Ford Focus Mk1 loosing power?!

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Hey guys,

Ford Focus MK1 Zetec 1.6

So yesterday whilst driving around in town my car suddenly started to loose power and had barely any acceleration. Pulling away from a standstill i have to floor the accelerator because it feels like the car will stall.
Its very stuttery with the car kind of shacking when sitting idle.

The engine management light flashes when driving and is a solid light when idle, i know that i need to get it plugged in to understand exactly what the issue is but its sunday!
I did a little bit of reading last night and a few things point to a MAF sensor?
The engine doesnt sound like its dying, no grinding or hissing or anything.
The exhaust does sound like 'chug chug chug' like its doesnt have a constant flow.

I really hope it isnt ******, what do you think guys? i can provide more info if needed!

PLease fully star all swearing in future. Thank you.

Em


*edit* Sorry about the Swearity :(
 
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The car has gone into 'limp mode'. In otherwords, it will only give you the least power possible in order to get you home.

You can disconnect the MAF sensor completly and see if it runs without it. It could also be missfiring, Coilpacks are common things to go on those engines but I dont think they should be throwing it into limp mode.

If you have no luck with the MAF, you will need to get the diagnostic codes its throwing out then take it from there.
 
Well i was able to drive home 'normally' like go 60mph on the motorway, it just took a while to get to speed.
I put some redex into the fuel to see if it was the injectors but no joy.

I have no idea about engines so could somebody point me to where the MAF is?

*edit, It wouldnt be anything major like a lost valve or anything would it? Would i be able to drive with that issue?
 
Would the coil pack / plugs cause the engine to shake slightly?
My brother thinks it may be the timings?

 
Paul. W said:
Coilpacks are common things to go on those engines but I dont think they should be throwing it into limp mode.
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When the coilpack went on my Focus the engine light was only coming on above a certain speed. It didn't seem to be in limp mode, it was just lacking power.

There was a slight shudder to the engine if I remember correctly. If you can find a cylinder that's not firing, I'd try a new plug and coilpack just to rule them out. The coilpacks are notorious for developing problems.
 
That's most certainly a misfire. The way I'd do it is pull off a HT lead one at a time, one cylinder will most likely make no difference at all, the rest will make the engine stall. Only do this if you know what you're doing though, 50,000+ volts can hurt a bit :) Wear thick gloves or use insulated pliers.
 
andy_mk3 said:
That's most certainly a misfire. The way I'd do it is pull off a HT lead one at a time, one cylinder will most likely make no difference at all, the rest will make the engine stall. Only do this if you know what you're doing though, 50,000+ volts can hurt a bit :) Wear thick gloves or use insulated pliers.
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I'll be taking it to the garage tomorrow morning haha.

Thank you all for the suggestions, I hope it is a simple coil pack / plug issues!
Will let you know what the outcome is :)


Cheers,
Em
 
I wouldn't worry too much - I would definitely say there's a fair chance that's just a coilpack issue, cheap and easy fix

andy_mk3 said:
That's most certainly a misfire. The way I'd do it is pull off a HT lead one at a time, one cylinder will most likely make no difference at all, the rest will make the engine stall. Only do this if you know what you're doing though, 50,000+ volts can hurt a bit :) Wear thick gloves or use insulated pliers.
Click to expand...

Can't say i've ever managed to fry myself, but then again i'm not daft enough to do anything like this when the car's running! As it's already rough all he needs to do is stop it, unplug, start and see if it gets any worse - rinse and repeat if it does until the correct one's identified
 
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Coil pack - exactly the same symptoms on my 1.6.

I picked up a new coilpack on the bay for around £30 IIRC, it's four bolts and is really easily accessible on the 1.6. As in, open bonnet and it;s staring you in the face.
 
thepharcyde said:
Defo plugs/lead, dont try driving till its fixed as missfire can cause unburnt fuel through the CAT.
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I did drive it for a bit while it had the misfire. What sort of issues can unburnt fuel cause the CAT?




It was indeed the pack/leads :) The garage is fixing it right now.
 
I had this issue if it what im thinking your talking about.
When I was in 5th gear it sometimes lost power so I had to down gear into 4th.

Eventually I changed the spark plugs and it fixed.

Don't own the car now so no idea if it's helping still.
 
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