Vehicle Details
- Make – Ford
- Model – Focus 5-Door Hatchback
- Model Year – 2018
- Trim – Titanium
- Options – Equipment Group 300A
- Technology Package with BLIS Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping Alert
- Engine – 2.0L TiVCT GDI I-4 Engine
- Transmission – 6 Speed Auto Transmission Select Shift DPS6
- VIN – 1FADP3N22JL313453 (VIN Decoder here)
- Stefano Purchase Date – September 6, 2024
- Original Owner Purchase Date – May 11, 2018 at Walnut Creek Ford
- Manufactured Date – April 19, 2018
- License Plate – 8FHK391 (California) (SMOG Lookup here)
- Color – White Platinum Tri-Coat
Additional Specs online here and an extensive recap of the Ford Focus Mk 3.5 over at Wikipedia here
MyCarFax Records here (logged in as SnapperRides)
Now Available on Turo!
This fantastic car is now available on the car sharing app called Turo. You can rent it here!
Service History
Date: Oct 29, 2025
Mileage: 112,044 miles
Performed by: Les Schwab Tires
Services Performed: Performed four wheel alignment. Front toe was found to be significantly off (no surprise due to the work performed Oct 25). They adjusted toe in to spec.
Had one hiccup post alignment. There was a speed dependent screeching noise from LF wheel, and was not the brakes. Stefano inspected on lift, found the brake dust shield was bent in ever so slightly at bottom front and was rubbing inner face of rotor. Bent back slightly by hand, problem resolved. Car is 100% again.
Date: Oct 25, 2025
Mileage: 112,036 miles
Performed by: Stefano and Angus (and John)
Services Performed: On Sept 12, 2025 suffered a severe impact to RF tire and rim with curb at speed. Tore tire, ground off lip on 2/3rds of rim. Both front tires and rims were replaced on September 18th. Noted that the car wandered on center, and seems to pull right. Took to Les Schwab tires on Oct 6th for wheel alignment and their pre-alignment inspection noted:
- LF Inner Tie Rod play/damage
- LF and RF Lower Control Arm rear bushings torn
They couldn’t complete the alignment until repairs were done. Stefano ordered:
- Motorcraft LF and RF lower control arms
- Motorcraft LF and RF outer tie rod ends (while you are at it syndrome)
- Motorcraft LF and RF inner tie rod ends (doing both while at it).
Worked with Angus and John to:
- Removed and replaced:
- LF Lower control arm
- RF Lower control arm
- Sucked to remove the front bushing bolt (hits A/C compressor line when removing. Had to disconnect dog bone mount, RF engine mount bolts and rotate the engine and lift to get clearance to remove bolt and to retorque.
- LF Inner tie rod end
- Had to use zip ties for the large end of the steering gator as the original band clamp was one time use.
- RF Inner tie rod end
- LF Outer tie rod end
- RF Outer tie rod end
- Reinstalled wheels and torqued wheel nuts to 100 ft lbs.
Road tested. Not bad with alignment being random. Recommend getting an four wheel alignment ASAP.
Date: Oct 18, 2025
Mileage: 111,829 miles
Performed by: Stefano and Angus
Services Performed: Service Performed: Stefano performed a service routine when the ‘Oil Service Required’ warning came on.
- Changed the Spark Plugs.
- These were due at 100K miles so time to tackle.
- Used NGK Iridium part number 94374 sourced from O’Reilly Auto Parts.
- Manually checked and set the gap on each plug.
- Old plugs were Motocraft (likely the originals) and were in good shape. The gaps were much larger than spec, but to be expected as the electrode burns off.
- Changed Engine Oil and Filter
- ~5 liters of Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic
- WinXP 51348 from O’rielly’s auto parts
- Checked Fluids
- Engine Coolant – OK
- Washer Fluid – added about 1 liter of summer green
- Brake Fluid – added 2 ounces of Preston DOT3
- Engine and Transmission Inspection
- No visible leaks
- Suspension Checks
- Front – Needs repairs after curb incident on Sept 12. See Oct 25th service notes.
- Rear – OK
- Noted rear shocks showing a small sign of weepage with dust buildup. Will continue to monitor
- Did a manual reset of the Oil Service Due
- Pressed the Start button without starting the vehicle
- Pressed both the gas and brake 100% and hold 5 seconds until DIM says hold for 30 seconds to reset
- Continued to hold gas and brake for 30 more seconds until DIM displayed service was reset.
Date: June 11, 2025
Mileage: 104,089 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Stefano was worrying that the battery in the car had something wrong with it. Would take hardly anything to go flat. Sitting in the shop 3 days between rentals was enough. Perhaps it was parasitic draw from the Moovetrax, but guest would have a flat battery after just sitting and listen to the stereo without the engine running.
