Hi all - this looks like a pretty good forum, just a shame my first post is trying to diagnose a fault.

I bought my car last week - partial service history, all good for the first few days. On the way back from a night out, it displayed the error message "Engine System Fault" and the little red light came on. Quick google suggested it was the fuel filter, so the car was booked in and the filter changed. Yesterday the car was fine, did over 50 miles in it just driving around the twistys enjoying the chassis. Today, driving out to halfords to get some car wax, the light came on again.

The car does not seem down on power when the message flags up, but it may be, ive not really pushed hard enough in it yet to find out. The only thing ive noticed is about 5 minutes after the engine is on, it starts rattling at a rate that increases with engine speed - most audible at 1500 and 3k RPM, and the message has flagged up when this noise has been at its worst.

The noise is not always there, but was most noticable at this point.

Any ideas would be great - I don't want to spend money chasing ghosts, especially if its the flywheel or waterpump thats shagged.

Car is a 1.8 TDCI, 120K on the clock.

Camblet done, had all bar the antifreeze changed in the last fortnight.

Thanks in advance.

I reckon the fuel filter was the correct diagnosis, sometimes crap may have flushed up through the system into the fuel rail and can cause a repeat of the fault light.

Try an injector cleaner such as Wynns High Pressure 3 or BG244 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BG244-BG-244-Pro-Diesel-Fuel-System-Injector-Cleaner-Funnel-/221173617951?pt=UK_Vehicle_Oils_Lubricants_Fluids&hash=item337ef9951f , either of these will clean any residual gunk out of the system and should also sort out any rough idling.

The rattling could be rough running caused by a clogged injector so if the problem persists I'd recommend visiting a garage that has diagnostics and have good knowledge of dealing with Ford Injectors.

Thanks stoney, i'll try a couple of Gallons of v power next time I fill up, if that doesn't sort it ill add wynes.

Cheers for your help.

try the dash method to see what code is thrown up on the car. Ie insert key, push and hold button on left stalk, turn key to position 2 (self test lights) you will see "test" appear. let go of stalk...Keep pressing button until you see "DTC #" when you see that take note of all the numbers that scroll.

All it says under DTC is "None." One of the reasons im at a loss.

Update - Read the codes with OBDII software when the EML came on - Got "Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit High".

Split pipe or bust EGR? Thoughts?

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0403

short term: start by dropping WHYNNS EGR cleaner into the mix, long term, block the EGR off with a blanking plate. beyond that, your looking at diagnostic territory.

Clear the error code and see if it comes back.

Car is currently at the garage, they're going to clean the EGR out, see if that makes any difference. They say the engine is struggling to regulate fuel pressure as well, going to try some injector cleaner on the next tank, see if that helps.