01 Ford Focus stuttering/misfiring

squirrel6767 · 29-09-2006 9:16am #1

Hi
I have a 01 Ford Focus which over the last few months has started to mis-fire or stutter as you go up through the gears or/and accelerate. It levels off at cruising speed. Its a pain though when you are starting off from traffic lights or trying to get the rev's up when passing out.
Before I take the plunge and go to a Ford dealer to hook up their diagnostic system to the on board computer I was wondering if any other Focus owners had the same problem and if there is a simple (cheap!!) fix.

Doing a search on the problem it does seem to be a common problem (at least in the US) with the DPFE sensor which causes this misfire.

See http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?modid=80

I have tried to find the sensor under the bonnet using the pictures supplied but cant for the life of me find the damn thing. Now I am thinking that it could be a US model and either the sensor isnt fitted over here or it is a different shape/look.

Anyone come across this problem? Suggestions? While I am at it anyone know if you can download the Focus diagnostic software from the net and maybe be able to hook up a laptop and sort out problems ourselves without taking to a garage.

Thanks a mill.
Pa

yop · 29-09-2006 9:43am

PA,

It is the sensor alright, I had to mine replaced, pain in the heeeed and in the wallet.
Cost about 300 euro to get it done in a Ford Dealer.

Trampas · 29-09-2006 9:49am

I had a similar problem with a 03 Ibiza but all it was in the end was a coil plug gone.

fightin irish · 29-09-2006 10:19am

Personally i would say it's a coil pack. We've sold over 200 of these since january. Could be something else but i'd be leaning towards the coil pack. Cost €93 and you'd fit it yourself no problems.

gyppo · 29-09-2006 10:58am

fightin irish wrote:

Personally i would say it's a coil pack. We've sold over 200 of these since january. Could be something else but i'd be leaning towards the coil pack. Cost €93 and you'd fit it yourself no problems.

Second that. Common complaint on Ford Mondeo's too.

mondeoman · 29-09-2006 12:31pm

Yeah coil pack,problem with mondeos,also ford changed the spark plug gap from 1.3 to 1.00mm to help this problem.if you do get a new coil then check your plugs also;)

squirrel6767 · 29-09-2006 12:50pm

Thanks all. Ill give the coil pack a lash and report back.

AMurphy · 29-09-2006 7:08pm

I'd go with the Ignition.

However a simple test.

First determine if indeed this car/engine even has EGR.
If it has, then simply disconnect any connections, vacuum and/or electrical to the EGR valve itself, this will shut it off completely.
Most cars will run quiet happily with it shut off, or at least shoudl not give that spluttering you report, unless it is stuck open, in which case it woud not idle properly , and you do not report that as a problem.

greglo23 · 29-09-2006 7:28pm

i'd go with the coil pack as well and while your at it try to source a set of Denso Iridium plugs. the use 30% less power and give a higher power spark which would make your new coil pack last longer. for more info look here http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/iridium_spark_plugs.htm

01 Ford Focus stuttering/misfiring

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