Purchased a new Everstart Plus 96R battery from Walmart. Battery date code is June 2025. Charged battery overnight prior to installing. Replaced the existing AAA battery and was surprised it had a January 2024 date code. Cleaned battery terminals while at it, the negative cable was a bit crusty. Maybe a cell was going bad? Or maybe the new battery will have the same issue. Will monitor.
Date: April 28, 2025
Mileage: 101,375 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Service Performed: Stefano performed a service routine when the ‘Oil Service Required’ warning came on. At 101k miles, time to tackle a few things and give it a good inspection:
- Changed Engine Oil and Filter
- ~5 liters of Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic
- WinXP 51348 from O’rielly’s auto parts
- Checked Fluids
- Engine Coolant – topped off with a few ounces of Peak Orange coolant for Fords
- Washer Fluid – added about ½ liter of summer green
- Brake Fluid – was full
- Engine and Transmission Inspection
- No visible leaks
- Belts – OK
- Suspension Checks
- Front – OK
- Rear – OK
- Noted rear shocks showing a small sign of weepage with dust buildup. Will continue to monitor
- Exhaust System Checked – OK
- Tires – Inspected
- No damage
- Measured Tread Depth
- Front Left 7/32”
- Front Right 7/32”
- Rear Left 7.5/32”
- Rear Right 9/32” (was replaced last year)
- Rotated Fronts to Back (same sides)
- Set tire pressures
- 35 psi Front
- 35 psi Rear
- 60 psi Spare
- Torqued wheels to spec
- Brakes – Inspected
- Measured Pads
- Front Left 3mm (Needs replaced immediately)
- Front Right 3mm (Needs replaced immediately)
- Rear Left 5mm (replace soon)
- Rear Right 5mm (replace soon)
- Measured Rotors – all OK
- Front Left 25.2 mm (min is 23 mm)
- Front Right 25.2 mm (min is 23 mm)
- Rear Left 10.9 mm (min is 9 mm)
- Rear Right 10.9 mm (min is 9 mm)
- Picked up new front and rear Ford OEM brake pads from Future Ford parts department (over the counter)
- Replaced Front and Rear Brake pads.
- Kept existing rotors as they were in fine shape
- Cleaned, inspected and greased components
- Vacuumed out master cylinder and fluid that was returned
- Topped off with fresh Prestone DOT4 fluid. Fluid was already flushed back in Sept 2024.
- Parking Brake – OK
- Measured Pads
- Exterior Lights Checked – All OK
- Wipers Checked – All OK
- Charged battery to full overnight using Odyssey charger. Battery was a bit low due to sitting for 5 days and parasitic draw of Moovetrax.
- Added a set of disposable gloves and clean shop rag to the tools area near spare. Just in case someone has to change a tire, these may help keep them clean.
- Connected Forscan OBDII laptop, read codes. None to note.
- Did a manual reset of the Oil Service Due
- Pressed the Start button without starting the vehicle
- Pressed both the gas and brake 100% and hold 5 seconds until DIM says hold for 30 seconds to reset
- Continued to hold gas and brake for 30 more seconds until DIM displayed service was reset.
Recommendations:
- Replace Spark Plugs per Fords standard maintenance schedule (at 100K)
- Use NGK Laser Iridium IX LTR6IX gapped to 0.036″
- Engine Coolant was already changed at 90K back in Sept 2024.
Car is ready for the next 7,500 miles!
Date: November 30, 2024
Mileage: ???? miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Finished the final PPI items. Work included:
- Received the final fasterners and bits from parts.Ford.com
- Installed the missing right side plastic mounting pin for the hatch parcel shelf. This is the mount the shelf would hang from.
- Installed the missing front bumper lip push fit mounting clips
- Installed the missing front undertray rear three bolt plastic thread insert blocks
- Installed the missing front under tray mounting bolt
- Installed the missing wiper/windscreen valence right side mounting bolt
- Placed the laminated and binder ringed paperwork needed into the glove box including:
- Note to authorities if the car is pulled over (from me in case stolen)
- Turo incident slip (two sided) that includes their support information and travelers insurance info
- CA DMV registration (my address redacted)
- AAA personal insurance slip
At this point she’s ready for Turo. I will just convert to ABI insurance at first rental.
Date: November 15, 2024
Mileage: 92,155 miles
Performed by: S.J. Audio and Security in San Jose, CA
Services Performed: Had a MooveTrax vehicle tracking unit v3 installed. The installer said he could not manage to get ‘Kill’ to work due to the proximity sensor remote fob arrangement. Also doesn’t report fuel level. Ugh. Added the device to the Snapperrides MooveTrax account.
Stefano is likely going to get some training on how to be a MooveTrax installer so we can make sure it gets done cleanly in the future and complete.
