Ford fiesta has started to 'judder' in 2nd/3rd gear

pledgeX

I've got a 2000 ford fiest zetec. The other day I went out in it and when I put it into second gear it juddered. It's hard to describe, its like I was jumping on and off the accelerator, kangarooing I think I've heard it refered to before.

It's never done anything like this before and it's only started happening over the last couple of days. My driving style is still the same, I don't think I'm putting in any more or less revs than I normally do. I've only had it happen in 2nd/3rd gear. Never had it in 1st/4th/5th.

A couple of things to note that have happened to the car over the last year or so that may be related:
- Had a new coil pack fitted a few weeks ago as the 3rd cylinder stopped firing
- Had an advisory on the MOT a couple of weeks ago that a bearing in the driveshaft had gone
- If I was rev'ing higher than normal and changed gear, I would sometimes hear a squeal come from something. I always assumed this was just because I was dumping the clutch rather than easing it in.

Sorry I can't be any more accurate with my terminology. I don't really know much about cars

Any ideas what this could be?

pledgeX

A small update:

I've been out a couple of times since and it seems to only judder when I change gear at lower revs. If I increase the revs, I didn't get the problem.

The obvious answer here is to rev more, but seeing as this didn't use to happen, something is still clearly amiss here. Any ideas what?

Strider590

Idle control valve sticking?

poppasmurf_bewdley

Just a thought. My ex-wife's Escort had a similar problem some time ago and it turned out to be a loose gearbox, believe it or not. The bolts were tightened up and all was well.

SandC

My 2000 citroen saxo does the kangaroo hop in wet/damp weather after it's been sitting around for the night or a day or two. Hates 2nd gear with a passion at these times. I have to slow right down at roundabouts and start off in first gear otherwise getting round is a nightmare.

Completely fine once warmed up and dried out a bit.

Could this be the reason for yours? I just put it down to being a pensioner. The car, not me.

pledgeX

SandC wrote: »

My 2000 citroen saxo does the kangaroo hop in wet/damp weather after it's been sitting around for the night or a day or two. Hates 2nd gear with a passion at these times. I have to slow right down at roundabouts and start off in first gear otherwise getting round is a nightmare.

Completely fine once warmed up and dried out a bit.

Could this be the reason for yours? I just put it down to being a pensioner. The car, not me.

I can't actually remember what the weather was like at these times. I'll pay more attention next time I go out. I've only been on short drives sinces too so I'm not sure if it sorts itsefl out after warming up.

Any ideas the cause of your issue?

Strider590

Strider590 wrote: »

Idle control valve sticking?

To quote myself

The ICV is a very common cause of problems on the Fiesta.

Symptoms are unstable idle speed, stalling at junctions and hesitation on acceleration.

Solution is a new ICV or simply remove the old one and blast it through with a bit of WD40.

TamA

I would try cleaning the throttle body first. As your car is 11 years old there is probably quite a lot of gunk surrounding the throttle butterfly. Does this juddering only happen under load when you are on the throttle?

I have a 2000 year fiesta too - mine was in need of a clean. If you cannot find out where it is, I'll take photos of mine to show you. While you are under the bonnet have a look at the sensor thats plugged into the airbox, these can pop out. Make sure it is secure.

If this does not help then you might need to change the MAF sensor (just after the airbox). Probably about £80 new from ford or a tenner from a good scrap merchant.