It's a '97 Mk2 Mondeo 2.0 estate on 98,000 miles. When the engine is picking up after negotiating a junction it has a tendency to snatch especially if the gear selected is, say 3rd, when it would prefer 2nd. It also has a slight jerkiness when slowing down (reported on another thread). These problems have gradually been getting more noticeable over the last 10,000 miles. Apart from this, the engine runs well and average fuel economy is about 34 mpg.
Any thoughts on the snatching? Many thanks.
|
When were the spark plugs last replaced? The plugs on these engines are supposed to last for 30,000 miles, but because they last so long they often get overlooked when they are due for replacement. My Ford dealer didn't change mine on my '95 Mondeo 1.8 at 30k. The car developed a slight misfire under full throttle acceleration, at 3000 rpm. This was cured by fitting new plugs.
The other thing I had changed at higher mileage, 100k plus, was the oxygen sensor in the exhaust down pipe. I think its called a 'HEGO' sensor. If this is burnt out it can play tricks on the engine management system. Mine was running fine, but failed its MOT on emisions.
|
|
Thanks, Singer-G. Plugs were changed at 90,000 and this had no effect. Maybe it's the sensor as you suggest. To get to the bottom of it, would a fault like this need to be assessed on a 'Ford diagnostic sytem only available at a main dealer'? My car is normally maintained by a honest, reliable local guy - but he doesn't have main-dealer facilities.
|
When were the plug leads changed - if ever? I'm *sure* it's been mentioned here before that aftermarket ones aren't as good as Ford's own.
|
Its usually mentioned so i thought id get in 1st!
Take it for a decent thrash round some country lanes (the old 'italian tune-up')
Usually works wonders to clean any muck that may be stuck somewhere.
Another thing when my car gets 'lumpy' - spray some wd40 into the distributor cap and HT lead connections.
Both cheap alternatives that might work before paying a mechanic to have a look.
Dave
|
|
Thanks - I'll try your suggestions this weekend and let you know what happens.
|
|
|
|
|
I can't find the original posting, but I reported the stuttering engine on my 90,000 mile 2.0 '97 Mondeo some months ago. The problem occured particularly when, for example, picking up speed after turning in at a junction. It was almost as though too high a gear had been selected. On the open road, the car seemed to run fine. The answer was a new set of HT leads fitted at 100,000 mile service. The mechanic said that deteriorating leads were such a common problem, it was almost worth changing them as a matter of routine at 80,000 miles.
|
That would be www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=22143&...f
Plug leads certainly seem to have a much reduced lifetime than they used to. They cause the oddest problems at times on different cars. Bring back copper leads and supressing plug gaps I say!
Martin
|
>>Bring back copper leads
I agree..But no profit in parts that last forever.
--
Steve
|
|
Thanks for finding the original thread. The (independent)mechanic who sorted the problem made the same comment as Dynamic Dave i.e. it's worth getting Ford's own leads.
|
|
|
|
