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Power struggle

I have been experiencing an intermittent problem with my Mazda 3 1.6d TS2 engine that suddenly loses power as the car comes out of a corner in second gear. The local Mazda garage says the code arising from this shows a problem within the fuel delivery system. However this is a general code and does not pinpoint the specific cause. They checked the fuel injectors and found one was slightly low but within the limit.

I was informed that until a specific code comes up (say the pump or the pressure sensors) they would not be able to cure this problem and I was sent on my way. The last time the engine cut out I took it back to the garage but again the code was not specific and they merely cleared the codes. Do you have any advice on where I go from here?

Asked on 15 September 2011 by AM, Burton on Trent

Answered by Honest John
This is the same engine as used in millions of Citroens, Peugeots, Fords, Volvos and even MINIs. I found this: “Mysterious 'Engine System Faults' on diesel leading them to lose power and revert to limp home mode may be caused by an intercooler pipe weld fault leading to a crack in the pipe. On 1.6TDCI, the thin steel turbo to intercooler pipe can split. It cracks in two places in opposite directions emanating from the two ends of the upper bracket weld. Fractures are of a fatigue nature resulting from vibration, the bracket being rigidly attached to the engine. By May 2010, turbo failures were becoming increasingly common on high mileage 1.6TDCIs.” The other possibility is a duff earth to the fuel tank lifter pump or to its relay. More at: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/focus-ii-2004/?...d
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