Fiesta query

[glj]

Hi, I'm a newb hoping for a little help or advice.

I have a fiesta ghia, 1.4 petrol, 2003 53reg. Recently I started to loose acceleration and the car was very jumpy when cold. It had recorded a misfire in cylinder 4 and I had the plugs replaced.

This seemed to solve the problem, but a few days later it started jumping again, I put some of the fuel injector cleaner through, which also didnt help.

Its currently jumpy when cold main round gear changes, or when trying to accelerate even over 40mph. Even when idling (when scraping ice off windows yesterday) it was coughing.

I have taken it back to the garage, who say it could be the start of the head gasket going? The car has not overheated and oil and water are fine, as well as hot air through vents (all I know are symptoms cause Ive had head gasket go in my old car) Is this really the case, or could it be something simpler (and more to the point cheaper)?

Sorry for the essay, but really need some advice, as don’t want to have to have anything expensive done if its not the problem...


Thanks in advance for the help

[focusboy]

try changing your ht leads, its possible that these were the problem in the first place, having a weak spot and by moving them about its was a quick fix, coil packs plugs and leads, are the most common problem with fiest's, dont fret about the head gasket it prop ent that

[cj_eds]

Would check HT leads as suggested and make sure air filter isn't clogged up. Possibly check fuel filter too. I assume its been regularly serviced though?

[glj]

Thank you!

I'm not really up on the abbreviations, what are HT leads?

the garage has just rang and they tried new leads this morning, and made no difference. They mentioned an ignition pack? I have no idea what this is but it sounds expensive. Could you tell me what this is/does and how this can make the car jumpy.

I also have run a tank of the fuel injector cleaner through incase it was the fuel supply.

Tha car was last servied (at a Ford garage) in August.

Help much appreciated

Edited by glj on Thursday 30th October 15:24

[focusboy]

the ignition pack that they are talking about is the same as what i called the coil pack in previous post, this is where the spark is produced, be careful with prices, between garages they can vary, with some garages putting quite a bit on, they only take ten mins to change, less than that in a garage,

[glj]

Thanks! When I heard ignition I thought it was something to do with starting the car! He mentioned somwething about £40 for the pack, but no overall cost.
Cant afford for it to be laods, I just hope it does solve the problem.

Thank you very much