Problem With Engine Cutting Out

[Rachiebaby84]

I have a problem with my 2002 1.25 fiesta, the engine keeps cutting out at random times, can be in neutral, in gear with the clutch pedal to the floor or while driving along at any time, seems to happen less when i use premium unleaded but still dosnt stop the problem completely, anyone got any ideas on what this could be and how much it might cost to get it sorted?

[Danny87]

Hi Rachel,

Do you know when your car last had its fuel filter replaced? If these are clogged it could cause this type of issue.

Does the problem happen more in certain weather? So if it's cold (or you've started the engine from being stood) is the problem worse or happen more frequently?

It could also be a faulty fuel pump failing to supply adequate pressure to the injecter rail.

What a good garage would do (doesn't have to be Ford) is connect a gauge to the injector rail and check the pressure across various engine revolutions, I shouldn't think they would charge more than about £40 for this (I've only ever done this a couple of times and borrowed equipment). If there's a problem it would most probably show while being tested and the garage would have an idea of what's causing the problem.

Hope that helps, sorry for any bad spelling or mistakes I've got the flu!

Dan :)

[Rachiebaby84]

Only had the car since may and it has been pretty consistant with the problem whatever the weather, it only tends to happen on short journeys though, if I'm travelling long distances its fine.

It was serviced this time last year. How easy would it be to change the fuel filter myself (concidering I have very little car knowledge)I'm fine as long as I have step by step instructions.

p.s. your spelling seems pretty spot on to me, I didn't notice any mistakes and hope the flu clears up soon for you.

Rach

[stef123]

Only had the car since may and it has been pretty consistant with the problem whatever the weather, it only tends to happen on short journeys though, if I'm travelling long distances its fine.

It was serviced this time last year. How easy would it be to change the fuel filter myself (concidering I have very little car knowledge)I'm fine as long as I have step by step instructions.

p.s. your spelling seems pretty spot on to me, I didn't notice any mistakes and hope the flu clears up soon for you.

Rach

Does the car idle ok? do you find that the revs fluctuate at all?

[Rachiebaby84]

revs do fluctuate a bit when idleing often cuts out when its idle too.

[Danny87]

Hi Rachel,

It sounds like it could be your idle air control valve, which basically is the modern day equilavent to a choke. It's responsible for the idle speed by controlling the intake of air and therefore fuel. The reason I suggest this is because I've came across this problem many times, the tell tale signs in my experience is exactly what you are describing. Poor idle speed with revs bouncing (sometimes between 800rpm and 2000rpm) and the engine stalling in some cases. They commonly get dirty and can get 'clogged up', so a clean may be all that's needed but sometimes they need replacement.

Other things which could be causing similar issues... air filter clogged up causing the engine to be starved of air, or even a blockage somewhere in the air intake hose. Air flow sensor (they're not fitted to all engines) but if you have one fitted and it's faulty, it could end up reporting faulty informated to your ECU causing the problem.

Hopefully others can provide their input but the things I have listed are just my thoughts and what I would look into,

Dan :)

PS: Thank you, feeling a little better today :)

[stef123]

as Dan has said, the ICV valve is a good place to start - the only thing that puts me off is you say it can cut out while driving along? when this happens is your foot on or off the throttle?