Date: November 14, 2024
Mileage: 91,955 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Continued to pick off a few of the final PPI items. Work included:
- Repaired the falling headliner. Used contact cement and applied about a 1cm coating along the fabric and foam headliner. Let dry 20 mins and then mated. Solved the issue, but the golden color of the contact cement shows through and it looks crappy. Fortunately its in a spot it won’t be seen unless someone is working hard to find it. Someday the headliner can get replaced, but this is fine now.
- Mounted FasTrack Toll FlexPass to windshield and linked to Turo account. Added the license plate to toll account.
Date: November 10, 2024
Mileage: 91,950 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Continued to pick off a few of the final PPI items. Work included:
- Used the Bissell carpet and upholstery cleaner machine along with hand scrubbing brush and cleaned the entire headliner with an Oxy Clean Pro solution. Was difficult to do upside down in the car, but did a great job removing the whiff of smoker smell from the car along with a myriad of little marks and stains there were there when you looked closely. Check out how dirty the water was from cleaning the headliner (not the floor!).
- Another DPO issue appeared. The headliner released along the front area ahead of the driver side sun shade. Looks like they (DPO) had previous glued it with some water soluble glue, and the cleaning solution released it. After it’s fully dry I can properly re-tack it with contact cement.
- Cleaned the interior glass completely. Final step of the detailing. Also did the Sync screen, gauge cluster and rear view mirror.
- Purchased a new Ford OEM key fob and emergency key from Future Ford parts counter. Expensive!
- Went to Bode and Bode locksmith here in Sacramento and had the new Ford key cut to match the one key I have, plus program the new proximity key fob to work with the car. Took about an hour and a half. Finally have a spare key!
- Purchased a Faraday key pouch from Amazon.com to be able to store the Turo renters key in the glove box. Tested and it was 100% isolated from the car when in the pouch. I could leave in glove box and manually lock the doors and close them.
- Repaired the damaged rear center arm rest cup holder trim. Unavailable from Ford other than buying the complete center armrest for $250+, I sourced a replacement trim for $9 from a Pick’n’Pull that had a 2015 Ford Focus Titanium hatchback that was being parted out. Removed the broken trim and snapped in the new (to me) replacement. Perfect.
- Remaining items to prep for Turo:
- Final under body screws and stuff from Ford when they arrive (should be this week)
- Fix the headliner (next day or two)
- Moove Trax install by local installer (he’s ghosting me)
- Fit the Fastrack toll device (on order, should arrive this week)/
- Put a set of redacted registration and insurance slips in the glove box
Date: November 2, 2024
Mileage: 91,946 miles
Performed by: Stefano and Raymundo
Services Performed: Completed a the arduous detailing work to bring them up to better than factory fresh. Work included:
- Exterior Detail
- Pressure wash and hand wash to begin
- Claybar all sufaces including glass
- Chemical Guys v36 cutting polish and Meguairs DA polisher and Orange cutting pad on all horizontal surfaces
- Raymundo:
- Hand and power polished out the hood scuffs and front bumper scuffs on drivers side.
- Sanded and polished the drivers side headlight (we removed from car to do this)
- Goof Off and finger nail power to remove road paint splashed up on drivers side lower plastic sills
- Chemical Guys v38 polish and Meguiars DA polisher and white polishing pad on ALL surfaces.
- Alcohol and water spray to completely wipe down all surfaces
- Avalon King ceramic coat applied to all painted and plastic surfaces
- Dressed the tires with black cream.
- Interior Detail
- Removed all mats and trunk liner and spare
- Vacuumed out spare tire well (found a cigarette butt)
- Vacuumed and Vornado’d all carpets
- Used AmmoNYC Lather and detailing brush to clean all plastic surfaces (door cards, dash, console, side trims, A pillars, grab bars, headliner stains, etc). Wiped off with clean microfiber.
- Used Chemical Guys Leather cleaner and AmmoNYC brush on all leather seats and consoles. Wiped off with clean microfiber.
- Used Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner applied with microfiber sponge to treat all the leather seat surfaces and center console armrest and steering wheel.
- Used Bissell Oxy Deep Clean solution along with Bissel Pro Heat carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpets and trunk liner. Used water was gross.
- Found two old pens rattling around
- Interior looks great now. Hopefully all the surface cleaning has removed any lingering previous owner smells. If not, one final 60 minute round with the Ozone machine might be needed.
Took the car out for a photo shoot just before sunset to get a set of Turo grade marketing photos.
During the work discovered that the rear seats center armrest pull down has broken front plastic frame for drink tray. Hoping this can be ordered from Ford parts. Also discovered that the drivers front door card isn’t firmly snapped into place. May need new snaps and/or bottom screws. Need to investigate.
All that’s left on the detail is to let the carpet dry for a day or two and then reinstall the floor mats. The final step will be to clean the interior window glass.
Date: October 26, 2024
Mileage: 91,855 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Completed a few of the remaining items from the PPI.
