Engine Management Light

[wally1976]

Hi all, new to the forum, just wondering if I could get some advice.

I'll try and keep this short. Got a 2006 (56 reg) Focus, 1.6 petrol. Had it serviced (including an engine flush) at an independent garage a few weeks ago. Next day the engine management light came on. Took it back, their diagnostics couldn't find the fault so they took it to Ford for me. Ford said it needed a new engine solenoid. The independent fitted this for me and only charged me for the part (£78).

3 days later the engine light came on again, the independent said it was a different fault code. They took it to Ford again who said it needs a new Variable Valve Timing unit at £420 fitted. The independent say that none of this is anything to do with the service they did (just coincidence) and they're not able to fit the VVT unit so said I should take it up with Ford myself or if I wanted they'd take it there for me as a courtesy. They haven't charged me a penny except the original service and the solenoid part (and it's been in to them a number of times).

Ultimately I'll pay the £420 to get the car sorted out but what I don't want is to get this repair done and then just find there's something else then something else etc.

So as far as I see it my options are:

1. Take it to the Ford dealer and get the job done (maybe see if they can offer some kind of guarantee if this doesn't fix the problem).

2. Have a strong word with the independent and tell them to get it sorted as it must be their fault (could the engine flush have anything to do with it???).

3. Ignore the fault and keep driving.

4. Find somewhere else to take it for another opinion (anyone know any independent specialists in the midlands?).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[artscot79]

Hi all, new to the forum, just wondering if I could get some advice.

I'll try and keep this short. Got a 2006 (56 reg) Focus, 1.6 petrol. Had it serviced (including an engine flush) at an independent garage a few weeks ago. Next day the engine management light came on. Took it back, their diagnostics couldn't find the fault so they took it to Ford for me. Ford said it needed a new engine solenoid. The independent fitted this for me and only charged me for the part (£78).

3 days later the engine light came on again, the independent said it was a different fault code. They took it to Ford again who said it needs a new Variable Valve Timing unit at £420 fitted. The independent say that none of this is anything to do with the service they did (just coincidence) and they're not able to fit the VVT unit so said I should take it up with Ford myself or if I wanted they'd take it there for me as a courtesy. They haven't charged me a penny except the original service and the solenoid part (and it's been in to them a number of times).

Ultimately I'll pay the £420 to get the car sorted out but what I don't want is to get this repair done and then just find there's something else then something else etc.

So as far as I see it my options are:

1. Take it to the Ford dealer and get the job done (maybe see if they can offer some kind of guarantee if this doesn't fix the problem).

2. Have a strong word with the independent and tell them to get it sorted as it must be their fault (could the engine flush have anything to do with it???).

3. Ignore the fault and keep driving.

4. Find somewhere else to take it for another opinion (anyone know any independent specialists in the midlands?).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

i had something similar when i bought mine the engine management light came on and the controller was replaced but never cured the issue the mechanic said he knew what was up and it was in fact the pulleys as they have hydraulic centres that allow the timing to advance or !Removed! luckily mine was done free but it required new pulley wheels to be fitted and since they were touching the timing belt a new timing belt kit was fitted and a new fan belt etc youll know if its the pulley wheel there will be a distinct lack of power once youve been driving for a bit ie foot to the floor and very little happens the engine will sound noisier also the fix worked for me and transformed the car ide ask if this is what they mean that the pulley wheels need replaced ignoring it will eventually throw up a red engine light and the car will go nowhere or youll jump into limp mode either way you cant ignore it

[wally1976]

Thanks Artscot. Anyone else got any thoughts?

[mjt]

Just a thought, but you said it had an engine flush. Was this a cooling system flush or an oil flush? If an oil flush could it be related to the VVC unit failure?