Ford Focus 2016 Titanium - Engine Service msg in 5th gear

[G0nz0]

Hello,

Ford Focus Titanium - 2016

77k mileage

Clutch was replaced last year too.

Recently, we've noticed a recurring "Engine Service" notification flashing on the dashboard screen, particularly when transitioning from 5th gear to 6th on A roads, aiming to reach speeds of 60-70mph. During this acceleration phase, we've experienced a noticeable delay in reaching 70mph, a performance issue that wasn't prevalent before.

Despite recently undergoing a full service (just last week), their diagnostics didn't reveal any underlying problems according to their computer system. Nonetheless, they advised us to keep them informed should the issue persist. I was hoping they would find something after paying for that.

Additionally, we've observed discrepancies in the gear recommendations provided by the dashboard. For instance, it suggests shifting into 5th gear at speeds as low as 30mph, whereas previously, it would advise this change closer to speeds in the 40s.

I plan to visit the garage tomorrow. However, if anyone has insights or information I can share with the mechanics, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you.

Edited March 27 by G0nz0
spelling

[mjt]

Is this a Ford garage? If it's an independent their diagnostic system may well be unable to access Ford-specific codes.

[unofix]

2 hours ago, G0nz0 said:

their diagnostics didn't reveal any underlying problems according to their computer system.

That's quite normal for a non-Ford dealer. Use a laptop and the software FORScan to read Ford specific DTC's.

2 hours ago, G0nz0 said:

we've observed discrepancies in the gear recommendations provided by the dashboard. For instance, it suggests shifting into 5th gear at speeds as low as 30mph, whereas previously, it would advise this change closer to speeds in the 40s.

The indication when to change is wrong on most vehicles 80% of the time.

[G0nz0]

Yeah it's a non Ford Garage.

[G0nz0]

Buy one of these? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forscan-Scanner-ELMconfig-FoCCCus-Diagnostic/dp/B07MQ8GHG3/ref=asc_df_B07MQ8GHG3/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=499333735334&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7862654798580728212&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044994&hvtargid=pla-637551798938&psc=1&mcid=dac4ae368565345b971bf5d296e56bb1

I have a non Ford one that shows all is ok.  When I do get the error, it goes away I turn the engine off and back on again.

 

[unofix]

FORScan:  https://forscan.org/download.html

vLinker FS (for use with all Ford vehicles): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

[G0nz0]

Thanks, I've ordered that and comes tomorrow.

Can I export it's results and post here, would that be any use to anyone?

[unofix]

2 hours ago, G0nz0 said:

Can I export it's results and post here

Yes you can post the DTC log.

 

[G0nz0]

So I've plugged the cable in and opened Forscan and it started scanning and returned this little log, I'm not sure if I can ran a more in depth one?

 

(WARN) [17:13:24.823] Checking bluetooth (16:26:16:3E:58:98)...
(WARN) [17:13:55.224] Checking FTDI #1:D38Q4FN0...
(OK) [17:14:05.217] Connection to adapter has been established: FTDI #1:D38Q4FN0
(OK) [17:14:05.218] Adapter:  vLinker FS v2.3.02 MIC3322 V2.3.02 (ELM327 v2.3)
(OK) [17:14:05.340] Connection to vehicle has been established
(OK) [17:14:06.469] Vehicle: Ford Focus Ecoboost Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection Stage VI 1.0L 2016 ( 2015.25MY ), VIN: WF0*********02116
(OK) [17:14:15.734] Found module:  PCM - Powertrain Control Module
(WARN) [17:14:25.958] DTCs in PCM: P0299:00-68, P0420:00-64
(OK) [17:14:26.188] Found module:  OBDII - On Board Diagnostic II
(WARN) [17:14:26.460] DTCs in OBDII: P0420-P
(OK) [17:14:26.797] Found module:  APIM - Accessory Protocol Interface Module
(OK) [17:14:27.683] Found module:  SASM - Steering Angle Sensor Module
(OK) [17:14:28.549] Found module:  FDSM - Front Distance Sensing Module
(OK) [17:14:30.097] Found module:  ABS - Antilock braking system
(OK) [17:14:31.688] Found module:  RCM - Restraint Control Module
(OK) [17:14:34.462] Found module:  PAM - Parking Aid Module
(OK) [17:14:35.889] Found module:  PSCM - Power Steering Control Module
(OK) [17:14:37.316] Found module:  BCMii - Body Control Module
(OK) [17:14:42.959] Found module:  FCIM - Front Controls Interface Module
(OK) [17:14:46.513] Found module:  PDM - Passengers Door Control Unit
(OK) [17:14:48.506] Found module:  DDM - Drivers Door Module
(OK) [17:14:50.013] Found module:  HVAC - Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
(OK) [17:14:51.165] Found module:  RFA - Remote Function Actuator
(OK) [17:14:52.308] Found module:  ACM - Audio Control Module
(OK) [17:14:55.297] Found module:  IPC - Instrument Panel Control Module
(OK) [17:14:56.561] Found module:  GPSM - Global Positioning System Module
(WARN) [17:17:40.381] DTCs in PCM: P0299:00-68, P0420:00-64
(WARN) [17:17:40.558] DTCs in OBDII: P0420-P

