Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 02 1.8 TDDI loss of power

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Tue 3 Nov 2009 20:06
02 1.8 TDDI loss of power - escortgti
Hi All,

I have a Focus TDDI which seems to be well down on power apart from when it is started from cold or if i switch the car off and restart it whilst moving? The power is brilliant when i turn the car off and then back on, but drops off again after a few miles, It Seems to be running on around 60-70% power normally.

regards,

escortgti

Edited by escortgti on 03/11/2009 at 20:10

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Tue 3 Nov 2009 21:07
02 1.8 TDDI loss of power - track
Suggest getting it plugged in, sounds like its switching to a limp mode due to a fault and switching off temporarily resets the fault. Are there any other symptons such as smoke or smells?
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Tue 3 Nov 2009 21:39
02 1.8 TDDI loss of power - escortgti
theres no smells but it does seem to be a bit smokier than it used to be, I read some where that the egr valves can stick would that cause these symptoms?
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Mon 16 Nov 2009 09:38
02 1.8 TDDI loss of power - StanTheMan78
A stuck EGR valve sounds like the cause. When stuck open it keeps feeding exhaust into the cylinders and that could explain both the smokiness as well as the loss of power. Having said that, has the onset been gradual or acute? If it has been coming slowly I'd rather suggest it's a clogged air and / or diesel filter, as well as possibly clogged injectors. If you are unsure about how the car's been serviced, I'd recommend changing air and diesel filters and a can of diesel injector cleaner of a reputable make. If you know the service schedule has been spot-on, try the injector cleaner first. If no improvement, take apart the EGR valve and clean it. To prevent this happening again, regularly load the engine by accelerating fiercely in 2nd or 3rd gear and letting go sharply. This makes the valve move in and out thus preventing sticking. Avoid driving for long at very low rpm's (< 1,500) since this generates copious amounts of soot which is also the primary cause of clogged catalytic convertors. Using high quality fuel and an octane booster every 5,000 kms also helps alot in preventing.
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