Focus MK1 - speed control sensor OR idle control valve
Discussion
I have a manual 1.8 Ford Focus Mk1, which is presenting me with the following issues.
When slowing down/taking my foot off the gas, at a junction or approaching a roundabout etc, the engine has started cutting out occasionally. Most of dashboard warning lights come on as it does this.
IN ADDITION, the speedometer has started to cut out occasionally for up to a minute at a time. I can't say for sure whether the two symptoms are directly related, but it appears so.
In general the car doesn't seem to have any problem holding a steady idle when stationary, and the problem does not appear to get any better or worse when the engine is warm vs when it's cold. Both symptoms do appear to be worse when I have lights/heater/screen heaters on however, but this could just be coincidence.
At the moment I'm thinking it's either a problem wit the idle control valve or the speed control sensor.
All help and advice highly appreciated.
When slowing down/taking my foot off the gas, at a junction or approaching a roundabout etc, the engine has started cutting out occasionally. Most of dashboard warning lights come on as it does this.
IN ADDITION, the speedometer has started to cut out occasionally for up to a minute at a time. I can't say for sure whether the two symptoms are directly related, but it appears so.
In general the car doesn't seem to have any problem holding a steady idle when stationary, and the problem does not appear to get any better or worse when the engine is warm vs when it's cold. Both symptoms do appear to be worse when I have lights/heater/screen heaters on however, but this could just be coincidence.
At the moment I'm thinking it's either a problem wit the idle control valve or the speed control sensor.
All help and advice highly appreciated.
I'd also agree that it is almost certainly the VSS. I've replaced it twice on mine, but I've had it a few years! It's a fairly easy job as long as the pin that holds it in comes out.
Another symptom you might notice is a change in volume on the radio if you still have the standard headunit it.
Al
Another symptom you might notice is a change in volume on the radio if you still have the standard headunit it.
Al
Agree.... speed sensor... worth a code read to confirm....
Quick tip(s).... get a new pin with it... defo the best are pukka Ford... and when you remove the pin...there is a lug that the pin goes through... I usually snap that off so I can get the Mole Grips a better grip onto the pin....and gently turn it and wiggle it out... be patient...
If you have a laptop...worth the £20 for an ELM327 with modified switch and the excellent (and free) Forscan software... it'll scan the car ...all Fords and Many Mazda's and on the Focus Mk1 will run and Idle Valve check among others...
Later Focus/Kuga etc would benefit from ELMconfig with the above ELM327 as you can scan the system and also enable and disable ECU functions... again free software....
Quick tip(s).... get a new pin with it... defo the best are pukka Ford... and when you remove the pin...there is a lug that the pin goes through... I usually snap that off so I can get the Mole Grips a better grip onto the pin....and gently turn it and wiggle it out... be patient...
If you have a laptop...worth the £20 for an ELM327 with modified switch and the excellent (and free) Forscan software... it'll scan the car ...all Fords and Many Mazda's and on the Focus Mk1 will run and Idle Valve check among others...
Later Focus/Kuga etc would benefit from ELMconfig with the above ELM327 as you can scan the system and also enable and disable ECU functions... again free software....
Edited by lescombes on Tuesday 11th February 15:29
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