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

[E-bmw]

Arbo1970 said:

The other day I hit a massive pothole in my 2005 ford focus, 1.6 Ghia.

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.

1. Don't just randomly replace stuff it is expensive & will only help if by accident you swap what is causing the issue.

2. The knock has likely dislodged something, could be a plug, could be an intake hose, could be one of many things. Likely if if it is, then a good quality code reader may give you an idea where to look.

[Bainbridge]

The previous poster is right about investigating properly rather than firing the parts canon at the car, but if a set of the correct ngk spark plugs are cheap I'd change those to see if that resolves the issue.

[stevieturbo]

It could be coincidental, but odd you say only in two gears, which makes little sense.

It would do no harm to take a look at the plugs, that's free.

But a large jolt/impact then a problem, if this is indeed the case might point to some dodgy wiring somewhere. Grab any parts of a loom you can see and give them a good wiggle to see if anything changes whilst running. Obviously don't stick your hands ( or any other body parts ) near any moving parts whilst doing this.

[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

[richhead]

that age focus used to suffer with plugs and leads arcing out under load, non gen leads were a problem, easy check, pull plugs and check for arcing marks on the ceramic where the leads go, if so change with gen plugs and leads, and we used to put electrical grease in the end of the leads at the plug ends, helps keep water out. Did loads back in the day.

[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

[stevieturbo]

A little maintenance can prevent such things

[u6dw4]

• not a mechanic* and a bit late but had exactly this on several petrol fords, was coil/lead/plugs worn out. always changed together.

one car saved from scrap by previous owner for 25 of parts (it'd be more now).

[Bainbridge]

Glad you got it sorted and thanks for coming back with the update.