- Aimed the headlights. Both were notably low compared to procedure outlined in the 2018 Ford Focus owners manual (actually has a section on headlight aiming). I deliberately aimed the left headlight beam a tiny bit lower than spec to keep out of the eye of oncoming traffic a bit.
- Learned the four new TPMS sensors to the vehicle using the Ford manual technique and waking them up using the Autel TS501 tool. Went totally normal. No more warning light!
- Set all four tire pressures to 35 psi and spare to 60 psi.
- Solved the rattle that could be heard when turning. Found a Bic lighter in the spare tire compartment rolling around loose.
- Reviewed windshield washer sprayer pattern. Aligned to be 1/3 up windshield
- Diagnosed issue with Windshield Washer low fluid sensor
- Removed RF wheel and arch liner and raised car
- Inspected wiring harness to sensor, looked fine
- Removed sensor and plugged gromet with rubber bung (what a mess though)
- Removed sensor from car
- Scrubbed float and contact in sink with toothbrush
- Bench tested with Ohm meter.
- When float is level (closed up) just 4 ohms
- When float is tipped down (opened) infinite ohms
- When I reclose, the sensor did NOT always reset back to closed (stayed open). I think the sensor is marginal. If I whacked it a bit when closing it worked.
- Tested sensor in a bucket to make sure the float floated – all OK.
- Cleaned sensor wiring terminal socket – blew out with compressed air
- Refitted sensor to harness and tested with car before refitting to washer bottle. Worked fine, no warning when closed.
- Refitted sensor to washer bottle and retested. No warning!
- Refilled washer bottle with Blue 32°F fluid
- Reinstalled fender liner, mounted wheel, torqued to 100 ft-lbs
- Tested one last time, no warnings!
- Ordered two new Ford OEM 5-button key fobs with emergency keys from keylessentryremotefob.com. When they arrive I will take to local locksmith to have the keys cut from the VIN and then have all fobs programmed to the car.
- Ordered a MooveTrax ver 3 tracker device from Amazon.com. Will seek out an installer to fit it here in Sacramento.
That’s the first time I’ve driven the car with NO dash warnings. Sweet.
Date: October 26, 2024
Mileage: 91,851 miles
Performed by: Les Schwab Tire Center Natomas
Services Performed: Completed a four wheel alignment. I think this revealed why the right rear tire was worn funny. The right rear toe, and the overall rear toe was out of spec. They fixed the rear toe adjustments and also recentered the steering and adjusted the front toe. All within spec now!
Date: October 25, 2024
Mileage: 91,846 miles
Performed by: America’s Tire Company (West Sacramento)
Services Performed: Completed a few of the remaining items from the PPI related to the tires:
- Replaced the funky worn right rear tire with brand new Roadhugger ATP02 tire to match the others. Tread depth is now 11/32″.
- Balanced all four tires
- Installed four new Autel MX TPMS sensors already programmed by Stefano. Funny, they said they couldn’t learn them to the car and asked me to.
Stefano road tested the car, drives more smoothly now at speed. No vibrations.
Date: October 21, 2024
Mileage: 91,575 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Completed a few of the remaining items from the PPI.
- Replaced the Windshield Washer Pump
- Purchased new pump direct from Ford.
- Had to removed right front fender liner to properly get the hoses and cables routed and back into their clips
- Had to prime the pump in water outside the car (using direct wiring to a 12V battery)
- Refilled washer reservoir with blue 32°F washer fluid
- Tested spraying to front and rear windows (all good)
- Installed fender liner
- Installed RF wheel and torqued to 100 ft-lbs
- After reassembling it all discovered that the Washer Fluid level sensor now continues to say “Low Level”. Crap. Must have knocked cable off the sensor, or the sensor is stuck down, or the wiring got damaged. Will need to inspect.
- Installed new Bosch rear wiper blade
- Installed Front Undertray with additional screws I ordered from Ford.
- Damn – still missing some screws (I didn’t order enough) and need a couple of push plugs
- Installed Engine Undertray with additional screws I had ordered. Need to order more.
- Double Damn – still a few screws and one plastic thread insert short. Need to order more.
- Installed final few plastic push plugs (I had ordered) for Left Front fender liner I previously installed.
- At least that’s finally done.
- Removed Rear window ‘tint’ that had been added by DPO. [complaints from our test drivers that the tint was far to dark and obscured rear visibility]
- Heated the film slowly with heat gun and peeled away. Went pretty well
- Removed glue residue with Decal Glue residue remover spray I had
- Cleaned window inside and out
- Noted that the car is missing its rear parcel shelf, and the left hanger for it on the rear hatch is missing. Likely NOT going to fix this as most renters will just struggle with this same as the DPO and the shelf will get lost/damaged.
