Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec power loss/stuttering issue

[tbs152]

Hi all I recently had the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) changed on my 2000 Ford Focus 1.8i Zetec 5dr because the speedo was dropping to zero and I was losing power. Whilst this replacement has cured the zeroed speedo, the loss of power issue is now constant. Here are the symptoms: - Chugging/stuttering at cruising speed (~60mph) as if I'm driving into strong winds (constant) - Noticably poor acceleration with definite loss of power as compared to before the new VSS (constant) - Drag or lurch when changing between low gears (frequent) - When in neutral the revs stay high for ~5 secs then slowly return to normal (occasional) Now this would only happen when the needle was stuck on zero prior to the new VSS, now it is constant. I read somewhere that it could be the EGR valve, but I had a look and don't think I have one! I also unhooked the battery to reset the ECU to no avail. Does anyone have any ideas? I'd really appreciate the help. Thanks!

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[andysfatrs]

i would be looking at the MAF sensor

[RichieST]

Does sound like a MAF (mass air flow) issue.

What you need to do is unplug it and see if it improves. The MAF is the matchbox sized box that is attached to the side of the air filter box with 6 or 8 wires attached to it with a multi plug.

Unplug it and take it for a drive and see if it is any better. You may still notice some slight loss in performance as the engine will be in 'limp home mode', and there may be an engine management light on on the dash after you do this.

If it is noticeably better then you have found your problem. All you need to do then is plug it back in then disconnect the battery for half an hour again to reset the engine management light.

Rich

[Csm]

Also check the vaccum pipe on rear of engine at the inlet manifold (under throttle body) Take pipe from throttle body to airbox off to see it !!

The rubber pipe/hose will have a metal jubilee type clip on it ... it bends to the right and connects to a metal pipe below the coilpack...

They are bad for going soft and splitting .... I just replaced mine on my 1.8 focus last night, car was running shite, rough lack in power, low idle and sometimes stalling etc etc, they also when soft colapse under throttle aswell (mine was both split and colapsed under throttle)

I got mine from ford parts for £12 posted (can give you part number if you wish)

If its your maf and you want a second hand one i was going to sell one as its working fine

[thebigmacmoomin]

Coil pack?

[tabetha]

Clean the MAF, then make sure the fuel filter is not old and clogged, then check CO.
It is just coincidence about the VSS, although they are linked, I would also clean the idle speed control valve, with it now getting a decent VSS reading the mixture will be different.
All you need to do to reset the ECU and put it in learning mode is to pull the KAM fuse for 5 minutes.
tabetha

[gud1874]

I have just got my W reg 1.8 diesel focus zetec back from the garage with the same problem as mentioned, except mine started to cut out more at low revs eventually, 4th gear being the worst. Tried changing the battery, fuel filter but could't sort it.
Put it in to my friends garage, who specialise in ford work and he run the diagnostics on it.
Problem was the sensor for the accelerator was not working right, so he replaced it and its now running perfectly well again.
Dont know if this will fix your problem as i have seen a few different solutions, (breather pipes, air intakes etc), but it sounds very similiar.
The sensor cost £87 from the gargage but im sure you could find it cheaper online if you are able to fit it yourself or even just to hand into a garage.
Also had an oil leak so my oil filter was changed but dont know if this had any bearing on the problem or the eventual solution.
Hope my rambling helps somewhat.

[delterflier]

sounds very similer to the problem i have with my 1.8 16v
have changed the plugs,leads and air filter but no change done fuel filter to.
it does seam to be getting progresivly worse by the day.

john

[Theseus]

Originally Posted by Csm

The rubber pipe/hose will have a metal jubilee type clip on it ... it bends to the right and connects to a metal pipe below the coilpack...

They are bad for going soft and splitting .... I just replaced mine on my 1.8 focus last night, car was running shite, rough lack in power, low idle and sometimes stalling etc etc, they also when soft colapse under throttle aswell (mine was both split and colapsed under throttle)

I got mine from ford parts for £12 posted (can give you part number if you wish)

yes please if your able

Sorry to revive this thread, newb here and joined as this is the second of three Focus's that ive owned with the problems described above.
My first 1.8 Zetec had the symptoms very bad, where the speedo needle would stop working and the engine would cut out at low speeds.

Just picked up another 1.8 Zetec, a 2000 Collection, and it has similar problems. It is fine at lower speeds but the accelerator pedal feels like it needs effort to get more power from the engine (which is there), at 50-70+ it develops that surging or near cutting out sensation, and sometimes after that you can feel the engine smoothly accelerating by itself, it is hard to maintain a constant speed in this condition.
There doesn't appear to be any other symptoms.

I have cleaned the MAF with electronic parts cleaner, and quickly inspected the hoses behind the engine. I can see a thickish hose above the intake manifold (seen when the throttle inlet pipe is removed) which seems sound, is this the one that causes problems?

I have odered a new Throttle Position Sensor aswel, purely to elliminate it from the equation.

I have had all sorts of nice cars, but I still think that the Focus is the best all round car ever made, just be nice to elliminate this bug, hopefully cheaply!

Appreciate any of your thoughts

[JamesPendle]

I'm having exactly the same problems with my Mondeo zetec, terrible loss of power and stalling when i slow down for corners / junctions etc.

I have fitted new coil pack, leads, plugs, throttle position sensor, and cleaned out the ICV. Pulling my hair out with this one.

[higgsy91]

Originally Posted by JamesPendle

I'm having exactly the same problems with my Mondeo zetec, terrible loss of power and stalling when i slow down for corners / junctions etc.

I have fitted new coil pack, leads, plugs, throttle position sensor, and cleaned out the ICV. Pulling my hair out with this one.

Could be a fuelling problem? maybe try cleaning the injectors with some of that red ex stuff or buying new ones altogether. I would say replace the
ICV all together however that doesn't give any clue to the loss of power which is why im suspicous that the engine isn't getting enough fuel. maybe even replace the fuel filter, could be clogged (£8 and 15 minutes work).. And as above check the MAF and now i think about it, could be related to Lambda sensor (they can be slow or faulty without giving any warning lights on the dash)

I've sent you a link to look at if you haven't solvwed this problem yet..

http://www.lambdapower.co.uk/diagnos...ndex.asp:king: