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Ford Focus: gearbox, ECU problems, and common faults
The third generation of Ford's successful model was launched in 2011. The well-balanced chassis and the skilfully tuned steering provide a lot of driving enjoyment, especially when it is equipped with one of the more powerful turbo engines. Just like most vehicles, it’s not perfect and has some problems which have commonly been reported. Let’s take a look at what some of those are.
1.6 petrol engine and diesel problems
The petrol engine range is known for its longevity, which can easily cope with high mileage, provided that the recommended regular maintenance schedule has been adhered to. Nevertheless, some typical weak points must be expected in the vehicles, some of which are over twenty years old. These include a dirty idle control valve which can lead to idle fluctuations, defective thermostat housing, defective ignition coils, and leaking exhaust manifolds. Many of these problems can be remedied with quality Ford Focus spare parts. The diesel engines are basically no worse off. There are occasional failures of the injection pump, and defective turbochargers and camshaft sensors are a nuisance from time to time.
Automatic gearbox problems
Some drivers have reported a shudder or jerk when changing gears, particularly at low speeds. Failure to engage gears: In some cases, the automatic transmission in the Ford Focus may fail to engage gears, leaving the vehicle unable to move. Transmission slipping: This is when the transmission fails to maintain the appropriate gear, causing the engine to rev without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. Delayed shifting: In some cases, the Ford Focus automatic transmission may take longer than usual to shift between gears, causing a delay in acceleration.
1.6 TDCI injector problems
If you’ve been reading automotive forums, you’ve probably come across complaints about injector leakage which can occur when the injector's sealing mechanism fails, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Injectors can become clogged with debris, resulting in reduced fuel flow and poor engine performance. The high-pressure fuel pump that supplies fuel to the injectors can malfunction, leading to a loss of power and other performance issues. If you need to replace the injector, you can find out more about Ford Focus injector prices and get the right one for your specific vehicle.
ECU problems
The engine control unit relies on various sensors throughout the car to monitor and control engine performance. If one of these sensors malfunctions, it can cause the ECU to send incorrect signals to the engine, resulting in poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Wiring and connection problems can cause the ECU to malfunction, resulting in a range of engine problems including misfiring, stalling, and reduced power. Like any computer system, the ECU is subject to glitches and bugs that can cause it to malfunction or fail completely.
We generally recommend that you have your Ford Focus ECU repaired or replaced by a professional mechanic or an authorised dealer. They will have the expertise and experience to diagnose any problems with the component and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, the ECU may need to be reprogrammed or completely replaced to rectify any problems.
Other reported issues
In addition to the above, some car owners have experienced problems with the Ford Focus clutch and convertible roof. It's important to note that not all models have experienced these problems and some of these issues may have been addressed in later model years. If you're considering buying a used Ford Focus, it's always a good idea to have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle before making a purchase.
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