- Connected Forscan to car and performed two transmission calibrations [hoping this will clear our Permanent transmission code issue]:
- Performed “Shift Adaptive Learn” and it relearned the shift positions on console shifter
- Performed “Clutch Touchpoint Adaptive Learn”
- The result listed the clutch thicknesses as:
- Clutch A Learned Touchpoint: 10.7mm
- Clutch B Learned Touchpoint: 13.4 mm
- Minimums are 6mm, so good life left
- One of the tests is to test the A and B shift servo travel ranges, both of which passed. This is likely good news as that related to the Permanent DTC.
- The result listed the clutch thicknesses as:
- Reset DTC’s. Only remaining issue is the ongoing dead TPMS sensor
- Will need to recheck the Permanent DTC after 4+ drives to see if its cleared.
- Test drivers had been noting a faint odor of cigarette smoke or something like that. Ozone treated the cars interior:
- Removed floor mats
- Opened dash vents
- Set Ozone machine on center arm rest
- Turned on timer for 80 minutes
- Closed up car and locked
- Let sit for 6 more hours after timer ended with car still sealed
- Opened car and vented out for drive home with all windows open and sunroof open (hey, the sunroof works!)
- Installed floor mats
- Will know if the odor is really cleared in a day or two once the ozone smell dissipates totally.
Getting close to fully road worthy. Still a few recommended things to complete prior to listing on Turo:
- Diagnose/repair washer fluid level sensor
- Replace the four TPMS sensors and relearn
- Right Rear tire warranty review and replace
- Four tire balance
- Four wheel alignment
- Check/Adjust headlight alignment
- Order/Install final screws in undertrays
- Review if Permanent DTC cleared
- Full exterior paint correction and ceramic coat
- Full interior clean/detail including carpet shampoo, headliner cleaning, etc.
- One last Ozone treatment if necessary after interior detail
- Professional Photos for Turo
- Moove Trax Tracker install
- ABI insurance and cancel AAA coverage once ready for Turo
- Create the Snapper Rides Customer page and content
Date: October 15, 2024
Mileage: 91,675 miles
Performed by: AAA DMV Services
Services Performed: Now that the SMOG had passed, headed directly to local AAA branch and did the vehicle registration and title transfer. $608 in fees and taxes later and the vehicle is now registered properly. Revised title document should arrive in a few weeks.
Date: October 15, 2024
Mileage: 91,657 miles
Performed by: Natomas Smog Shop
Services Performed: Passed its Smog retest today. The P2837 permanent code was still present, but the vehicle had 63 warm up cycles and nearly 800 miles since the last DTC reset, so in California this allows them to complete the SMOG check even with the permanent DTC. SMOG cert in hand, off to DMV next to register it.
Date: October 13, 2024
Mileage: 91,570 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Completed a few of the remaining items from the PPI. This is the fun stuff as the car starts to improve now.
- Installed replacement 12V port port in center console and eliminated the hacked in cell phone holder thingy
- While doing the 12V power port removed the center console and climate control interface. Cleaned. Polished the LED display window that was gummy. 409, then 36 and 38 Chemical guys compound by hand on microfiber. Finished by ceramic coating the entire set of center console pieces with Armour shield. Looks great now!
- Installed Weathertech rear storage tray liner. Cut to fit around subwoofer
- Installed Weathertech black fitted floormats in front and rear passenger areas. Removed original carpet mats from front.
- Installed new (used from eBay) Right Front headlight assembly. Perfect fit, all bulbs work.
- Installed new windshield washer bottle cap. Fits properly now.
- Programmed four new Autel MX TPMS sensors.
- Purchased four new rubber stem sensors from Amazon
- Programmed with my Autel TS501
- For 3 of them I cloned the existing sensor, and for the fourth I created a new one (since one sensor is fully dead on the car).
- Will have them installed by the tire shop
- Reseated negative terminal on battery. Left me powerless at Starbuck this morning until I wiggled it. Loosened off, knocked down, tightened back up.
- Remounted battery ground cable where it mounts to chassis in engine bay
- Removed mounting bolt (was very tight to get out – used penetrating fluid)
- Sanded body panel (which was painted) with Dremel tool and scuffed cable end as well.
- Bolted up tight with bare metal to bare metal.
- Installed new Ford Left Front fender liner, and a variety of new Ford mounting hardware bits ordered direct from parts.ford.com. The arch liner was missing, and looked like it had been ripped out. A couple of broken mount points I couldn’t resolve, but its well mounted now.
- Had removed the front wheels to do the fender liner. Reinstalled and torqued to 100 ft-lbs based on owners manual.
- Discovered the windshield washer pump wasn’t working for front or rear
- Checked fuses 77 and 82 (20 amp), both OK
- Body of pump was ‘Hot’ after 30 secs of attempting to run.
- No pump noise at all
- Removed pump, drained bottle
- Removed and cleaned the rubber gromet/screen
- Bench tested pump with 12V, non-op.
