2002 Ford Focus Timing Chain Question.

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My elderly mother's 2002 Ford Focus, SOHC with 52k recently stalled when she was stopped at a stop sign. I was able to duplicate the problem only after many repeated attempts. The repair shop has said that since the vehicle is 15 years old, the timing chain needs to be replaced otherwise the engine may be damaged and total the car. They have also included a cam shaft position sensor replacement. It seems to me they are including the very expensive timing chain replacement for a problem that has nothing to do with her issue. I've seen various 'recommendations' to change the timing chain at 60k or 120k. My main question is this: is 15 years of driving only 52k miles sufficient cause to necessitate a timing chain replacement? Is it a deterioration over time problem? I am very concerned she's being scared into something that is not currently necessary. Also, I researched that a SOHC is a non -interference engine, meaning a timing chain failure will not severely damage the engine. Is this true? Thanks very much.

How long has your 2002 Ford Focus had this problem?

Twice, a couple of days ago.

bshallc2 in Spring Hill FL

Oct 21, 2017

2 Replies

Popular Answer

casey40510on Oct 21, 2017

Hello, I show this vehicle using a timing belt, not a timing chain. Timing chains should never need replacement unless there is some precipitating event. However, timing belts are maintenance items. To know if the belt should be changed, look at the maintenance section of the owners manual. It will describe mileage and age before it should be changed. That being said, you should also get a second opinion, or have the shop show you the timing belt while still installed on the vehicle if the maintenance interval has not specified changing it. If there belt is cracked or frayed, it should be changed. The other side is the interference portion. I think you are correct, and this does not appear to be an interference engine. I am cautioning against saying definitively yes or no. If the engine is non-interference, the timing belt breaking would only exacerbate the cost of repairs by the cost of a tow.

joelburke26on Oct 22, 2017

I agree with Casey, my book shows ford interference engines as 1.3&1.6 Sohc,2.2 then 2.0&2.3 diesel engines

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