2001 ford focus. It was running great, shut it off for about 5 minutes, then when I restarted it, it coughed and shook and stalled. Restarted it and same thing, then it wouldn't start, just hear clicking. I have tried replacing the starter with no luck. Could it be ignition switch or wire? I did have a mouse in the car a couple months back and he chewed some wires under the hood.

sounds like the key sensor has failed its a ring shaped part that goes around where you put the key in under the cover

This problem is commonly caused by a dirty automatic idle speed control valve and throttle valve. Buy a can of throttle valve cleaner (do not use carburetor spray cleaner!) from NAPA or Carquest (made by CRC chemicals) and spray it into the air intake while the engine is running, use up about 1/2 the can, engine will try to stall hold the speed up, shut it down and let it soak for 30 minutes, restart and blow out the remaining fluid, shut it down and disconnect the negative battery cable for 5 Min's to reset the base idle control

Yup I pulled up to my parents house and shut off my 2001 Ford Focus. I was inside maybe 10-15 minutes. But instantly popped the #8 30amp maxi fuse when I went to restart it ??. Thank you for all of the specs/info it's def going to help the search for the short

it is most likely defaulting to the electric motor due to the overheating to save the gas engine from damage.

Have you replaced the timing belt? if not i would highly recommend doing so. these cars need to have the timing belt replaced before it breaks otherwise it can and will cause major engine damage.

2001 ford focus 1.8 Zetec just suddenly stalled and will not now restart.

your fuel pump is going.

there was a 10 year unlimited mileage warranty on 2000 focus for this issue, but not sure if 2001 was included. The internal filters in the fuel pump clog and starve the pump. New stlye filters went into prodction but not sure if all of 2001 had the new design.

Here is the most common cause of surges and stalls, it is the idle speed control air-bypass valve and throttle valve, they get full of gunk over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

if this a fuel injected car just check to fuel pressure first.

this engine fuel pump prassurae low. it fuel pump celan. Your problem sovel