Ford Focus Battery

Looking for a new car battery that is compatible with your Ford Focus? Check out our guide to learn what you should look for and avoid while shopping for your next Focus battery.

Some of the points that we’ll cover are the Ford Focus battery cost, specifications, Focus battery location, replacement, size, and instructions on how to change your Ford Focus battery.

But before jumping into specifics about the Focus battery, there are a few things you need to know particularly if you’re new to buying and replacing auto batteries.

Car Batteries Are Not Universal

That means you can’t just run out and pick any one battery, hook it up and expect it to work. Car batteries are usually vehicle-specific. That is, they only work for a specific year and make/model.
Let’s say you ignore this advice and just decide to pick any battery. What’s the worst that could happen, right?

The first thing you might notice is that the battery may not even fit in the battery tray. The battery tray is there to keep the battery stable and in a fixed position while traveling or even while stationary. If you can’t secure the battery in the tray, then the battery will be of no use.

Plus, most newer vehicles have computer systems, GPS, and other odds and ends that require a certain battery to power all of those. Using the wrong battery could put those systems at risk of being damaged and could be expensive to repair or on the other hand might not be powerful enough to supply the required energy.

So simply said, you need to select your Ford Focus battery according to the year, model, and engine of your particular vehicle.

What To Look For In A Ford Focus Battery

Below I’ll list and explain what are the things that you must consider before choosing and buying your new battery.

Ford Focus Battery Group Size

If you are wondering what the group size of your Focus battery represents that’s the physical dimensions (length, width, and height) of the particular unit. With so many vehicles out there, the BCI has organized them into groups to be more understandable and easier to choose for the users.

Most vehicles can handle multiple group sizes, but you’ll need to check your vehicle owner’s manual to be sure.

That said, the most common battery group sizes for the Ford Focus are 35, H6, 96R, and 40R. Approximate dimensions in inches for each are:

Group Size 35

• 9.1L x 6.9W x 8.9H

Group Size 48 (aka H6)

• 12.1L x 6.9W x 7.6H

Group Size 96R

• 9.6L x 6.2W x 6.9H

Group Size 40R

• 10.9L x 6.9W x 6.9H

Even though those are very common Ford Focus group sizes we still recommend checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual or checking your existing battery to be completely sure which one is the right fit for you.

Below is a picture of Group 35 Optima Redtop battery that fits 2016 Ford Focus RS.

Furthermore, to give some more specific information about different years we can say that 2013 Ford Focus takes battery with a Group size 96R. A 2017 Ford Focus also takes a Group size 96R.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

The CCA rating is one of the most important things you need to consider next to the proper battery grouping and warranty. The CCA score will indicate how well your particular battery will provide power for 30 seconds or more at zero degrees Fahrenheit.

That said, if you live in a colder area where the temps drop below freezing, you’re going to want a higher CCA to make sure your car will start quickly and efficiently. A decent number to start with is 400 but look in your owner’s manual to see the recommended CCA for your car.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

If you’re going to be using your battery while the vehicle is off, you’ll want to look at Reserve Capacity as well. This is the amount of power your battery can supply while your vehicle remains off.

Things like running the stereo, charging your phone while plugged into the cigarette lighter plug, or anything else that can plug into the auxiliary outlet.
If these activities are important to you, then look for a battery with a higher number.

Below is a picture of battery which with outstanding RC specifications and fits a 2016 Ford Focus ST.

Warranty

The warranty is something you’ll want to get familiar with should your battery fail or stop working shortly after your purchase. You want a warranty that will cover the free replacement of that battery-batteries are not cheap!

Battery Date Code

Picking the newest battery in your group size is important for optimal power. A battery that has sat on a shelf or in a warehouse for an extended period of time may mean the battery won’t last as long and/or perform as well.

Most batteries have a sticker or stamped date code that tells you when it was made. The months will be in alphabetical order, so February is B and C is March, and so on.

The number in the code refers to the last digit of the year when the battery was manufactured. For example, if you have a battery with a code like C8, it would mean the battery was manufactured in March 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ford Focus Batteries

Below I have summarized the most common questions I’ve heard about Focus car batteries.

How Long Does a Ford Focus Battery Last?

Most batteries can last up to 3-5 years, but that’s dependent on a variety of factors such as:

• How hard you are on the battery
• The type of battery you’re using
• Weather conditions/climate

Higher quality batteries can last longer, but the above factors still apply. Also, don’t forget to take into consideration the date your battery was manufactured. This is why it’s so important to choose the newest battery that you can to get the most life and money out of it.

Where Is The Ford Focus Battery Located?

Your Ford Focus battery is located under the hood on the driver’s side towards the back. To access the battery you may have to lift a panel depending on the year of your Focus.

How Much Do Ford Focus Batteries Cost?

The cost can range anywhere from $100 up to $200+ depending on the battery brand and store you purchase your battery from.

How Can I Replace The Battery In My Ford Focus?

First, you may need the following wrenches depending on the year of your Ford Focus:

• 10mm
• 12mm
• 13mm
• 14mm

Step 1

To change your battery, you’ll need to lift the hood and locate your battery (on the driver’s side towards the back). Some of the newer years may have protective paneling, so you may need to kind of poke around to find your battery compartment, but they’re usually easy to find (don’t forget to use the prop stick to hold the hood open for you to make things easier).

Step 2

Start removing the cables from the terminals. Start with the negative terminal (black) and then positive (red).

Step 3

Remove any screws or fasteners that secure your battery in the battery tray. Set them aside in a magnet bowl or somewhere safe so you don’t lose them and remove your battery.

Step 4

Check the battery tray and remove any signs of corrosion with a cleaner specific to cleaning batteries and terminals. You can use a soft cloth to wipe it down or just use the old shop towel you have hanging around too. Don’t forget to check and clean your cables too.

Step 5

Place the new battery in the tray and replace the cables.

Step 6

Don’t forget to replace the screws and fasteners from earlier!

Step 7

Replace any paneling or protective casing and you should be good to go.

Here is useful video of how to replace the battery of a 2000 – 2007 Ford Focus:

Conclusion

Changing and buying a Ford Focus battery is no different than any other car. The most important factors you need to be careful of are the battery group size of your particular Focus and specifications like CCA and RC. All of this information you can find in your vehicle’s owner manual or on your existing battery.

If you plan to change your Focus battery yourself, make sure to prepare the necessary tools first and use protective equipment.

Buying a car battery usually costs less online but you should ask for the battery date code first as this is crucial for the lifespan of the unit.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask them below.