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I'm Officially Losing It Fellas !! You Couldn't Make This Stuff Up !!


FordieX
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Hey,

Two months ago I made the silliest mistake of purchasing a 2011 (euro 5) 2.0 TDCI with the Powershift gearbox from a car auction.

Within 24 hours the vehicle went into limp mode, had it diagnosed the next day = failed DPF. Okay, no problems, went ahead and had it replaced for £280 including labour.

In the mean time I thought I'd treat myself so I had the car fully serviced, including a full valet with polish, followed by brand new Brembo brakes, Michelin tyres, and lasar wheel alignment = £550.

The next day, the gearbox suddenly slipped as I floored it into a roundabout. The revs went up all the way to redline and just STUCK there. I pulled over, put it into neutral, and the car settled down. I barely managed to get it home, as it was refusing to change gears. Had it diagnosed at a gearbox specialist... Failed Powershift! Fine, so there goes almost 3 months savings, at a total cost of £1,300!

Great, so back on the road, two days later suddenly the EML comes on. Restarting the car solved the problem for a few hours but it reappeared. So I reluctantly took it to have it diagnosed.... EGR faliue. Mechanic offered to clean it instead of replacing it, so he stripped it down and made it look like new again. £180.

FINE, so what ELSE could go wrong? Nothing... Until the gearbox stopped changing gears! AGAIN! Took it back the the gearbox specialist... Failed Mechatronic! FFS!!! Okay, so ANOTHER £700 later and a brand new unit fitted! ALL IS GOOD! AND BETTER STAY GOOD! 😡

NOPE! Two days later, sudden loss of power under 2000rpm. Simply NO power. Dead. Nada. Audible whooshing noise, had it diagnosed, Split Intercooler Pipe. OKAY! £140 including labour.

So far... so good. Until two weeks ago I hit the motorway and a pretty bad shake/vibration appeared around 50mph. Thinking it was just a balancing issue, I had it looked at. Nope, definitely not that. Took it to the mechanic... Failed Driveshaft / CV Joint! £240 including labour! 😈

Last week I went to start it in the morning to what sounded like an earthquake violently shaking the engine and then cut out. I tried to start it once more and it just turned over without hesitation. Smooth as a nut, as if nothing happened. I was completely dumbfounded. What in the hell was THAT? Took it to the mechanic after work, and he mentioned it could possibly be the Auxiliary Pulley and Belt that is failing which is a common problem and can cause random issues as such however, told me to bring it in next week as he is busy.

I swear if one more things goes wrong with this car I'M DRIVING IT OFF A CLIFF !! 👿

yeaaaaaa... about that... Yesterday as I was driving back home, the engine got sloppy and sluggish, almost like loss of power, however no EML lit up so I drove it all the way home and parked it up. This morning as I tried to start it. NOTHING. Nada. Just cranks and cranks and nothing happens. Called out the AA and after checking everything, suggested it could be complete loss of compression in the pistons..... I want to die..... I now just want to DIE!

 

I'm completely lost, and I'm on the brink of loosing it fellas. I truly am. I'm just sitting here shaking my head with no emotion what so ever. I think I'm dead inside.

 

Someone, please... PLEASE send help.

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Loss of compression is basically the end mate 

2011 vehicle though perhaps run on counterfeit diesel in the past ownership? 

The sulphuric acid used in counterfeit Diesel destroys the piston rings 

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'Fix Or Repair Daily' has never fitted a car so well as yours! :unsure: 

That is the issue with auctions though, I'll bet it's always been a lemon which is why it ended up there!

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I'm utterly gutted fellas. The issue here is, I can't afford to take it back to the mechanic, I'm DEAD broke because of this car. My next payday I may be alright to pay for an inspection/diagnosis but that's about it. This car has literally ruined me.

I posted here partly out of frustration, and partly in the hope that I may be able to find a solution. The car will sit dead for at least another 2 weeks. Maybe you guys could help me by suggesting things I should look out for to indicate another problem, other then compression loss.

