Problem with Ford Mondeo in first gear

bristol_d

i'm really hoping it's just because of the cold weather, but i'm having intermittent problems with my Ford Mondeo.
I drove the other day for a few miles with a bit of juddering, but nothing to worry about. on my journey back, towards the end of my journey my car would drive slowly in first gear from stationery, but then finally kick in after a bit of revving. when i pulled into my driveway, my car struggled and stalled in first gear, but i managed to park when i fired her up again.
after some research online, i was told to check my engine oil, which turned out to be on minimum. i've topped it up and left my car overnight.
went to the shops this evening, and car performed fine for the few miles it takes to get to the shops. coming back though was fine for a few minutes, but then i struggled in first gear going across a mini roundabout, as my car went really slow.
sadly i know very little about cars, and am kind of disappointed i haven't sorted this myself, which means i may have to waste loads of money at a garage. family members who know a bit about cars have said it's either the weather (which has never been a problem for my car in recent years), or clutch issues. i REALLY don't want it to be major problems with my clutch, as i only had the damn thing replaced 8 months ago. don't really fancy forking out another £450 for another clutch!

apologies for the lengthy message. if anyone has any advice or assurance, it is much appreciated! lol

zartub

i wouldn't of thought it was the clutch ( as you had one fitted not long ago ) but could be something electrical ( like a relay or something ) that is the trouble with technology " the more up-to date it is the more can go wrong ". If there is no problems in other gears like 2,3,4 etc then it wont be the clutch.

vax2002

Sounds like a crank sensor problem.

SHIPSHAPE

It would help if you could tell us the model/fuel, there are particular things to look out for whether you drive a petrol or diesel mondeo.

Could be something simple like a blocked valve or something major, do you have a turbo?

SHIPSHAPE

vax2002 wrote: »

Sounds like a crank sensor problem.

Is that the blighter that should be replaced from the grey one to the black (or other way around)?

bristol_d

hey everyone,
many, many thanks for the replys. very much appreciated.
car is a ford mondeo, zetec 2000 car. i believe it's a mk2 ford. and it's petrol.
excellent advice u guys have given. hopefully ur right!

vax2002

When was the fuel filter last replaced, in cold the trapped water condensates and sinks, the car will run like a dog.

bristol_d

wouldnt know unfortunately when fuel filter was last replaced. it's not something i've noticed to have been done in any previous garage visits in the 5 years i've had the car.
any idea what costs will be involved in a car relay/crank sensor or fuel filter?
really hope this doesn't turn out to be a sucky xmas!

Notmyrealname

Its not the clutch. When was the last time it was serviced? What is the mileage? The petrol ones need the spark plugs changing every 40,000 miles and the plug leads seem to fail at the same time - it certainly sounds like that.

bristol_d

last serviced at around 75000. only done 86000 to date.

vax2002

The fact that it has not thrown a management light would point towards it been something that has no management system such as fuel delivery, it would tick all the boxes as well, a replacement fuel filter will be 1 hours time and the cost of the part, probally around £50.
Well worth a starting point if it has never been changed, they trap water in the fuel and once full of water, it starts a kangaroo period