In Nov 2009 an error message on my Ford Focus TDCI (56 plate, 65k miles) subsequently indicated that i needed the Diesel Particulate Oil changing. My local reputable independent garage was unable to help as buying a barrel of the oil was too expensive for them given they may never use it all. As such I had to go to a ford main dealer who charged me £250 to change the oil and reset the computer. In May 2010 another engine systems fault was diagnosed as requiring a new diesel particulate filter. The main dealer was unable to fit me in for a week or so, so I went back to my local garage who replaced it for me sourcing the DPF from Ford, and getting a different ford garage to clear the fault on the system.

Last week the car lost power and would not accelerate (no error came up on the dashboard), as I was close the main ford dealer I limped in and left it with them. It has transpired that there was 'negative back pressure' which had blown off the pipes to the turbo. These were replaced but the car would still not accelerate. A full diagnostics test indicated that the diesel particulate filter was failing. They have suggested disconnecting the DPF to see if the car will regain its power, this would then indicate that it is the DPF at fault, which will need replacing. I am not keen to shell out another £800+ (new DPF plus labour), do you think I will have any redress given that the DPF is under a year old? The main dealer also mentioned that there is a sensor on the fuel cap which is triggered everytime you fill up and injects some DPF oil into the DPF, this could be faulty and have caused the DPF to clog up, although the diagnostic test has not shown it to be faulty.

Any suggestions, given a resolution will cost me £1000 on a car only worth £3000!