- Ordered a new pump from parts.ford.com
- Discovered rear window wiper blade is worn out. Ordered new Bosch from Amazon.
- Connected Foxwell OBDII tool, and unfortunately the vehicle still has the “P2837 / $07E9 Shift Fork ‘B’ Position Circuit Range/Performance” permanent code. Not sure how to deal with this since the transmission is working perfectly and there are no active or pending live codes. Perhaps use the Forscan tool and run some calibrations of the transmission?
Date: September 9, 2024
Mileage: 90,900 miles
Performed by: Natomas Smog Shop
Services Performed: Failed SMOG check due to permanent DTC P2837. And since there had only been a few drive cycles and miles since DTC clear on Sept 7, they recommended we take car out for several drives (at least 15 warm up cycles and 200 miles). This way the PDTC can be ignored if it doesn’t self clear. Darn it. Should have got it SMOG’d before Forscan and DTC check and clear.
Date: September 7, 2024
Mileage: 90,883 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Servicing items from the initial post purchase inspection. Services performed include
- Inspected Engine.
- No signs of oil leaks.
- Not sure if there is supposed to be a plastic engine cover
- Serpentine belts look good, no cracking.
- Changed engine oil and filter. Used 5 liters of Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic and a WiX filter.
- Changed cabin filter with new Activated Charcoal filter
- Flushed engine coolant
- Drained existing coolant -was a gross grey/green
- Vacuum filled with clean water. Ran car to temp with HVAC on hottest and fan on high.
- Drained. Still gross.
- Vacuum filled with clean water. Ran car to temp with HVAC on hottest and fan on high.
- Drained. Nearly clean.
- Vacuum filled with clean water. Ran car to temp with HVAC on hottest and fan on high.
- Drained. Clear now.
- Vacuum filled with approx 10 liters of 50/50 mix Brand Orange.
- Changed rear license plate frame to Stefano’s Garage and used security screws.
- Changed front license plate frame to simple black frame and used security screws.
- Fix Windshield Washer bottle filler pipe mount and hose. Suspect this might have been removed during accident repair.
- Fixed LF wiring harness behind bumper, attached to clips. More evidence bumper had been removed.
- Inspected Rear Left Center parking sensor, discovered harness was disconnected. Reconnected, and error has cleared. Simple!
- Rotated tires and rims to get most favorable matchup.
- Moved LF to RF so most kerbed wheels are on right side
- Rears unchanged.
- Ford Securicode Entry System
- Cleared all five possible code memory slots
- Found factory code on card in owners manual in glove box (whew)
- Set code 1 for Turo Renters
- Set code 5 for Steve
- Set code 4 for Ray
- Added codes to 1Password vault
- Read TPMS serial numbers from the three remaining working TPMS sensors.
- Front Left – dead sensor (more suspicion of LF collision and repair)
- Front Right – 37C00876
- Rear Left – 37BFF257
- Rear Right – 37BFE618
- Noted several valve caps missing, but this will be remedied when new sensors installed.
- Inspected Tires
- Front Left 9/32″
- Front Right 9/32″
- Rear Left 9/32″
- Rear Right 6.5/32″
- Noted unusual tread wear issue on RR tire. Needs to go to tire shop for warranty claim.
- Rotated tires and rims to get most favorable matchup.
- Moved LF to RF so most kerbed wheels are on right side
- Rears unchanged.
- Set tire pressures
- Front 35 psi
- Rear 35 psi
- Spare 40 psi
- Coated wheel studs with anti-seize paste.
- Inspected Brakes
- Front Left
- Rotor – 25.1mm
- Pad – 4.5mm
- Front Right
- Rotor – 25.1 mm
- Pad – 4.7 mm
- Rear Left
- Rotor – 10.9 mm
- Pad – 4.5 mm
- Rear Right
- Rotor – 11.0 mm
- Pad – 4.5 mm
- Brakes overall look in good condition and work well. Pads have probably 10K miles life left in them.
- Front Left
- Flushed Brake Fluid with new Prestone DOT4
- Inspected Suspension
- Note steering wheel is not centered when driving straight.
- Does NOT pull when hands free or under braking
- All suspension bits look good.
- Noted missing Left Front fender liner and array of fasteners needed.
- Visually inspected battery. Looks new’ish. AAA battery. Couldn’t see a manufacture date without removing it.
- Reset Sync 3 settings to factory default to purge DPO phones and changes
- Reset DIM settings to factory default to purge DPO settings
- Linked to MME Guest WiFi zone. Connected, but doesn’t seem to be able to retreive Sync update over the air. Just spins forever.
- Applied Sync 3 update after downloading to USB key from Ford website based on VIN.
- Updated to 3.0 build 23219 which was latest available.
