car stuttering accelerating from low speed

lolo62

Hi there my car is stuttering and I'm losing power while accelerating if the speed is even just a tiny but low for the gear.

Engine light is on and sometimes flashes, any ideas what this could be?

It's a 1.25 Zetec engine 2001 fiesta ghia.

Thanks

Bobo78

Most likely ignition related. My guess would be either spark plugs, ignition leads or ignition coil.

lolo62

Bobo78 wrote: »

Most likely ignition related. My guess would be either spark plugs, ignition leads or ignition coil.

thank you...is it a big job to change any or all of those?

Bobo78

Not really, probably you best bet would be to go to mechanic to get it checked out and diagnosed properly just in case if it's not ignition related.
But if it is I don't think it should cost more than in around 100 euro depending if it's only plugs and or leads that need changing. I presume if it's ignition coil that's the problem it might cost bit more.

barura

Bobo78 wrote: »

Not really, probably you best bet would be to go to mechanic to get it checked out and diagnosed properly just in case if it's not ignition related.
But if it is I don't think it should cost more than in around 100 euro depending if it's only plugs and or leads that need changing. I presume if it's ignition coil that's the problem it might cost bit more.

Also weak battery, dying alternator, air intake filter?

CJhaughey

Coils are common failures on these, if yours is dying then replace all the leads and plugs at the same time.
Worn plugs need lots more juice, this causes the coil to eventually die.

George Dalton

When a coilpack fails on these they fail outright, so sounds like either leads or plugs rather than a coilpack in this case.

If you don't know when the plugs were last changed then it is best to start there as they only cost a few quid and are a service part in any case. The factory gap of 1.3mm is too large for them, so gap them to 1.1mm. If that doesn't cure it then change the leads.

lolo62

Thanks everyone...it's been getting progressively worse if that makes a difference

Car is due for nct on Friday. I've just rented a car to see me through till then as I don't trust it to get me up any hills
atm

My plan to keep things to minimum cost is drive it to nct (seems to be fine for a while at first so should make it) and then straight to my mechanic, I'm pretty sure there's a few other fails in there anyway so...

There isn't any way the nct guys will say it's not fit for testing is there? Like if it's stuttering up onto the ramp...

jsd1004

lolo62 wrote: »

Thanks everyone...it's been getting progressively worse if that makes a difference

Car is due for nct on Friday. I've just rented a car to see me through till then as I don't trust it to get me up any hills
atm

My plan to keep things to minimum cost is drive it to nct (seems to be fine for a while at first so should make it) and then straight to my mechanic, I'm pretty sure there's a few other fails in there anyway so...

There isn't any way the nct guys will say it's not fit for testing is there? Like if it's stuttering up onto the ramp...

Between the price of milk and the nct for cats i think Whiskers is going to have to go.

lolo62

jsd1004 wrote: »

Between the price of milk and the nct for cats i think Whiskers is going to have to go.

Very funny...you weren't quick enough though