Menu

2001 Ford Focus 1.4 starting/idling issues

Home Forums Stay Dirty Lounge Service and Repair Questions Answered Here 2001 Ford Focus 1.4 starting/idling issues

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #545552
    daveydavey
    Participant

      My parents have a 2001 Ford Focus with a 1.4 petrol zetec-se engine. As a mechanic i am very familiar with the Zetec-se engine as my Ford Fiesta has the very same.

      The trouble with the Ford Focus is this; when you go to start the engine (obviously after allowing the pump to prime) the engine takes a few revolutions to start, and usually starts within 3-4 seconds. It also smells extremely bad of petrol once started. When idling, it idles very lumpy however it drives absolutely fine nice and smooth, but does have a blowing exhaust kind of sound.

      I have done the following to diagnose the problem;
      Tried to pull the code from the engine light, and my scanner says “N/A”
      Tried a known working set of HT leads and Coilpack
      Tried a known working set of spark plugs
      Tried a known working Idle Air Control Valve
      Tried a known working Throttle Position sensor
      Removed intake manifold and replaced gaskets, same with the throttle body
      Cleaned out throttle body
      Cleaned Manifold absolute pressure
      Tried a brand new battery
      Replaced all vacuum lines around the engnie

      This vehicle has had a brand new mid and rear section of exhaust fitted less then 2 days before i bought it… incase this may have any impact on the poor idle.

      I suspect it to be one or more leaking fuel injectors, as this is all i can think of what would cause a poor idle, poor starting, and smell of fuel. I believe one or more of them to be leaking into the cylinder(s) while the engine is off, thus the smell.

      Another point i should maybe make, is after a short 60 mile round journey i rechecked the plugs and 3 out of the four were very black and sooty which tells me its running rich. Also, another tick on the faulty injector list.

      Would anyone else be able to advise me here? As i would rather not be thowing money around, that and the fact this has me really puzzled!

    Viewing 3 replies - 16 through 18 (of 18 total)
    • Author
      Replies
    • #547144
      daveydavey
      Participant

        Yeah that’s what the scanner told me, bank 1 sensor 2. Would the heater problem on the o2 sensor cause a low/rough idle and a very bad starting?

        After searching the “obd-codes” website, the only known codes which correspond with a bad start and poor idle aren’t showing up on the scanner. I honestly am not sure if I can hit the nail on the head with this!

        Another thing actually, when i was going through some of the live data it was saying that my throttle absolute position was 22% when it wasnt even open, and only got 91% when fully pressed. There is no mats or pedal stops, it is jut the floor and a thin layer of manufacturer fitted carpet. I do think this is down to the fact these ford TPS sensors are very inaccurate.

        #547183
        college mancollege man
        Moderator

          It should not cause the hard start. But will cause rough
          idle and poor performance.

          #548013
          EricTheCarGuy 1EricTheCarGuy
          Keymaster

            If you have a performance problem and a code, diagnose and repair the code first and then recheck for the performance problem.

          Viewing 3 replies - 16 through 18 (of 18 total)
          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
          Loading…
          toto togel situs toto situs toto