Ford Fiesta problems

[Sonic007]

Hi,

 

Wondered if there were any mechanics that knew anything about Ford Fiestas?

 

Over the past two weeks the engine light came on but then disappeared. Thought it may have been a one off.

 

Then today it has appeared and is now staying on and I'm finding it hard to gain power when accelerating.

 

Anyone know what it could possibly be?

 

Thankyou.

[3s-gtech]

The EML is a generic diagnostics light. It basically means ‘a system controlled by the ECU is out of parameter’ or words to that effect.

 

That can be anything from a failing sensor to a more critical issue with a system.

 

The only way to know what’s wrong is to get it plugged into a diagnostic scanner, via the OBD port. You can buy one and do this yourself, but if you’re not mechanically minded or don’t have tools, get a garage to do so.

 

Don’t keep going - the warning may be minor but it could indicate a more serious issue.

[network41]

What engine / model is it ,

[Dos_Box]

What fuel does it use, and what kind of use do you get out of it (local journies only, or long runs)?

It could very well be a DPF\EGR\injector or sensor problem.

I've had a Ford before and it was notorious for these problems (Mondeo) and I used to take it for a long run once a month and if I could remember, putting some diesel treatment in the tank, Forte stuff for preference - https://www.forteuk.co.uk/product/advanced-diesel-fuel-conditioner/

That would keep it in good order

[Oaktech]

You need to get the code read otherwise we're just guessing - if you've got an EML light on pretty much any old code reader off ebay will get you the info out.

 

If you lived closer I'd come read it for you, I've got the Forscan specialist software.

[LeMarchand]

Anyone nearby got an OBD reader and/or app? You should be able to find out what the problem is using one. Then, if you're like me, spend ages searching to work out what "impaired function in the flange distribution system" means. You can get a cheapo one Primed to you if you have Prime and there are definitely free Android apps (so possibly iOS too).

 

Edit: None of the answers above were there when I started typing!

Edited February 20, 2024 by LeMarchand

[Sonic007]

Thanks everyone for your help. It isn't my luck at the moment. As some of you know I'm battling with worries and anxiety due to family issues, and I've just had my insurance renewal too. It seems to always happen all at once these things!

 

The Fiesta is a 2018 model. 68 Plate. Petrol.

 

The only thing I can think of is that a couple of weeks ago I ran it right down to nearly sero petrol. I had a million things going round my head and just forgot. I managed to get to a petrol station but it did say "0 miles left" for about 5 miles.

 

It is used for a mixture of journeys. I went to London two weeks ago and the light flashed once but then never came back on again and now I'm doing 50 mile round trips to work. So I do between 30mph and 70mph on the commute into work.

It seems to be struggling to get power. So sometimes I don't even need to be on a big incline, just trying to overtake I have my foot all the way down and it won't get much past 50mph.

 

 

Unfortunately I know nothing about cars or car computers. I've just contacted a mate who's nephew had a garage so he says should be able to diagnosis it.

 

I did manage to put it in to ET (Engine Test) mode. Didnt understand most things but it currently says battery at switch on idle is 11.8 volts and when switched on it rises to 14.6 volts.

Bunch of other things in there that I couldnt work out.

Edited February 20, 2024 by Sonic007

[LeMarchand]

It seems to be struggling to get power. So sometimes I don't even need to be on a big incline, just trying to overtake I have my foot all the way down and it won't get much past 50mph.

 

Once you have read the code you should be able to Google the problem and get an idea of potential cost. If you don't have a garage you trust I have found it's often helpful to be able to describe the symptoms and say "I think it may be the..." as this suggests you might know what you're talking about and so you're not someone they can take the mickey with. Last time I had to use my reader I estimated the cost at c £200 and it came in at £160.

[Olliedawg]

Is it the 1.0 ecoboost? Could be a turbo issue, could be spark plugs, could be coil pack

 

Best bet is to get it diagnosed at a garage, or get an OBD to USB cable and have a look yourself - i've used this software before for checking EML codes on fords : FORScan Home

[3s-gtech]

1 litre 3 cylinder EcoBoost engine? Problems with these mainly affected earlier cars, but do not ignore the EML on an EcoBoom!

[Davit2005]

Honestly suggest getting the code read by a reputable garage that is not likely to take the mick. Could be something simple but you don't really want to throw money at it without knowing. Could be a simple thing as dirt in the fuel system or all matter of things including a faulty sensor.

[MatthewL]

Get yourself one of these, there are others available but plug it in and see what codes come up.

 

I used to have to clear a code on my car which had an ECU issues it was part of my start up process but now just keep it in the case just incase. Not in depth but gives you an idea of what an issue could be.

[Sonic007]

Thanks everyone. Taking it to my mates nephews garage on Sunday so hopefully will know what's going on. Thankyou.

[Dos_Box]

Thanks everyone for your help. It isn't my luck at the moment. As some of you know I'm battling with worries and anxiety due to family issues, and I've just had my insurance renewal too. It seems to always happen all at once these things!

 

The Fiesta is a 2018 model. 68 Plate. Petrol.