and

===PCM DTC P0299:00-68===
Code: P0299 - Turbocharger/Supercharger 'A' Underboost Condition

Status (-68):
 - Previously Set DTC - Not Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC
 - Test not complete

Module: Powertrain Control Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:

 Freeze Frame  #2:
-EVENT_TIME: 247381628 s (Wed Mar 27 20:59:40 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 125417 km - Total Distance
-FUELSYS: Closed Loop  - Fuel System Status (Open/Closed Loop)
-LOAD: 64.71 % - Calculated Load Value
-ECT: 92 °C - Engine coolant temperature
-SHRTFT1: -4.69 % - Short term fuel trim 1
-LONGFT1: 3.91 % - Long term fuel trim 1
-MAP: 128.0 kPa - Manifold absolute pressure sensor
-RPM: 2300 1/min - Engine Revolutions Per Minute
-VSS: 81.0 km/h - Vehicle Speed
-SPARKADV: 7.50 ° - Spark Advance
-IAT: 15 °C - Intake Air Temperature
-RUNTM: 334 s - Time Since Engine Start
-FRP: 13850.0 kPa - Fuel Rail Pressure
-EVAP_PCT: 92.55 % - Commanded Evaporative Purge
-FLI: 94.90 % - Fuel Level
-BARO: 97.0 kPa - Barometric pressure
-VPWR: 13.56 V - Control Module Voltage
-TP_REL: 45.10 % - Relative Throttle Position
-TAC_PCT: 71.76 % - Commanded Throttle Actuator Control
-RPMDSD: 948 1/min - Desired Idle Speed RPM
-OSVB1S2: 0.21 V - Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2
===END PCM DTC P0299:00-68===

===PCM DTC P0420:00-64===
Code: P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

Status (-64):
 - DTC Maturing - Intermittent at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC
 - Test not complete

Module: Powertrain Control Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:

 Freeze Frame  #2:
-EVENT_TIME: 247536879 s (Fri Mar 29 16:07:11 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 125545 km - Total Distance
-FUELSYS: Closed Loop  - Fuel System Status (Open/Closed Loop)
-LOAD: 38.04 % - Calculated Load Value
-ECT: 98 °C - Engine coolant temperature
-SHRTFT1: 2.34 % - Short term fuel trim 1
-LONGFT1: 3.91 % - Long term fuel trim 1
-MAP: 91.0 kPa - Manifold absolute pressure sensor
-RPM: 2611 1/min - Engine Revolutions Per Minute
-VSS: 110.0 km/h - Vehicle Speed
-SPARKADV: 22.50 ° - Spark Advance
-IAT: 15 °C - Intake Air Temperature
-RUNTM: 1014 s - Time Since Engine Start
-FRP: 12880.0 kPa - Fuel Rail Pressure
-EVAP_PCT: 8.63 % - Commanded Evaporative Purge
-FLI: 76.86 % - Fuel Level
-BARO: 98.0 kPa - Barometric pressure
-VPWR: 14.17 V - Control Module Voltage
-TP_REL: 22.75 % - Relative Throttle Position
-TAC_PCT: 36.08 % - Commanded Throttle Actuator Control
-RPMDSD: 948 1/min - Desired Idle Speed RPM
-OSVB1S2: 0.75 V - Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2
===END PCM DTC P0420:00-64===

===OBDII DTC P0420-P===
Code: P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

Status (-50):
 - Pending - malfunction is expected to be confirmed 

Module: On Board Diagnostic II

===END OBDII DTC P0420-P===

===APIM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Accessory Protocol Interface Module

===END APIM DTC None===

===SASM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Steering Angle Sensor Module

===END SASM DTC None===

===FDSM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Front Distance Sensing Module

===END FDSM DTC None===

===ABS DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Antilock braking system

===END ABS DTC None===

===RCM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Restraint Control Module

===END RCM DTC None===

===PAM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Parking Aid Module

===END PAM DTC None===

===PSCM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Power Steering Control Module

===END PSCM DTC None===

===BCMii DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Body Control Module

===END BCMii DTC None===

===FCIM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Front Controls Interface Module

===END FCIM DTC None===

===PDM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Passengers Door Control Unit

===END PDM DTC None===

===DDM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Drivers Door Module

===END DDM DTC None===

===HVAC DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning

===END HVAC DTC None===

===RFA DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Remote Function Actuator

===END RFA DTC None===

===ACM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Audio Control Module

===END ACM DTC None===

===IPC DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Instrument Panel Control Module

===END IPC DTC None===

===GPSM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Global Positioning System Module

===END GPSM DTC None===

 

[TomsFocus]

More in depth than that?