- Not sure if its possible to sneak in a major build change like to 3.3.
- Inspected exterior lights. All OK.
- Noted that the patina on the transmission doesn’t match the engine or rest of the car. The TCM also doesn’t look like its original to transmission. Suspect the transmission has been replaced at somepoint. Maybe a LF impact damaged it. That’s speculation, and would have been noted as a much more major repair.
- Recommend using Forscan and doing a full series of resets and adaptive learns to see if it clears the permanent code.
- Connected Forscan and reviewed DTCs
- PAM module B1B50 Left Rear Inner sensor (and we fixed this)
- BdyCM module B124D Tire Pressure Sensor (we know about this)
- Was June 26 2024 in Freeze Frame at 142583 kms
- HVAC module B1032 – Right Front Seat Heater
- Not sure about this, will need to test
- Didn’t spot the permanent DTC P2837 which is covered in the discussion above when it fails SMOG
- Cleared DTCs
- Took out for an official Ford ‘Drive Cycle’ to prep for a SMOG check.
- Took several photos during PPI and first service, see Dropbox 2024 Sept Initial Inspection folder.
Date: September 7, 2024
Mileage: 90,883 miles
Performed by: Stefano
Services Performed: Initial Post Purchase inspection. If you see the Carfax this is a two owner California car that lived its entire life in NorCal, and in particular Sacramento (Stefano town). There is note of a minor accident that was repaired, and from inspection it was likely the LF fender area. Here’s what is notable in the first look PPI:
- Right Front headlight assembly has water in it (has for a long time) and the day time running light LED array is dead. Suggest replacing with eBay used unit.
- Some notable dirt on the headliner near drivers window and sunroof. Dirty hands. Should hopefully cleanup with light scrub with upholstery cleaner.
- Front Left TPMS sensor is dead (won’t respond to Autel TS501, but the other three sensors do). Suggest replacing with a full set of four new Autel MX sensors
- Rear Left Center parking sensor is not working (via Forscan error code). Suggest inspecting cabling and replacement with color matched sensor from eBay.
- Steering wheel not perfectly straight when going straight (off to the right). Tracks fine, doesn’t pull. Just needs a proper 4-wheel alignment.
- Ford’s website says there is an update for the Sync 3 software.
- Discovered that the only key/fob provided with the car is NOT a Ford original and does NOT have an actual physical emergency key to open the mechanical locks. Yikes. Will need to get two actual fobs and emergency keys.
- Car has the ford touch keyless entry system. Need to track down the master code. Look in owners manual in glove box. Recommend clearing all codes and setting new.
- Remote start is enabled in settings. Haven’t tested.
- All four airbox (air filter) cover screws are stripped. Might be good to try some internet trick to build up the threaded area in the plastic lower box.
- Washer fluid bottle filler neck mount disconnected. Just needs properly reinstalled.
- Washer fluid bottle cap does not fit/seal properly. Needs replaced with new.
- Washer fluid pump does not work. Needs diagnosed.
- Wiper blades (front) are iffy. Rear wiper is totally shot.
- Engine Air Filter OK.
- Recommend Oil and Filter change
- Recommend Brake Fluid Flush
- Left front wheel arch liner totally missing. Signs of torn off fasteners. Figure it got damaged in accident and forcibly removed. Needs replaced along with fasteners.
- Windshield Wiper cowl missing one screw on right side.
- Right front wheel arch liner missing a few mounting screws to the front bumper assembly. Again, sign of some minor front collision damage.
- Some crud on plastic LED display for HVAC controls. Suggest clean and polish.
- DPO epoxied some goofball magnetic cell phone mount to the center console 12V socket cover. Will need to replace the cover.
- Suggest weather tech floor mats front and rear (in black) and a cargo area mat to protect the carpets.
- Engine coolant in overflow bottle looks dirty grey/green – not Ford Orange. Suggest a thorough coolant system flush.
- One of the four tires (Road Hugger GTP A5/02 215/50 R17 95V date codes 11th week 2022) has an irregular wear pattern, and is 2/32 more worn than the others. Treads are chunked. Perhaps was on the damaged corner after a collision and driven on prior to proper suspension repair? Suggest seeing if manufacturer warranty will cover irregular wear vs other three.
- Minor curb rash on each of the rims.
- Slight wheel balance vibration noted. Suggest four wheel balance when TPMS sensors installed.
- Need to confirm two keys and fobs, and that the emergency keys work in the locks. Change the fob batteries to be sure.
- Even though it is white, could use a full detail including:
- Administratively would be good to scan the supplied service records from the previous owner, add to the service history here, and then review the CarFax My Garage and be sure all is recorded.
- Suggest reviewing if there is a Firmware update to the cars Sync 3 multimedia system (current version is 3.0 Build 17276) and see if there is a factory software upgrade
- Add to the Ford Pass App to see if it will enable remote start/stop and remote lock/unlock
- For Turo use, suggest:
- For Turo or ABI insurance, look to add a supported Tracker device like Moove Trax.
