I have a recurring issue with my Focus ST-Line. When I floor the accelerator, I receive a pop-up notification stating ‘engine service now’, which then causes my car to lose power while I am driving on the motorway.

I’ve been informed that it could be a turbo issue.

The gauge indicated a buildup of soot, and as a precautionary measure, they have reset the turbo. 

They advised that if this problem occurs again, we will need to consider replacing the turbo.

If anyone has encountered a similar issue or has any suggestions on how to resolve this, I would greatly appreciate your input. 

I would want a lot more info and certainty before "changing the turbo" on a guess!

What gauge gave what indication, what did they reset on the turbo and why, with what justification?

Assume diesel (not in profile)?

Where is the buildup of soot supposed to be, DPF if diesel?

What are the fault codes when that dashboard alert appears?

You can tell I'm a bit cynical about all of this guessing so I'll wait for further concrete information rather than that!

 

27 minutes ago, Shearers said:

DPF if diesel?

Yes, I don't think I've seen mention of which engine this actually is?

Its a Diesel. Cylinder Capacity 1499 cc.

I'm unsure whether I should take it to a Ford specialist.

It hasn't had a remap has it?

No the car hasn't had a remap. 

Do you know whether it's a VNT turbo or a wastegate turbo?  I think the 95bhp model has a wastegate, and the 120 is VNT.  We have seen quite a few actuator faults on these, which can be fixed with just a new actuator, instead of a full turbo.  However, if it's a VNT and the vanes are clogged with soot, then it'll either need a full strip, clean and rebuild, or just replacement.

I'm not sure if its a VNT turbo or a wastegate turbo?

1 minute ago, Yellows23 said:

I'm not sure if its a VNT turbo or a wastegate turbo?

Can you take a picture of it?  The turbo is right at the front of the engine on these so easy to see.

Or let me know the reg so I can check the bhp level?  Though I would prefer to see a picture ideally.

Hopefully this helps?

Yes, that's the VNT version.  Garrett GTD1244VZ.

Is uses adjustable vanes (flaps) inside to control the amount of boost.  These vanes are in the exhaust side, so they get coked up with soot over time, particularly if the car is not driven hard very often.  Once they've coked up there's not much you can do from the outside.  You could try one of the fuel additives that claim to clean turbos, though I'm sceptical about how much those can actually do.  If the vanes are indeed coked up then a replacement is the best fix unfortunately.

How can you check to see if the vanes are indeed coked up? 

Might give - Wynn's Diesel Turbo & Exhaust Cleaner a go. 

48 minutes ago, Yellows23 said:

How can you check to see if the vanes are indeed coked up? 

Might give - Wynn's Diesel Turbo & Exhaust Cleaner a go. 

There's no easy check unfortunately.  If you can disconnect the actuator rod from underneath the turbo then you can use your fingers to move the vanes manually.  If they're really stiff or only move over a short distance then that's a good indication of the vanes being coked up.  I'm not sure whether there's enough access space on this model to attempt that without removing the turbo though.

Has anyone used Wynn's Diesel turbo & exhaust cleaner before? 

It has good reviews. 

If you can get to the actuator, @TomsFocus suggestion on checking for free movement would be very useful and using the additive and checking again would allow you to assess any improvement?
Additives, IMHO, are a quick, cheap way of trying to solve a problem otherwise you are into a different league of cost?

Fault code: P1102

MAF Sensor In Range But Lower Than Expected

If anyone has encountered a similar issue or has any suggestions on how to resolve this, I would greatly appreciate your input. 

That's not a very helpful code on it's own unfortunately.

Just means there isn't as  much air being sucked through the MAF as there should be.

That could be caused by a faulty turbo, or a split pipe, or even a very dirty air filter.

These turbos can be stripped and cleaned but must be removed from engine. But that isnt alwys successful. Probably best having it refurbed or buy a new one. I dont think they are that expensive tbh