 

The only thing I can think of is that a couple of weeks ago I ran it right down to nearly sero petrol. I had a million things going round my head and just forgot. I managed to get to a petrol station but it did say "0 miles left" for about 5 miles.

 

It is used for a mixture of journeys. I went to London two weeks ago and the light flashed once but then never came back on again and now I'm doing 50 mile round trips to work. So I do between 30mph and 70mph on the commute into work.

It seems to be struggling to get power. So sometimes I don't even need to be on a big incline, just trying to overtake I have my foot all the way down and it won't get much past 50mph.

 

 

Unfortunately I know nothing about cars or car computers. I've just contacted a mate who's nephew had a garage so he says should be able to diagnosis it.

 

I did manage to put it in to ET (Engine Test) mode. Didnt understand most things but it currently says battery at switch on idle is 11.8 volts and when switched on it rises to 14.6 volts.

Bunch of other things in there that I couldnt work out.

 

If you have let your tank run very low then you risk putting the sludge\stale fuel in your tank into the fuel system (more prevelent in diesel vehicles) clogging your fuel filter.

I had expereince of this in my truck driving days. I really would try getting a decent petrol system cleaner in your fuel tank and giving it a good blast up the motorway. Not speeding, just a long distance at constant revs. But only if you feel confiendent doing so.

As others have said though, the Ford 1l engine has some issues, and it would be well worth getting Forscan and an ODBII dongle to see what it could be.

Be warned though, I spent £400 getting my old Modeos DFP cleaned out twice before I realised the error code was showing the effect, not the cause, which was a faulty £125 O2 sensor!

[Olliedawg]

If you have let your tank run very low then you risk putting the sludge\stale fuel in your tank into the fuel system (more prevelent in diesel vehicles) clogging your fuel filter.

I had expereince of this in my truck driving days. I really would try getting a decent petrol system cleaner in your fuel tank and giving it a good blast up the motorway. Not speeding, just a long distance at constant revs. But only if you feel confiendent doing so.

As others have said though, the Ford 1l engine has some issues, and it would be well worth getting Forscan and an ODBII dongle to see what it could be.

Be warned though, I spent £400 getting my old Modeos DFP cleaned out twice before I realised the error code was showing the effect, not the cause, which was a faulty £125 O2 sensor!

 

As above, next time you fill up, use some of the e5 99 octane stuff, might help also? (Tesco Momentum, BP Ultimate etc..)

[LeMarchand]

Be warned though, I spent £400 getting my old Modeos DFP cleaned out twice before I realised the error code was showing the effect, not the cause, which was a faulty £125 O2 sensor!

 

I must have been lucky! Mine was pointing at the O2 sensor as the problem. Petrol car, though - maybe it made a difference.

[Sonic007]

Is it worth adding some Redex?

[3s-gtech]

No. Generally, it does nothing.

[timbo343]

Sounds to me like it's a sensor, which one i dont know. I sounds like it's in a limp home mode which the vauxhalls used to suffer from.

 

Have you tried posting on Ford Owners Club

[mikes]

Seems O2 sensors are common on Festers, I had my top one fail, the ODB2 sensor was flagging up something about coolant temperature being incorrect, but the cooling system seemed fine - once I replaced the top o2 sensor all the codes went away. Tried to get the o2 sensor off myself and it was impossible, it didn't move, so I had to get a garage to do it in the end

[Patrick]

Hopefully just a MAF sensor.

[Chris_Cook]

If you want to learn the diagnostics for this, then there are some great youtube channels: Scanner Danner, Schrödinger's box, and South main Auto repair.

 

Other possibility's are blocked air intake/air filter, blocked exhaust/CAT, or fuel issues (blocked fuel filter, bad fuel pump).

[Sonic007]

Hey everyone, Thought I'd give you an update.

 

With so much going on lately I didnt keep on schedule and missed the last 2 services.

 

The spark plugs were compltely battered and because I ran it for 2 weeks after the engine light came on it meant the middle cylinder got very hot and melted. I'm an idiot. I should have dealt with it sooner but once the light went out I thought it might have gone away. Stupid I know.

 

Needs a complete new engine and rebuild as well as some extras like brake pads need doing, then acomplete service etc.

 

Hoping it will make it to the garage to see if I can get anything for it and trade it in.

 

Have decided to get rid and start again from scratch. Annoying but I'l learn to take better care next time.

Edited March 1, 2024 by Sonic007

[Dos_Box]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm in the market for a new car too since mine got written off, and it's a lousy time of year to try and get a new car as everyone seems to drive them though the winter before selling them in the spring.

I hope you find something soon though.

[Davit2005]

Hey everyone, Thought I'd give you an update.

 

With so much going on lately I didnt keep on schedule and missed the last 2 services.

 

The spark plugs were compltely battered and because I ran it for 2 weeks after the engine light came on it meant the middle cylinder got very hot and melted. I'm an idiot. I should have dealt with it sooner but once the light went out I thought it might have gone away. Stupid I know.

 

Needs a complete new engine and rebuild as well as some extras like brake pads need doing, then acomplete service etc.

 

Hoping it will make it to the garage to see if I can get anything for it and trade it in.

 

Have decided to get rid and start again from scratch. Annoying but I'l learn to take better care next time.

 

Not great news