Hi all – ive run in to an issue with my car so could use your expertise please and advice on what best to do.

Ive had the car since new in 2012, passed MOT fine last Dec, been serviced at least every 2 years as I don’t do much driving. Im at 53k miles now.

The only previous issue ive had is the heating matrix went, and that was replaced last August, no issues since.

On my way to work this morning I felt like my front tyres overrevved at certain times and then 5 or so mins later the EML started to flash yellow, after which I noticed a reduction in power. I pulled over, gave everything the once over and there didn’t seem to be anything obvious wrong (coolant levels ok, no oil leaking, tyres were fine, no smells, no loud ticking noises) but I am in no way an expert when it comes to cars. Car started fine after but the EML is now solid and there was still a reduction in power. I managed to limp to the nearest garage who said they didn’t have anyone free to take an in-depth look but sounded like the timing belt was going, a know issue with the Ford Focus and the wet belt system and to get it to a Ford specialist garage. I am aware of the issues around the wet belt and the cost of replacing/fixing as every garage has pretty much told me to sell the car and replace it due to the know issues!

I’ve run a ForScan and attached are the results. After looking up the codes, I can see it related to cylinder 3 but cant quite tell if it will be the timing belt or something more to do with the ignition or fuel pumps.

Could someone please help me understand the readings and advise on what's best to do please. I really cant afford a new car right now and hoping it’s not looking like an expensive repair!

250122.txt

Sorry to bump but can anyone give advice?

The local Ford garage is useless and cannot see it until March! I'm looking for a local garage but would still like the thoughts of the forum if possible.

On 1/22/2025 at 10:54 AM, MKMJ said:

I felt like my front tyres overrevved at certain times and then 5 or so mins later the EML started to flash yellow, after which I noticed a reduction in power

First of all your car is a Mk3 not a Mk2. Your observation above could suggest clutch slip and if the car has had the recall for clutch slip detection software I wonder if that's what is causing limp mode. Maybe one of the experts can throw more light on that.

I don't know what the garage means by 'timing belt going'. As you've obviously done some research you probably already know that, short of a total belt failure, the most common problem is belt debris blocking the oil pump. In that case you'd have a low oil pressure warning which you haven't reported so it doesn't look like it's that.

What was the specific code you read related to cylinder 3?

Hi MJT, thanks for the response.

I realised it was a MK3 straight after but couldn't see how to edit the title.

The 3 codes are:

Code: P0326 - Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance

Code: P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

Code: P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

The attachment in my first post has the full readout.

I think most garages when they hear it's a Ford Focus with an EcoBoost engine default to "they're notoriously bad engines" and "the wet belt system is no good". Ive heard it a number of times now and that's what the garage I limped to pretty much jumped on straight away. 

There was no low oil pressure warning. just the flashing amber EML followed by a solid amber EML after starting her up again. It's when I got home I plugged in the ForScan reader and obtained the codes/readouts.

 

Two out of three codes indicate cylinder 3 and misfire and knock sensor could be related...

So (with not much knowledge) I'd be looking at spark plug, coil pack, power supply to pack, differential compression test, at worst, ECU fault, initially (without any further info)

The blanket "timing belt" sounds like guessing not testing and at the moment, without definitive testing, I'd ignore?

1 hour ago, Shearers said:

I'd be looking at spark plug, coil

New set of plugs and coils would be the first thing in my book 👍

You don't even tell us what engine it is

As unofix says, plugs and leads or coils

I wouldn't pay for plugs or coils before doing a compression test if this is a 1.0 EcoBoost.  There are multiple points of failure on these, not just the wetbelt.

Hi all, thanks for all the replies. Really useful to get people's opinions and helped me look more into what it could be.

I managed to get it looked at today and after testing, it required new spark plugs and coil pack. All seems to be running fine again!