25 replies to this topic

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

Hello everybody. I'm totally new to this forum as I'v only been a Ford owner since last September. Just today I was driving my 57 Reg. Focus 1.8TDCI in slow moving traffic, and all of a sudden when I tried to pull off after stopping there was very slow throttle response with very little power which forced me to slip the clutch constantly to make it to the side of the road. The engine idled normally but when I tried revving up the engine the revs went up really slow and there was very little power. I switched it off, then after a few secs I started again and drove off normally. I managed to arrive home without any problems until it repeated the same thing as I came to pull off again near my home. Can anyone be so kind to help me with this problem please? Thanks and regards.

[H3lly]

Hi, was she smokey at the back?

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

Hi, was she smokey at the back?

No I did not notice any smoke. In fact the engine idled normally, but when I pressed the accelerator pedal the revs would go up very slowly.

[jeebowhite]

Might be MAF related. Did you get any errors / warning lights, and have you checked the DTC codes as per the thread at the top of the forums?

[H3lly]

No I did not notice any smoke. In fact the engine idled normally, but when I pressed the accelerator pedal the revs would go up very slowly.

I would take Jeebowhite's advise on board, but also get someone to check for smoke whilst you gradually rev and let off. The reason is to check for black smoke which could be an indicator of a clogged EGR valve.

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

Might be MAF related. Did you get any errors / warning lights, and have you checked the DTC codes as per the thread at the top of the forums?

Thanks for your reply Jeebowhite. I did not get any errors / warning lights, and yes I did check the DTC codes as read at the top, and there were no DTC counts. In fact I have just returned from a diesel repair specialist where he plugged in the diagnostic code scanner/reader and resulted in nil DTC codes. He also checked the engine and told me it's working perfectly. Then after I left and was driving back home......guess what?.....Yes it did it again!!! I pulled to the side switched the engine off, restarted and drove off normally.

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

I would take Jeebowhite's advise on board, but also get someone to check for smoke whilst you gradually rev and let off. The reason is to check for black smoke which could be an indicator of a clogged EGR valve.

Thanks for your reply H3lly. I checked for smoke when it did it again today while returning back home from the garage, but there was none.

[johnH]

sounds like a sensor fault to me. i would guess the throttle sensor (if fitted) but then again i havnt seen many threads regarding the mk2 just the mk1!

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

sounds like a sensor fault to me. i would guess the throttle sensor (if fitted) but then again i havnt seen many threads regarding the mk2 just the mk1!

Hi johnH, thanks for your reply. If it were a faulty throttle sensor wouldn't it send no signal at all? I'm asking this as when I press the throttle pedal down to the full, the engine still revs up, but very very slowly (not relative to pedal movement), so the potentiometer is still sending a signal.

[jeebowhite]

I had the same problem in december, I had a lack of response, and when it did rev up, the engine cut out, not good on a motorway at 70 mph in the outside lane with 2 lanes of traffic to filter through...

My issue was a damaged Fuel Filter, replaced at a cost of £155 (inc diagnostics) and it resolved the issue. The car gave no DTC codes on my trip computer, nor did it show any warning lights (just the normal ones after the engine stalls!)

Check / replace the fuel filter housing yourself (it doesnt hurt to do it, even if it doesnt resolve the problem!)...

[johnH]

faulty sensors do some random shizzle to cars, especially if its dieing, but like i say i havent heard/seen anything about the mk2 throttle sensors dieing.

jee raises a good point about the fuel filter, when i had an issue with my car he mentioned it, at first i was sceptical but when i carried out a full service and got down to the fuel filter, it was black and coated and most possibly clogged, changed it and now it runs like a dream...there is a thread regarding this i can dig it out if you wish.

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

faulty sensors do some random shizzle to cars, especially if its dieing, but like i say i havent heard/seen anything about the mk2 throttle sensors dieing.

jee raises a good point about the fuel filter, when i had an issue with my car he mentioned it, at first i was sceptical but when i carried out a full service and got down to the fuel filter, it was black and coated and most possibly clogged, changed it and now it runs like a dream...there is a thread regarding this i can dig it out if you wish.

Hi John, I'd appreciate any possible information, thanks. Just to keep everyone updated, today I went to a Ford Service Center and spoke to a technical guy about the problem and he immediately pointed out at the accelerator pedal potentiometer. So off I went to my garage, unbolted the pedal from it's place and opened it up. Everything looked normal, no corrosion, dust or anything, but still gave the printed circuit a good clean with pure alcohol and a light abrasive sponge. I then blew off any possible dust/abrasive dust particles and refitted the pedal back in it's place. I started the car and the pedal worked perfectly, but I still have to give it some testing time. The job took me just under an hour to complete. I also took some pics of the pedal even when it was dismantled of which I will post later on for all those interested or with a similar problem. Will keep you informed and my fingers crossed!

[johnH]

i hope that works for you mate, as regards to last about more info, i take it you want more info about the fuel filter business (correct me if am wrong) just click in my sig about dodgy fuel filter has all the info in there and some pics aswell lol

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

Just to keep you updated, I drove my Focus for more than 20 miles today and it seems to be ok! I'm still keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that I'm not speaking too soon! Will add updates from time to time. Thanks!

[FordFocus1.8tdci]

Another update...drove my car again today and is still ok. I ran the self diagnostic test just for curiosity and was surprised to find 1 DTC code which read 5750. Can anyone explain what this could be please? Could it be because I have removed and unplugged the accelerator pedal for cleaning maybe?