Ford Focus: Zetec 2.0 timing chain and tensioner wear

The 2.0L Zetec petrol engine in LR–LV Focus models uses a simplex timing chain with a hydraulic tensioner that loses pressure with age and neglected oil changes. Chain wear produces a rattling noise on cold start and, if left unaddressed, can result in the chain skipping teeth causing bent valves. This is consistent with the documented Duratec chain failure pattern and is widely reported on Focus-specific forums from 100,000 km onward.

• Metallic rattling from the front of the engine on cold start
• Check engine light with camshaft correlation or position codes
• Rough idle after extended cold-start rattle
• Misfires at idle

1. 1

   Cold-start the engine and immediately listen for chain rattle from the front timing cover.

2. 2

   Scan for P0016 or P0017 cam-crank correlation codes.

3. 3

   Review oil service records — overlong intervals accelerate wear.

Parts involved: Timing chain.

$1,500 to $3,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the timing chain or tensioner been replaced?”
• “Any rattling sound on cold start from the front of the engine?”
• “What is the oil service history and interval?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.