- including copies of Insurance Card and Registration in glove box, but redacted to not show addresses.
- adding a QR code plaque inside the car to a customer SnapperRides.com landing page with various warnings, helpful tips, disclosures, video tips, contacting in emergency, reminders to use Turo app, what to do in an accident, etc.
- getting a Faraday pouch to store key in car (for keyless delivery if remote unlock works).
- fitting a hidden Apple AirTag in addition to main tracker.
Date: June 24, 2024
Mileage: ???? miles
Performed by: Zip In Auto in Campbell, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for clutch replacement at what looks like sketch fly by night cheapo clutch place vs. proper Ford dealer that visited a few weeks prior. $2,200 (see receipt photo in Dropbox folder). This is the ONLY service record we got with the car.
- Part – Clutch $809
- Part – Gear Oil $49
- Labor – $1260
Date: May 24, 2024
Mileage: 89.174 miles
Performed by: Sunnyvale Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Recommended maintenance performed
- Transmission checked
- Tire pressure sensor checked
Date: February 17, 2024
Mileage: 88,544 miles
Performed by: California SMOG inspection station
Services Performed: Vehicle PASSED SMOG check. Likely prep for sale.
Date: January 22, 2024
Mileage: ???? miles
Performed by: Elk Grove Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Pre-delivery inspection completed
- Maintenance reminder reset
- Emission system checked
- Brakes checked
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: January 19, 2024
Mileage: 88,383 miles
Performed by: California SMOG inspection station
Services Performed: Vehicle FAILED SMOG check. This was likely the first smog check of its life, and appears to be about the time of sale to 2nd owner.
Date: January 13, 2024
Mileage: 88,305 miles
Performed by: Future Ford of Sacramento
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Cooling system checked
- Coolant flushed/changed
Date: December 21, 2023
Mileage: 87,455 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
- Cabin filter replaced
Date: July 11, 2023
Mileage: ??? miles
Performed by: Carfax Report
Services Performed: Carfax notes minor damage report. No other details.
Date: April 28, 2023
Mileage: 80,580 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: August 4, 2022
Mileage: 72,574 miles
Performed by: Fairway Car Wash/Express Lube in Roseville, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: April 16, 2022
Mileage: 66,964 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: January 14, 2022
Mileage: ??? miles
Performed by: Elk Grove Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- No notes of what was done. Just Vehicle Serviced.
Date: October 14, 2021
Mileage: 41,383 miles
Performed by: Elk Grove Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Recommended Maintenance Performed
- Maintenance Inspection completed
- Cooling system checked
- Air filter replaced
- Tire condition and pressure checked
- Tires rotated
- Oil and Filter changed
- Cabin Filter replaced
Date: September 11, 2021
Mileage: 57,514 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
- Air Filter Replaced
- Transmission Fluid Changed
- Cabin filter replaced
Date: May 16, 2021
Mileage: 51,360 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: October 25, 2020
Mileage: 41,383 miles
Performed by: Elk Grove Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Recommended Maintenance Performed
- Maintenance Inspection completed
- Battery/charging system checked
- Brakes checked
- Tire condition and pressure checked
- Oil and Filter changed
- Drivability/Performance checked
- Cabin Filter replaced
Date: September 16, 2020
Mileage: 39,398 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: March 8, 2020
Mileage: 32,138 miles
Performed by: Speedee Oil Change in Fair Oaks, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
- Tires rotated
Date: January 30, 2020
Mileage: 30,511 miles
Performed by: Elk Grove Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Maintenance Inspection completed
- Headlight(s) replaced
Date: September 30, 2019
Mileage: 22,087 miles
Performed by: Elk Grove Ford
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Recommended Maintenance Performed
- Maintenance Inspection completed
- Battery/charging system checked
- Brakes checked
- Tire condition and pressure checked
- Oil and Filter changed
- Cabin Filter replaced
Date: July 3, 2019
Mileage: 17,845 miles
Performed by: Brake Masters in Sacramento, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for service. Carfax notes:
- Maintenance Inspection
- Oil and Filter changed
- Wipers/washers checked
- Air Filter checked
- Tires Rotated
- Cabin Filter checked
Date: April 13, 2019
Mileage: 13,671 miles
Performed by: Fairway Car Wash/Express Lube in Roseville, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: October 27, 2018
Mileage: 7,741 miles
Performed by: Fairway Car Wash/Express Lube in Roseville, CA
Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service. Carfax notes:
- Oil and Filter changed
Date: May 11, 2018
Mileage: 10 miles
Performed by: Walnut Creek Ford
Services Performed: Delivery of car to first owner:
- Predelivery Inspection
- Vehicle detailed
Stefano's Garage 