New member, got a couple of problems with my Focus and was hoping to get some advice please. I'm a nonce when it comes to cars and am wary of getting fleeced by dealers when I take it in to get sorted.

I've got a Focus 1.6 Zetec 2001 and recently my car has started shuddering a bit. The speedo needle will spike (although not the Rev Counter needle) and the car starts to shudder quite a bit.
It's been going on for a little while but tonight whilst driving home the engine warning light came on. However, the manual gives no indication as to what it could be, it just tells you to take it to a dealer.

Can anyone give me any idea what the problem might be


Many thanks

If you mean by shudder that the engine is missing or running on three cylinders, it could be a number of things.

Spark Plugs, HT Leads, Coil Pack or Fuel Filter to name a few. If these have not been changed for a while, I would start with a new set of plugs and leads as well as a new air filter while your at it.

Its often just the normal serviceable items that cause the problems.

Good luck