After long drive if stationary in traffic engine malfunction come on and goes into limp home. Turn engine off then restart ok but happens again

Possible cluster issue

Get fault codes read properly

8 hours ago, Alex main said:

After long drive if stationary in traffic engine malfunction come on and goes into limp home. Turn engine off then restart ok but happens again

 

27 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

Possible cluster issue

Get fault codes read properly

Also check the spark plugs, ignition leads, and breather pipe. I had similar issue to yourself and it was fixed with new ignition leads and cleaning the spark plugs. 

I used these leads from Euro Car Parts. Can collect them or get them delivered and it takes about 2 minutes to put them on replacing your current ones 

https://www.eurocarparts.com/search/40959544s?type=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqIm_BhDnARIsAKBYcmsWUqUiGfl65eRqtLLnSipHBzQvk0YrZggk4Y_O3fXldkTZ1iWznvkaAkR0EALw_wcB

1 hour ago, Eli_P said:

Also check the spark plugs, ignition leads, and breather pipe. I had similar issue to yourself and it was fixed with new ignition leads and cleaning the spark plugs. 

But those issues would still be there on restart, that's why it's a possible cluster fault if it goes away on restart, then comes back

26 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

But those issues would still be there on restart, that's why it's a possible cluster fault if it goes away on restart, then comes back

Possibly, I do agree with you. I had engine light come on and go into limp mode, so I called AA when I got to my destination and when I drove it to double check the fault before they got there I had no engine light on. They still picked up a misfire code when they came. AA mechanic used to be a Ford Specialist when the MK2 came out and he said most of the time when engine light comes on its either spark plugs, ignition leads/coil pack, or the breather pipe splitting. 

Still worth cleaning the spark plugs and changing the leads if they haven't been done within 12 months anyway. 

On 3/25/2025 at 9:17 AM, DaveT70 said:

But those issues would still be there on restart, that's why it's a possible cluster fault if it goes away on restart, then comes back

Dave pointed me in the right direction before regarding this. It’s an instrument cluster issue. I believe the solder on the back of the board have cracked. You will need to remove it, dismantle it and reflow the failed solder points on the motherboard. 

Either that or buy a new instrument cluster and have it all reprogrammed to your car, which will cost £££

The cluster fault will chuck up a few codes, that come back again after the fault renders the car useless. One error code I got from memory was theft detected and a few lost connection fault codes. 

A quick bang on the dash with your hand can temporarily sort this fault in a jam. The bang possibly allowing the failed solder to briefly make contact so the car can be started. 

But ultimately it is a cluster fault. Until the solder is reflowed, you will continue to have this problem. I had the exact thing a few months ago, I went out on a limb and done what I described, and to date had not so much as an issue since and is running as reliably as a Ford possibly could be. It’s a horrible thing driving a car that could cut out on you at any moment. 

 

Hope this helps 

 

18 hours ago, EastLondonLiving said:

reflow the failed solder

Don't reflow the lead-free solder. Remove it and resolder with leaded solder.