After some googling it has been mentioned that one of the tooth on the belt/chain could have skipped causing this problem. But would have no clue as to where to start looking.

For example, what could explain the random sluggishness the day before? What about that weird violent shake that erupted the week before that, but went away? Could this be where the timing skipped?

Devastated to say the least. I owned a used MK2 focus that had well over 220,000 miles on the clock with ZERO problems, the only reason I no longer have it is because it was stolen and then written off by some yobo's.

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Did the AA actually do a compression test or just give up because the code reader didn't find anything? :rolleyes: 

Did the oil pressure warning light come on at all?  Or the battery warning light?  Is the aux belt still on?

With respect, it doesn't sound like you have the tools or experience to be checking the timing.  You'd need to jack the car up, get the wheel and arch liner off, remove the upper engine mount, crank pulley and then strip off the belt covers to see if everything's still lined up.  Not a simple job I'm afraid.  

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Okay fellas, possibly some good news. A collogues brother is a mobile mechanic (under the agreement I'd pay him later if he could sort it) he came down to take a look. I left to run some errands, he phoned me an hour later to tell me he's sorted it, and that it was an airlock or something to that effect that caused the problem. I have no idea what that means, and when I got back he was gone as he had other jobs to attend.

This is good news, but sounds bad. What is an airlock and how does it happen in the first place, also, how did he fix it? I couldn't ask him over the phone as I was over joyed. Also, I thought it be rude to get into details seen as he's essentially doing me a favour. I assumed he'd be there when I got back to follow up.

Any ideas what causes airlocks? I just doesn't sound right that it happened randomly. I'm thinking there's and underlying problem somewhere. But I know nothing. 🙂

Edit: Google suggests that I ran out of fuel, but I doubt it. The fuel is currently low I agree, but the fuel light wasn't on. Another suggestion is there is a leak along the fuel system somewhere. If the car lasts another 2 weeks I'll take it to someone to have it looked at.

Thanks guys!

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If you get the engine running dont switch if off keep it fuelled up and running until you sell it.

1.6TDCi and 2.0TDCi are Citröen peugeot engines might aswell be a 407 exact same engine.

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On 10/11/2019 at 3:08 PM, FordieX said:

Okay fellas, possibly some good news. A collogues brother is a mobile mechanic (under the agreement I'd pay him later if he could sort it) he came down to take a look. I left to run some errands, he phoned me an hour later to tell me he's sorted it, and that it was an airlock or something to that effect that caused the problem. I have no idea what that means, and when I got back he was gone as he had other jobs to attend.

This is good news, but sounds bad. What is an airlock and how does it happen in the first place, also, how did he fix it? I couldn't ask him over the phone as I was over joyed. Also, I thought it be rude to get into details seen as he's essentially doing me a favour. I assumed he'd be there when I got back to follow up.

Any ideas what causes airlocks? I just doesn't sound right that it happened randomly. I'm thinking there's and underlying problem somewhere. But I know nothing. 🙂

Edit: Google suggests that I ran out of fuel, but I doubt it. The fuel is currently low I agree, but the fuel light wasn't on. Another suggestion is there is a leak along the fuel system somewhere. If the car lasts another 2 weeks I'll take it to someone to have it looked at.

Thanks guys!

Wow, you're super unlucky mate.  The 2.0 TDCi engine is generally considered to be pretty solid and even the PowerShift isn't too bad as long as it's the DCT450 (fitted to the larger power output engines) and not the crappy dry clutch dct250 (the infamous one that is known for being dog plop).  All dual clutch gearboxes are really sensitive to having their fluid and filter changed and sadly it's one of the common places for owners to cut corners.

 

Fingers crossed this is the end of your saga mate!

