Ford Focus tricky problem

boardz

Hi, I’m looking for advice on my latest drama with my 07 Ford Focus TDCi 1.6 Diesel Zetec. 2-3 years ago I had the DPF removed in one of my better decisions as I got improved mileage and power. About a month ago I had a whoooosh – ing sound from the engine when the turbo kicked in and after about 3 weeks I had it looked at and the large tube near the front of the engine on the left had a leak (not allowed to post pics). While waiting for the part I lost power and the engine management light (EML) came on. I noticed the turbo was no longer kicking in. I figured the replacement tube would sort it but it didn’t. It was an independent garage that did the repair but they said they could not get any fault codes from the diagnostics and suggested I go to Ford. Ford quoted me €110 to read the code. I’ll come back to the delightful experience with the Ford garage but first let me outline the symptoms. When I use the car first thing in the morning there is no EML light and the car runs perfectly with the turbo kicking in for about 1- 2 minutes. Then the light comes on and I’m driving with no turbo. It stays like this for the rest of the day. I don’t think it’s in limp mode because I can drive quite normally but with reduced acceleration. The thing is there are no fault codes being produced even with Ford.

When I delivered the car to Ford I told the guy that I had the DPF removed and that I did not want the software updated because it had been reconfigured to not look for the DPF. He wrote this request on the docket. You can imagine my surprise when I got the report back (see below) detailing that I needed DPF fluid and/or a replacement DPF! I quote verbatim from the engineer report…

“….vehicle flat and mil on, run ids checks no dtcs. Dpf module not communication. Wiring check to dpf module under seat and found dpf module disconnected?? Reconnected and read dtcs fuel additive tank empty required refilling and the dpf resetting and regeneration and retesting. Because the vehicle is dead refilling additive tank may not complete dpf. The dpf needs to be changed at 120K and vehicle on 180k – total cost €862.70”


Anyhoo the position now is that after a robust discussion Ford won’t look at it because he’s saying the remap may be preventing the codes appearing and I don’t know what to do next. I’ve had excellent help in the past on Boards and I’m wondering if anybody can help me with this problem? Thanks in advance.

mphalo1

hey if the turbo is fecked you will have white smoke from the exhaust but I dont think it is , I'd say its the vacuum solenoid on the turbo if all wires and pipes are (definitely) in perfect condition and as they should be

boardz

Thanks for that...I presume a visual inspection by an experienced mechanic would be able to check the above even though there are no codes? Next question can you (or anybody else) recommend such a person....I'm in Dublin 15 cheers.

mphalo1

no sorry I can't maybe try your friends or family and see who they would recommend

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime

My bet is there is a leak in a pipe somewhere.

I had a similar problem where the car would not boost. Had a tutbo pipe and intercooler pipe replaced and seemed to fix the problem !

dar83

Are you sure the remap for the DMF hasn't restricted the codes in any way? I know it sounds like a fob off from Ford, but it might just be the case that the remap has disabled things it shouldn't.

If you're getting a loud whooshing sound and no turbo, then it would mostly point to a potential leak as previously pointed out. I'd be checking the pipes for that, although I would imagine this would be the first thing Ford would (should) have done also, as a quick visual inspection would be the easiest way to diagnose this kind of problem.

Maybe give Blackchurch motors a go, they're not in Blanch but they're a Ford specialist... https://www.facebook.com/blackchurchmotors

boardz

I'm not 100% sure if the remap is interfering but if it was able to give the DPF codes when he reconnected the module it indicates it's ok...I think he was embarrassed by the report and the remap is a handy way out. The whooshing was indeed a tube leak but that's been replaced so there was no noise when I brought it to Ford just the management light. I paid 50 euro instead of 110 but got nothing for it. Gonna check out Blackchurch tomorrow cheers. .

boardz

Eventually got to Blackchurch and they have said glow plugs are gone. .. they come on while the car is driving not only starting on the focus.as i just found on another thread explained very well by Ford jedi. Being replaced in the morning fingers crossed!

chicorytip

What is a DPF and what is its exact function? How can removing it provide better performance and fuel economy?

TBi

chicorytip wrote: »

What is a DPF and what is its exact function? How can removing it provide better performance and fuel economy?

I'd try googling it. Lots of info about it online.

mullingar

@op.

Get your hands on a cheap obd2 reader and record the code when the Mil light comes on.

I'm leaning towards the variable geometry mechanism in the turbo sticking when it gets hot. To rule it out, iI'd get something to read the boost pressure (Google Torque App with Blue tooth OBD) and also something to measure the turbo actuator negative pressure. Their is a small solenoid that controls the actuator with a small vacuum hose. Sometimes this solenoid gets sticky.

boardz

Thanks Mullingar as it happens I did order an OBD2 reader but unfortunately in my current situation there is no code generated. Even Ford can't find one. I'll mention your suggestions to the garage tomorrow if the glow plugs don't resolve.

@ chicorytip as suggested google is the way to go - short (ish) version of my understanding - car manufacturers were told (by EU) to reduce the soot in the diesel emissions and they came up with the said DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). It is an unnatural restriction on the exhaust flow that can get blocked very quickly if you don't drive in a certain manner regularly ie mostly longer higher speed journeys. And it gets blocked after a longer time even if you do drive in the 'correct' manner. In fact I am looking at getting a new car this year and I will be going with a petrol purely to avoid the DPF problems.

chicorytip

A good synopsis. Many thanks.

boardz

I got the car back today and it was the glow plugs causing the problem. Very grateful for all the input I received here and I would have no hesitation in recommending Blackchurch particularly for Ford problems. It's a terrible pity that the dealers these days seem to only be able to 'paint by numbers' so to speak. If there is no code they don't appear to have very good fault finding abilities. A bit of a generalisation but it's based on several experiences with 2 different Ford garages. Now the hunt for a new car can progress. Any hints/tips/experiences in buying new appreciated. Or should that be a new thread?

John T Carroll

boardz wrote: »

Eventually got to Blackchurch and they have said glow plugs are gone. .. they come on while the car is driving not only starting on the focus.as i just found on another thread explained very well by Ford jedi. Being replaced in the morning fingers crossed!

I would never have thought of the glow plugs role in emission control until I had read ford jedi's post, it just goes to show that the longer you live, the more you learn, thanks.

mullingar

Ah yes, a faulty glow plug will cause the ECU to go into limp mode, something to do with emissions IIRC