We recently bought a 2010 Ka but it is misfiring so took it to the Ford garage for a service and diagnostic.  They said that the coil packs and HT leads have not long been replaced.  They put in a new set of plugs but that did not seem to help.  They have told me that there is no fault codes to indicate what the problem is.

They did suggest that it could be the Engine Control Module but a replacement for this would be £1383!

I have found second hand ECM on for arounf £45 and wondered if this is something I could change myself?  Could this be a straight swap or would it require programming?  Do you know the location of the ECM on a 2010 Ka?

Or any other suggestions?

Cheers

1 hour ago, jamezz said:

I could change myself?  Could this be a straight swap or would it require programming?  Do you know the location of the ECM on a 2010 Ka?

It's not "Plug and Play"

I'm not sure what software you need for a Ford Ka. Like most things it can be done but unless you have the know how and the correct equipment it could be a very difficult thing to try and do yourself.

What about new Spark Plugs ? and if the car has a misfire but no codes I would be looking at possible mechanical problems first.

It has new spark plugs, new ht leads and new coil packs.  The garage says there is no codes.

Any suggestions on mechanical problems to check?

Which engine have you got ?

Because your Ka is really a Fiat 500 you should try the Ficom software.

https://www.car-auto-repair.com/ficom-for-fiat-alfa-lancia-diagnostic-software-free-download/

Thanks, I will take a look.

I believe it is the 1242cc 51KW 69HP 169A4000;FP4 on the RU8 chassis

Before you spend daft money:

Are you totally sure the HT leads are on the correct way?

Which cylinder is miss-firing? If you pull an HT lead off one by one the engine note should change (the miss-fire will get worse), when you pull the lead from the cylinder that is miss-firing, the engine will stay the same. If the engine gets worse on all four lead removals it's not an ignition problem.

Is it a fuel injection issue? The injectors could be blocked, search youtube on how to blast carb cleaner through injectors.

Is the fuel filter blocked?

Check all the electrical connections on the engine are fully connected and that none of the connectors is loose or damaged

Check all the earth points are intact

If all that fails, before you buy a PCM, run a compression test

If it does turn out to be the PCM that has gone down, source a suitable replacement (Make sure the part number matches yours EXACTLY), fit it, tow it to Ford and pay them to re-programme/code it to your vehicle

I have also seen cases where the catalytic converter is blocked (engine has been over fuelling or burning oil) and the engine cannot breathe. This often doesn't throw codes or MIL

Thanks Dave.  Good suggestion on the compression test.  It turns out cylinder 1 and 2 are down on compression 50%.  :(

16 hours ago, jamezz said:

Thanks Dave.  Good suggestion on the compression test.  It turns out cylinder 1 and 2 are down on compression 50%.  😞

That's where the problem is unfortunately.

If the car is good, you can source a good 2nd hand engine maybe?

Remember, same engine in Fiat Panda and 500 

I took it back to where I got it from and the guy is going to source a second hard engine and swap it over for me.  Will be without the car for a few weeks but at least will have a working good car at the end of it.

Everything else on the car is good.  It is a titanium edition and body work is perfect.

 

Thanks for all your support