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sadly this is a great example of why a £100 a month lease deal isn't all that silly.....  brand new, all the latest safety stuff and a long warranty = reluctantly join the club... 

give it a few years and it will be the only thing for those that must have a reliable car, the accountants are at least 15 year in front of how you think, its all DTF these days

yes, if your job means you can miss days off, you like oily hands, wasting weekends and have the skill set some can run an old nail... but the ones that keep going are a dying breed, and high insurance, road tax and fuel use together with ULEZ, no connected toys and a lack of safety mean it won't be long

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Sorry but buying a 8 year old diesel at auction with no warrantee or pre-inspection = madness  ,  unless youre a mechanic with the skills & facilities to fix it for peanuts.

unfortunately you were stitched up with a total lemon that the previous owner almost certainly knew needed a ton of work to keep on the road

im looking hard for a silver lining here but come up with zilch unless you bought the car for only £2, so just chalk it up to experience and make sure your next car purchase comes with at least some consumer protection.

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On 10/11/2019 at 3:08 PM, FordieX said:

Okay fellas, possibly some good news. A collogues brother is a mobile mechanic (under the agreement I'd pay him later if he could sort it) he came down to take a look. I left to run some errands, he phoned me an hour later to tell me he's sorted it, and that it was an airlock or something to that effect that caused the problem. I have no idea what that means, and when I got back he was gone as he had other jobs to attend.

This is good news, but sounds bad. What is an airlock and how does it happen in the first place, also, how did he fix it? I couldn't ask him over the phone as I was over joyed. Also, I thought it be rude to get into details seen as he's essentially doing me a favour. I assumed he'd be there when I got back to follow up.

Any ideas what causes airlocks? I just doesn't sound right that it happened randomly. I'm thinking there's and underlying problem somewhere. But I know nothing. 🙂

Edit: Google suggests that I ran out of fuel, but I doubt it. The fuel is currently low I agree, but the fuel light wasn't on. Another suggestion is there is a leak along the fuel system somewhere. If the car lasts another 2 weeks I'll take it to someone to have it looked at.

Thanks guys!

An airlock is basically a bubble or air that gets trapped inside a fluid pipe stopping the fluid moving as it should.  Most common in the cooling system but sounds like yours was in a fuel pipe.  The fuel pump can't 'suck' air like it does fuel.  

The only way for it to happen is either running very low on fuel (light would have to be on for ages and cornering hard with centrifugal forces) or a minor leak in a fuel pipe or filter housing which is more likely.  These leaks are a pain to find because no fuel leaks out as it's not pressurised, instead the air just leaks in...

Has it been alright so far since?

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Pure definition of a money pit. 

I've always been against financing / leasing but I took the plunge recently and haven't looked back I echo what botus said its less agro. Long as you can manage the monthlies which you would have with all the dosh shelled out. I've been there mate I feel you're pain. 

I'm back in petrol now and to be honest I'd never go back to diesel. I reckon you should shift the car on, if you're strapped for cash recommended something cheap and cheerful like a civic, they run for ages or look at the options mentioned above. 

Seems this car has lost you're faith 

 

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15 hours ago, Jay035 said:

Pure definition of a money pit. 

I've always been against financing / leasing but I took the plunge recently and haven't looked back I echo what botus said its less agro. Long as you can manage the monthlies which you would have with all the dosh shelled out. I've been there mate I feel you're pain. 

I'm back in petrol now and to be honest I'd never go back to diesel. I reckon you should shift the car on, if you're strapped for cash recommended something cheap and cheerful like a civic, they run for ages or look at the options mentioned above. 

Seems this car has lost you're faith 

 

Normally I would agree, and I wouldn’t have spent the money the OP has so far fixing a car of this age,.. but.. the OP has practically rebuilt the car already since he’s had it .. I mean, what’s he spent on the repairs so far almost 3k? He’s kind of past the point of no return now, think I’d try and get it running right now as long as it’s not going to cost a lot more than already spent. 

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True I guess. That said I spoke to a cab driver I know who has had that powershift gearbox rebuilt on a number of occasions and spent big bucks and he doesn't even have mega miles on the clock. I suppose I wouldn't feel comfortable sitting with a ticking time bomb but that's just me. Needles to say I appreciate that OP has spent a pretty penny and to that end could get some use out of it to get his money worth. 

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Thanks for the posts guys, sorry for not responding quicker.

