Ford Fiesta 1.4 EAC FAIL
Discussion
A recurring issue with a 2002 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol Duratec 16V. 60k miles.
I can see from many forums online that this is a recurring issue and no particular solution has been identified. Hoping this post will provide others with the same problem with the quick fix I have discovered.
Starting the car sometimes I get EAC FAIL, flashing on dashboard, car enters limp mode, reduced power etc. 1 out of every 5 EAC Fails sees the revs go very high 4+ without foot on the accelerator. Turning off the engine, leave for one minute and then turning the car back on usually prevents this from happening a second time.
Last year, I took the car to have a diagnostics when in limp mode/ EAC Fail and the mechanic had no idea what the issue was as lots of random, unrelated codes were appearing. This mechanic actually told me to scrap the vehicle and I was going to, luckily, I have managed to identify how to get it out limp mode/EAC FAIL every time.
I can fix it by opening the gas cap, blowing into the fuel reservoir, as well as, removing/refitting some of the electrical connections around the engine. This has worked first time every time so far (around 30+).
However, this does not fix the issue as EAC FAIL occurs most days when I get into the car. I would like to look at some other parts to perhaps investigate. I am hoping somebody reading this will have an understanding as to how this ‘quick fix’ has got it out of EAC Fail, leading to a suggestion as to what may be going wrong for this quick fix to work.
Other bits checked.
Vehicle has also had a full service (oil change + filter, fuel filter, brake fluid, spark plugs).
Removed the throttle body, clean, lubricate and refit. (three times in the past year!).
Drilled a small hole in the fuel tank cap. (seemed like it worked for a while but then stopped).
I can see from many forums online that this is a recurring issue and no particular solution has been identified. Hoping this post will provide others with the same problem with the quick fix I have discovered.
Starting the car sometimes I get EAC FAIL, flashing on dashboard, car enters limp mode, reduced power etc. 1 out of every 5 EAC Fails sees the revs go very high 4+ without foot on the accelerator. Turning off the engine, leave for one minute and then turning the car back on usually prevents this from happening a second time.
Last year, I took the car to have a diagnostics when in limp mode/ EAC Fail and the mechanic had no idea what the issue was as lots of random, unrelated codes were appearing. This mechanic actually told me to scrap the vehicle and I was going to, luckily, I have managed to identify how to get it out limp mode/EAC FAIL every time.
I can fix it by opening the gas cap, blowing into the fuel reservoir, as well as, removing/refitting some of the electrical connections around the engine. This has worked first time every time so far (around 30+).
However, this does not fix the issue as EAC FAIL occurs most days when I get into the car. I would like to look at some other parts to perhaps investigate. I am hoping somebody reading this will have an understanding as to how this ‘quick fix’ has got it out of EAC Fail, leading to a suggestion as to what may be going wrong for this quick fix to work.
Other bits checked.
Vehicle has also had a full service (oil change + filter, fuel filter, brake fluid, spark plugs).
Removed the throttle body, clean, lubricate and refit. (three times in the past year!).
Drilled a small hole in the fuel tank cap. (seemed like it worked for a while but then stopped).
Edited by Ryanparmenter on Wednesday 10th June 11:02
Throttle body wiring loom issues are pretty common on certain builds of Fiesta & there was a Ford Technical Service Bulletin regarding this back in the day, related to poor conductivity at the TPS sensor. The repair involves replacing the throttle position sensor & associated wiring loom with improved parts that have gold plated contacts - don't know if it still is, but it used to be available as a kit from FoMoCo.
Just an update in case someone needs this in the future - have purchased the TPS sensor in the attached image. Prior to installing it, EAC FAIL was showing each day I got in the car for the first time. Have replaced the TPS for 3 days now and haven't had an issue with EAC FAIL, yet... If you don't hear from me, it means the replacement fixed the problem!
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