the hoses or connections were dripping. When searching around using a flashlight, I spotted indication of corrosion on the lower bolt holding the thermostat housing to the engine block. Getting enough tubes and brackets out of the way to remove the housing was very tough, but I did get it out and discovered the channel that holds the "O" ring gasket was broken out for about 1" of the internal circumference of the housing. That allowed coolant to blow out between the housing and block when under operating pressure.
The nature of the repair is very simple. It is a remove and replace operation, but all the tubes, wire bundles, and distributor module mounted around the housing made it a nasty job. I had to remove 8 to 10 fasteners just to change a housing that is held by three bolts and three hose clamps. Most of the cost of this job at a shop will be consumed by labor involved simply getting to the problem part.
If you need a thermostat housing changed, find a patient friend who is a good wrench man with a couple of hours to share. Spend $65 for a new housing and gasket, and take your friend to dinner when he is done.
Tim U.
Maple Valley, WA, USA
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