Ford Focus looses power when driving

harry112

Hi

I have a 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI LX. This problem first occured around 2 months ago but now it seems to be more persistant. I cannot even make a 10 minute journey without this problem occuring atleast 3 times!

The problem is quite common on Fords. When driving, the car looses power however the engine is still running. There is no power when pressing the throttle. All the lights on the dashboard light up and the red light which I think might be the immobiliser light flashes. Sometimes this only happens for around 10 seconds and the lights then disappear and I can then resume driving. Other times the lights on the dashboard stay light for atleast 5 minutes before I have to then take the key out the ignition. But when I put the key back into the ignition the engine does not start until all lights disappear. I have to leave the key out for around 1 minutes before it starts again.

This problem is reoccuring. This has happened many times, but now the engine management light is lit. However, I think that come tomorrow this light will disappear as it has done in the past.

Anyone have any suggestions, I believe that this is a common problem.

Thanks

P.S. I have taken a photo of the dashboard when this problem occurs

hartcjhart

does it still drive albeit slowly?
if so it could be the MAF sensor or EGR valve

Dippypud

There is a known problem with condensation causeing(sp) arcing on the PCB at the back of the speedo dials.

But, some say the vehicle speed sensor is at fault...

http://www.rac.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?565-engine-cutting-out-ford-focus

harry112

I have also been told it could be the instrument panel connector. So many possible solutions.

Dippypud

Well, take the insrument panel off and have a look then...

Outpost

They can be temperamental little things can't they? I'd suggest plugging it in and seeing what fault codes are stored in the ECU. The car itself could very well tell you what the problem is and save you guessing.

harry112

It doesn't only happen when the engine is warm. Also, my economy is ridiculously low. I want to clean the EGR valve. Is there a step by step guide available?

Dippypud

harry112 wrote: »

It doesn't only happen when the engine is warm. Also, my economy is ridiculously low. I want to clean the EGR valve. Is there a step by step guide available?

Here you go feller...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DhYk3Mm8HQ

vax2002

If You put your location someone will do a free obdii scan like I sometimes do in Leeds.

vax2002

anyway here is good guess, a poor earth.
Try a jump lead on the negative terminal of the battery and clip it on to the engine and see if the problem goes away, if it does, clean the engine earth and battery leads, but make sure you have the radio code before taking off the battery terminal, also measure the voltage with the engine off and then running, if its below 10.5v off the battery is goosed or above 14.5v running the alternator is playing up, both cause similar problems. Do not assume becuase the engine starts the battery is Ok, it can start the car on 1 cell down, but not run the ecu correctly.
the battery will be just about up for renewal. had this on a mondeo tdci, we swapped the battery and it cured it outright.

harry112

I think I figured out what the problem is. If I flick the dashboard it seems to start working again. Just a little flick.

Maybe it has a loose connection?