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Car 'chugging'

Valli
Valli Posts: 25,600 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
in Motoring
Bound to be a thread already but I don't know the technical term...

so the jalopy has suddenly started 'struggling' or 'chugging' and the engine management light is on. (The one that looks like a fat helicopter?). Still goes though.

I WILL be calling the mechanics tomorrow but any idea what it is?
Worth fixing?

Many thanks


Ford.
petrol
2004
Don't put it DOWN; put it AWAY
"I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness" Emily Dickinson
:heart:Janice 1964-2016:heart:

Thank you Honey Bear
«13

Comments

  • unholyangel
    unholyangel Posts: 16,866 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I believe it could be anything as simple as a filter or battery to anything as complex as clogged fuel lines, seizing, electrical issues etc. But best not to drive it until you can get it looked at.

    Its usually something wrong in the air/fire/fuel trifecta though.

    Any elaboration of the issue? Is it the same at idle or just over certain speeds? By struggling & chugging, what do you mean exactly? Is it losing power (and in mechanical, electrical or both)? Shuddering? Or is the chugging a noise?
    You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means - Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
  • AdrianC
    AdrianC Posts: 42,189 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Impossible to guess without reading the fault codes. If they don't give a pointer, then it's old-fashioned diagnosis.
  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,975 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    At least the light works.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • Mr.Generous
    Mr.Generous Posts: 4,024 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I'd look at spark plugs then leads on a petrol. When was it last serviced?
    Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
  • Valli
    Valli Posts: 25,600 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I have it serviced annually as I don't do a lot of miles.
    It would have last been serviced about 10 months ago.
    It's worse going uphill as though there's not quite enough power.
    Don't put it DOWN; put it AWAY
    "I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness" Emily Dickinson
    :heart:Janice 1964-2016:heart:

    Thank you Honey Bear
  • Goudy
    Goudy Posts: 2,317 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sounds like it's misfiring and only running on 3 cylinders.
    Most common reason for this is ignition, perhaps a failed coil pack.

    I believe if the coil pack fails and shorts out on certain Focus models, it can take out the output feed in the ECU and render that useless as well.
  • facade
    facade Posts: 7,749 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Goudy wrote: »

    I believe if the coil pack fails and shorts out on certain Focus models, it can take out the output feed in the ECU and render that useless as well.


    The Ka/Fiat 500 is known for that, not heard about it on a focus.
    I want to go back to The Olden Days, when every single thing that I can think of was better.....

    (except air quality and Medical Science ;))
  • Valli
    Valli Posts: 25,600 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    It's a Fiesta;

    thanks for your input and time all.
    Don't put it DOWN; put it AWAY
    "I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness" Emily Dickinson
    :heart:Janice 1964-2016:heart:

    Thank you Honey Bear
  • DoaM
    DoaM Posts: 11,863 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Fiesta Petrol or Diesel? (Petrol I hope, if you're doing low miles and short journeys).
  • Valli
    Valli Posts: 25,600 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    DoaM wrote: »
    Fiesta Petrol or Diesel? (Petrol I hope, if you're doing low miles and short journeys).

    petrol (did say in OP);)
    Don't put it DOWN; put it AWAY
    "I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness" Emily Dickinson
    :heart:Janice 1964-2016:heart:

    Thank you Honey Bear
This discussion has been closed.
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