Reduced performance will probably be caused by P0299 - turbo underboost.

Likely to be a split boost hose, broken vac pump one way valve or faulty boost solenoid.

P0420 is the other engine code.  That one's for cat converter low efficiency.  Fairly standard on this engine.  Will eventually need a new cat fitted.

[G0nz0]

Thanks, I'll take this great info you have given back to the garage.  I've useless with cars, but how much would a garage normally charge to fix the above?

[JW1982]

Limp mode is caused by:

Code: P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

Status (-50):
 - Pending - malfunction is expected to be confirmed 

 

Pending means that the code is currently active. The other DTC codes were previously registered and as the description says will not cause a warning message (or limp mode).

The catalytic converter is most likely the cause of the problem. Unfortunately a defective (less efficient) catalytic converter is quite common on a 1.0 ECOboost.

Using premium (preferably higher octane) fuel and resetting the DTC code often fixes this problem temporarily (sometimes even for an extensive period). However in the end the catalytic converter will need to be replaced.

[G0nz0]

Thanks, so I should reset the DTC code(s) via the FOR scan and give it a drive and test again?  I'm guessing resetting just masks the issue until it's tripped again?

I was going to head to the garage tomorrow and mention the 2 warning codes to them (P0420 & P0299), but wasn't sure if it's best to reset it all and again.

 

[TomsFocus]

As there's a difference of opinion between myself & Wilco here, I'll let you decide whether to clear the codes and try to trigger them again or whether to ask the garage for au underboost check.

If there is an underboost fault, that should be easily triggered by accelerating hard onto a motorway or similar.  The cat efficiency code may take longer to return.

Regarding costs - looking at around £400 inc fitting for an aftermarket cat.  Genuine cat will cost more.

Vac pump valve can't be bought from Ford separately.  They'll happily sell you the whole pump at about £500.  The valves can be sourced on eBay cheaply.  Easy fix for a basic DIY'er as well.

Boost solenoids cost about £50 and the garage is likely to charge at least half an hours labour to replace that.  But again, not difficult to DIY.

If there's a split pipe, cost totally depends on which pipe it is.

Hope that helps.  Cost estimates are always difficult due to so many variables.

[Tizer]

Personally I would do some Live Data Logging of the Boost Pressure.

If FORScan has PID's for Actual and Desired Boost Pressure or MAP I would bring them up along with other relevant ones and take the car for a drive to see if the lack of Boost is happening all the time or just when certain operating conditions occur.

This may give a clue as to why you are getting that code and what is causing the problem.

[Botus]

CAUSES: start stop left enabled, cheap petrol and not enough exercise...

 

why do you think they fit start stop ? Answer - to keep it cold

Catalytic converters operate within a specific temperature range to efficiently carry out the catalytic process. The optimal operating temperature for most catalytic converters is between 400°C (752°F) and 800°C (1472°F). At this temperature range, the catalyst materials inside the converter, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, become active and effectively convert harmful gases into less harmful substances.

The temperature of the catalytic converter is directly influenced by the engine’s operation. As the engine runs, it generates heat, and this heat is transferred to the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter. Factors such as engine load, speed, and fuel-air mixture can impact the temperature reached by the catalytic converter.

why does google work with your council to block up the roads ? Answer - keep the slave poor and in check

The flow rate of exhaust gases passing through the catalytic converter affects its temperature. A higher flow rate can help dissipate heat more effectively, keeping the converter within the optimal temperature range. On the other hand, a restricted or limited exhaust gas flow can lead to higher temperatures and potential damage to the converter.

 

 

 

[Tony Roman]

Same problem with my Focus 1,0 Ecoboost 2016 - P0420 error code appear for the first time at 82 K km. Now the car is 100 K km. I tried several cat cleaners, higher quality petrol with almost zero effect. However the code only appear under heavy load on the motorway, since I drive mostly within the town the warning light comes only occasionally. Spoke with a mechanic and he said that the cat is still working just not as efficient. Do you think in this situation it may cause some harm to the engine?