Hi there,

I own a ford focus mk1 1.8 tdci ghia X.

Recently my MPG has dropped quite considerably. I used to get 50+ mpg with a record of 63MPG on a long run. Even if I drove fast I will still always get high 40's. Since the new year my MPG has dropped down and I am only getting low 40's.

My driving style hasn't changed and however I drive the MPG doesn't go up even on long runs. I measure MPG by filling up my tank and working out how many miles I've done divided by gallons of fuel I have used and do not rely on the MPG gauge.

I have checked my tyre pressures and they are at the recommended 32 PSI all round. My EGR valve has been blanked off and there is no more smoke then usual coming out of the back. There is also no smell of fuel when I open the bonnet so I don't think there is a fuel leak.

Power wise the car is fine. Throttle response is as good as normal and the car is not going into limp mode or logging any fault codes.

The only thing I have done to the car this year is change my alternator and alternator drive shaft and I have also changed my A/C compressor a few weeks ago.

My brakes seem fine and there is no unusual noises through braking or normal driving. The front and rear disc pads look fine although I have only inspected the outboard pads and not the inboard ones. They appear to be evenly wearing so I don't think any of the calipers are sticking.

I also always put either shell or BP diesel in my car and I have also put injector cleaner though my car a few times this year so I don't think it's fuel related.

Anybody got and ideas? I've got a bit of a road trip coming up in June so I really want to get improved MPG by then.

Thanks,

James

 

Fuel filter needing changed ?

 

Thanks for your reply.

My MOT is due early June and I always give my car a major service each year when I do the MOT.

I did think about the fuel filter but I thought that as I've not lost any power I didn't think the filter would be blocked.

Either way, I'll give the car a service and change the filter next month and take it in for it's MOT.

Thanks again, James

 

Today I have noticed two more problems with my car.

The first is the dial sweep fault which seems quite common where when the ignition is turned off the temp and fuel gauge go to the left then go straight back to the middle indication.

The second fault I've been having for the last few days is when I go to turn my car on sometimes it doesn't turn over. It doesn't seem to attempt to do anything. If I hold the key for about 5 seconds or so the engine then starts to turn over. This is intermittent though as sometimes the car starts first time. Could this be a dodgy relay? It happens both when the car is cold and even if it is still warm.

Could these faults be an indication as to why my MPG has dropped?

Thanks,

James