2001 Ford Focus: How to Remove the Electrical Connector to the Alternator

Ford first introduced the Focus in 1998. The 2001 Ford Focus came equipped with a single overhead cam 2.0-liter engine as the base engine, with an optional upgrade to a 2.0-liter DOHC engine. Locate the 2001 Focus alternator along the beltline of the vehicle. The alternator conducts electricity fed back to the battery for charging and maintaining a charge for starting. The 2001 Focus alternator has a simple plastic connector, made up of one female end and one male end. Remove other engine parts to access the alternator completely.

Instructions

Alternator Connector Removal Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Focus and set the hood rod to hold the hood.

2

Remove the negative battery cable with a ratchet and socket, or an open-end wrench.

3

Remove the air intake tube from the engine, by loosening both intake clamps and pulling the tube free from the car. This will expose the alternator and its connector.

4

Disconnect the electrical connector from the alternator, by pushing the locking tab up with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the wired connector off the plug end connector of the alternator. Installation of the connector is the opposite of removal. If the connector needs to be cleaned, use dielectric spray only to clean the connector plugs.

Alternator Testing Instructions

5

Open the hood of the Focus and set the hood prop. Turn on your ohmmeter and set the dial to the "V" or volts setting. Attach the red probe of the ohmmeter to the positive terminal of the battery. Attach the black probe to the negative terminal of the battery. Read the ohmmeter screen to see what your current battery voltage is. If the voltage is below 12 volts, there is a problem with either the battery or the alternator.

6

Star the vehicle's engine, and reattach the ohmmeter probes to the battery. If the ohmmeter does not provide a reading between 13 and 15 volts, then the alternator is not charging the battery properly.

7

Remove the probes from the battery terminals. Set the hood prop in its position on the radiator core support. Shut the hood. Turn off the engine of the Focus.