Ford focus 2005 misfire???

[Arbo1970]

Hi guys, been a long time since I was on here last.
The other day I hit a massive pothole in my 2005 ford focus, 1.6 Ghia.
Blew my tire which I had change and since then it’s developed a problem when driving under load in 3rd to 5th gear it feels like it suddenly loses power and judders then starts again. Like a misfire.
I’ve just replaced the ignition coil for new, same problem no difference.

Any ideas????? Was perfect before the pothole. Annoying!!!!

TIA

Kev

[Caddyshack]

You only need to post in one sub forum.


I would start with a fault code reader to see if it’s a misfire. It could be a judder such as a bush or engine mount etc.

[Arbo1970]

It’s so strange as it’s only when it’s under load, going up an incline with foot on throttle. I’ll go to a garage in the morning

[Six plus Six]

My old mechanic used to say worth through in order of cheapest first -

Plugs, then leads, then coil packs.

Feels like its in that area.

[Dogwatch]

Six plus Six said:

My old mechanic used to say worth through in order of cheapest first -

Plugs, then leads, then coil packs.

Feels like its in that area.

Also it’s just possible that the jolt shook a connector loose, but still connected. Worth giving any low tension connectors on and around the engine a wiggle while the engine is running.

[Caddyshack]

Six plus Six said:

My old mechanic used to say worth through in order of cheapest first -

Plugs, then leads, then coil packs.

Feels like its in that area.

I do wonder if it’s a coil pack jarred loose or was on its way out and failed.

[steveo3002]

ive had the leads fail once you start messing about with the coil , they get old and hard then fail once you bend them

[Caddyshack]

Sounds like a good preventative measure to replace them anyway then

[Arbo1970]

Hey guys,

Thank you all for your help on this subject. Yeah it’s really annoying. I’ll go out today and have a good look under the bonnet for anything loose. The ignition coil i changed yesterday wasnt in good condition, one of the corners was snapped off and a screw missing. Seemed obvious to replace it anyway.
If I can’t find anything then I’ll take it to a garage and see if they will put it up on a ramp.
I guess it’s not just the two gears but I don’t rag it in 1 & 2 so maybe I don’t get it to where it starts to judder.
The idle and general running of the engine is good, it’s only when driving it and you put the engine under load

[Arbo1970]

Just had a Quick Look under bonnet and underneath the car. With my torch I’ve found a lead with plug hanging off from somewhere- right next to the alternator. The lead disappears up and under the left side of the engine. The plug is female and has three slots. Looks like it needs to be reconnected somewhere but I can’t see where. I’ll go to the garage and ask the question.
I’ll let you know the answer

[Arbo1970]

Ok all sorted!!
The plug I found hanging in the engine is an auxiliary plug part of the loom which is redundant.
The problem as you guys mentioned was 100% the spark plugs and leads. After the mechanic took the plugs out he showed me they were knackered and he was surprised the car still ran! Leads were crispy too! Changed the lot, done! Drives perfectly again.

Thanks for all that helped me, much appreciated

[Six plus Six]

Arbo1970 said:

Ok all sorted!!
The plug I found hanging in the engine is an auxiliary plug part of the loom which is redundant.
The problem as you guys mentioned was 100% the spark plugs and leads. After the mechanic took the plugs out he showed me they were knackered and he was surprised the car still ran! Leads were crispy too! Changed the lot, done! Drives perfectly again.

Thanks for all that helped me, much appreciated

Brilliant!

Relatively cheap fix too!

[Arbo1970]

[Caddyshack]

Glad you got it sorted and great that you reported back.