Hello, I recently bought a Focus 1.0L eco boost and it seems really underpowered. If I try to accelerate up a hill, the Service Engine soon sign displays. It had a new timing belt fitted 3 weeks ago, could this be the problem? Aside from the lack of power, the car seems fine. It’s 2018 model with 100000 miles. Thanks for any help you can give. 

Hey Sonny, and welcome to the Forums.

I also have a (new to me) 1.0L Focus EcoBoost.

When you say "... seems really underpowered.", to what are you comparing it? As an example, I've moved from a 2.0L Turbo D, with 170BHP, to this. And yes, I really feel the difference, especially on the hills, which is only to be expected. I'm also now (after about 4 weeks) getting used to driving a petrol engine, which is much different from driving a diesel, so there's that.

As for the Service Engine warning, well (obviously) that's an issue and may very well contribute to a power loss.

The fault codes need to be read to determine the cause of the warning message.

As it's recently had a belt, I'd take it back there for them to plug in.  If they don't have Ford specific diags then you will need to go to a Ford dealer or use Forscan to find the fault code.

3 hours ago, Sonnycbr said:

Service Engine soon sign displays.

It's not asking for a "Service"

It's telling you "Engine buggered, take to garage now" Possibly Ford just trying to be politically correct thought that message might not be the one to show.

14 hours ago, Sonnycbr said:

It had a new timing belt fitted 3 weeks ago, could this be the problem?

Was the problem there before you had the belts changed?

If not, take it back

23 hours ago, Rob101 said:

Hey Sonny, and welcome to the Forums.

I also have a (new to me) 1.0L Focus EcoBoost.

When you say "... seems really underpowered.", to what are you comparing it? As an example, I've moved from a 2.0L Turbo D, with 170BHP, to this. And yes, I really feel the difference, especially on the hills, which is only to be expected. I'm also now (after about 4 weeks) getting used to driving a petrol engine, which is much different from driving a diesel, so there's that.

As for the Service Engine warning, well (obviously) that's an issue and may very well contribute to a power loss.

Thanks, I’ve had lots of cars, some powerful and some not, but I’m talking about going uphill in first and second gears, and not getting above 20mph. These are steep hills, but even so I’d expect a bit more. 

23 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

The fault codes need to be read to determine the cause of the warning message.

As it's recently had a belt, I'd take it back there for them to plug in.  If they don't have Ford specific diags then you will need to go to a Ford dealer or use Forscan to find the fault code.

I’ve got it booked in for a diagnostic check on Monday by an independent garage, although I don’t know what software he uses. I’ll report back. 

20 hours ago, unofix said:

It's not asking for a "Service"

It's telling you "Engine buggered, take to garage now" Possibly Ford just trying to be politically correct thought that message might not be the one to show.

I’ve never seen this warning on a car before. It goes out and stays out when the engines turned off and restarted, but when I climb a steep hill, on it comes again. 

10 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Was the problem there before you had the belts changed?

If not, take it back

I didn’t own it when the belts were changed but I spoke to the mechanic today that did the job and he said it was just a straightforward belt swap, old for new. But then again, he would say that…..🤔

Pls keep us updated as I've same engine and getting my timing belt done next Friday 

PS my 1.0 l ecoboost Fiesta has no issues going up steep hills whatsoever so U need to get yours seen to ASAP

2 minutes ago, Garrydhu said:

U need to get yours seen to ASAP

Car is already telling him that. 

Obviously,but like my son some ppl don't act quickly ref engine problems, regularly servicing ( no matter how many times I say it to him 🙄)

1 hour ago, Sonnycbr said:

... but I’m talking about going uphill in first and second gears, and not getting above 20mph.

Clearly, you've a major issue. At 125BHP (I think, that's right), you should not be down at 2nd gear, unless said hill is like 1:5, or something.

10 minutes ago, Rob101 said:

Clearly, you've a major issue. At 125BHP (I think, that's right), you should not be down at 2nd gear, unless said hill is like 1:5, or something.

Feels more like 25BHP. I think you’re right, it could be a major problem. I’ve got a 6 months guarantee so it’s going back. 

On 7/18/2024 at 8:05 PM, TomsFocus said:

The fault codes need to be read to determine the cause of the warning message.

As it's recently had a belt, I'd take it back there for them to plug in.  If they don't have Ford specific diags then you will need to go to a Ford dealer or use Forscan to find the fault code.

I’ve been trying to find out what Forscan is, but I’m still not sure. Can I buy one and plug it into my laptop? 

FORScan is a software programme.

On 4/7/2024 at 8:59 PM, unofix said:

FORScan (for use with Windows Laptop) : https://forscan.org/download.html

It's what many Ford owners use including some Ford technicians.

vLinker FS, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

vLinker FD, for android phone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H82WC8L

vLinker FD+, for iPhone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H8JHWP2

 

Search Tag:   FORScan123

 

12 hours ago, Sonnycbr said:

Feels more like 25BHP. I think you’re right, it could be a major problem. I’ve got a 6 months guarantee so it’s going back. 

It may not be 125bhp.  The Focus was also available with the 99bhp version.  That's fine in a Fiesta, but not so good in a heavy Focus.

 

12 hours ago, Sonnycbr said:

I’ve been trying to find out what Forscan is, but I’m still not sure. Can I buy one and plug it into my laptop? 

Yes, as Unofix has posted above, just need to buy a V-Linker cable and download the software onto the laptop.  It does need to be Windows though, doesn't work on Mac as far as I know.

Thanks for all the help and advice, I really appreciate it. If I keep the car after I find out exactly what the problem is and the garage that sold it to me gets it fixed, I’ll get Forscan. At the minute I think I’ll be returning it to the garage.