Ford Focus Mk2 1.8 TDCi running problems

Ford Focus Mk2 1.8 TDCi running problems

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Discussion

Marky Mark88

Original Poster:

694 posts

202 months

Tuesday 13th December 2016
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Our diesel Focus has started running really badly recently. I have listed some of the issues below:

- White smoke and strong diesel smell when starting in cold weather, revs are erratic when idling.
- Feels like the car is 'missing' or 'pulling back' when driving, normally between 1200 - 1500 revs.
- Car is hesitant when pulling away from junctions and feels like it may stall, normally have to put into 1st gear and increase revs.
- Engine will 'rock' when car is warm and engine is idling, revs are slightly erratic. (Has done this for ages though).

I have also noticed that there are spots of what looks like diesel on the driveway.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be as it is starting to get worse.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Marky Mark88

Original Poster:

694 posts

202 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
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The car is going in for diagnostics at the local independent Ford specialists on Tuesday morning. Lukas, I'm also thinking it is either the EGR, injector seals or possibly one of the injectors themselves. I'll be sure to let you know.

Marky Mark88

Original Poster:

694 posts

202 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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Update

Had the car diagnosed at the local Ford specialist earlier today, problem confirmed as the EGR valve. They quoted £800 to replace, as it is part of the manifold. I had a quick look myself and the part itself is £580 from Euro Car Parts! Is there a way of doing this more cheaply, as the car isn't worth much more than what they are quoting to repair? Can they be reconditioned or cleaned, or would a second hand part be an option?

Marky Mark88

Original Poster:

694 posts

202 months

Wednesday 4th January 2017
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Update

Blanked EGR off on Xmas eve. Also changed glow plugs as well. The car runs a hell of a lot better now, but it has turned the yellow/orange engine management light on. I can live with this though, will just have to have it remapped to 'remove' the EGR if we ever come to sell. The car does still struggle a little bit when cold starting, but it has been reasonably cold of late. All in all a vast saving compared to the £800 quoted by the garage and would recommend to anybody. Undoing the bolts to allow the blanking plate to be fitted is a bit fiddly, but it isn't too difficult a job and didn't take more than about 15 mins.