Hi guys

Just went to Tesco and had to go uphill twice and twice I had to knock the gear down to 2nd gear to go up hill, before I could easily go up on 3rd gear.

What could the problem be?

Cheers guys

I had a quick look on the net and people are saying about a vacuum leak but no idea where to look on that

2 minutes ago, froggy8 said:

I had a quick look on the net and people are saying about a vacuum leak but no idea where to look on that

Vacuum leaks are more for petrols really.

The only vacuum issue on a diesel would affect the turbo boost. But low boost should have triggered the engine warning message and/or engine light.

The vac pump is on the right hand side of the engine, just above the gearbox. Has a very thin pipe going into it which can break now they're getting older, but I'm really not expecting that to be the fault here.

Possibly more weight in the car? Possibly a sticking brake? Possibly low in fuel/fuel filter starting to block?

Without any warnings on the dash it can't be anything major.

Many thanks @TomsFocus

There are no warning lights up so that's good news 😊

I was dreading the turbo has gone on it as some people's problem was that and heard that would cost alot to replace.

The only thing I did was change the front brake pads which I put new anti squeal lubricant in the pins so don't think it would be that.

I did thought it could be the fuel filter but I'm not too sure I would be able change that as it will need priming afterwards, don't know how to do that.

On a petrol I have replaced a few of them without priming but it's different on a diesel I guess.

OK when I messaged you @TomsFocus I was parked at Tesco, after I sent the last message I set off, went to mother in laws, before I got there I had to go up a hill, it went up no problem in 3rd gear.

This is my thinking, will the clogged fuel filter somehow unclog on its own?

ok i forgot cheese so went back to tesco and went on the same hill and it went into 3rd gear without a problem

logic i have is my car was still half asleep when i went to tesco first time and needed time to wake up :D

On your particular diesel, Ford started fitting electric fuel pumps to them. So no need to manually prime if you do change the filter. Just switch ignition on for a few seconds and it should prime itself.

brilliant! i might just give it a go myself :)