Yea, shockingly enough the car has yet to cause me any trouble ever since. Although I can just... feel it... you know? It's coming! 😅 Any time now! 😅

There is however an odd noise from the passenger side, possibly suspension. It sometimes makes a slight shingle noise when going over speed humps. Sounds like a brace is a little loose and makes a click. I've also observed that the gearbox makes a clicking noise when you put it into reverse, have been told this is the gearbox mount that needs replacing.

At this point it would make sense to replace the chassis, and buy some new 19 plates to match. Blah 😄

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3 hours ago, FordieX said:

Thanks for the posts guys, sorry for not responding quicker.

Yea, shockingly enough the car has yet to cause me any trouble ever since. Although I can just... feel it... you know? It's coming! 😅 Any time now! 😅

There is however an odd noise from the passenger side, possibly suspension. It sometimes makes a slight shingle noise when going over speed humps. Sounds like a brace is a little loose and makes a click. I've also observed that the gearbox makes a clicking noise when you put it into reverse, have been told this is the gearbox mount that needs replacing.

At this point it would make sense to replace the chassis, and buy some new 19 plates to match. Blah 😄

I know that feeling Mate, I have been following your story, I have similar problem with a vibration through steering wheel. I have changed wheels and tyres 4 different sets. wheel bearings 2x , brake disks and pads 2x, suspension legs and top mounts. 2x , driveshafts 2x ,hub assembly 2x , drop links , engine mounts , track rod ends, rack ends full wheel alligment and balancing. I have been working on cars for 40yrs and I sat down feeling sick inside I have had a big help from Focus city in Beverly with components to try and eliminate but have renewed all front end to no avail even changed power steering pump. and still happening.

So you have my sympathy and understanding Fordiex 

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3 hours ago, Tekman said:

I know that feeling Mate, I have been following your story, I have similar problem with a vibration through steering wheel. I have changed wheels and tyres 4 different sets. wheel bearings 2x , brake disks and pads 2x, suspension legs and top mounts. 2x , driveshafts 2x ,hub assembly 2x , drop links , engine mounts , track rod ends, rack ends full wheel alligment and balancing. I have been working on cars for 40yrs and I sat down feeling sick inside I have had a big help from Focus city in Beverly with components to try and eliminate but have renewed all front end to no avail even changed power steering pump. and still happening.

So you have my sympathy and understanding Fordiex 

Jesus my man YOU have MY sympathy's. WOW. I would have lost the utter will to live after changing ALL of that for ONE problem and then STILL have it. I mean, I'm lost for words. Steering rack would be the final point of call but then what is the relevance? 😥

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23 minutes ago, FordieX said:

Jesus my man YOU have MY sympathy's. WOW. I would have lost the utter will to live after changing ALL of that for ONE problem and then STILL have it. I mean, I'm lost for words. Steering rack would be the final point of call but then what is the relevance? 😥

Hi Mate its like quicksand, you start then before you know it your in and stuck I have thought about rack but it check`s out ok with no play. Yep I sat down and really did feel like crying .

I have looked at changing car and giving up , but every time I find one I pick fault with it 🙄  so will keep reading posts and just keep trying.

Hope yours behave`s its self and you can start to enjoy all best mate

 

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I own a 2012 2.0tdci 163 powershift. I don't know what mileage your one has covered but I'm on 62k now. Purchased second hand with 56k miles. Hasn't missed the beat. On top of that I use it driving instruction  so it gets a hard life. Mine has had the gearbag oil changed twice in it's life to date and I'll be doing yearly from now on. I really do think you are just unlucky. I did have that very strange start once. Where it cranked in to life sounding like one of the engines from the Titanic and stalled straightaway but not done it since and starts brilliantly ever since.  Apart from fitting a reversing camera/shat nav set up it's been pretty bomb proof. I do get the occasional fault with the BLIS system but that's something related to wet roads. One day I'll pull my finger out and look. As you've chucked a fair wedge of cash at it all ready I'd give it a chance now and see how it performs.  

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