Ford Focus 2 starts and stalls

Ford Focus 2 stalls immediately after starting the engine: the main causes of the problem

Ford Focus 2 is no longer produced today, which means that the owners of this car may encounter a variety of malfunctions.
If this is some kind of minor breakdown that does not affect driving, then you can continue to operate the car. However, what if the problem is more serious. For example, Ford Fox 2 starts and immediately stalls, what is the reason? By the way, this is a fairly common malfunction that can happen under completely different circumstances. We will talk about the main and most common reasons below. Quite often the problem can be with the throttle valve. First you need to check the throttle position sensor. If everything is fine with it, there may be a problem with the contacts or connectors that need to be thoroughly cleaned. By the way, poor engine performance may be due to a clogged damper. It can also be cleaned and the normal state of the engine will be restored.

Injection pump pump clogged with dirt

Using bad fuel leads to clogging of the filter and the high-pressure pump itself. A clogged valve stops correctly regulating the internal pressure and the supply of diesel fuel. As a result, the engine begins to operate unstably at low speeds and stalls at high speeds. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to clean the filter on a Ford car yourself.

It is better to carry out diagnostics and repairs of the fuel system at a technical center. This is due to the fact that the new pump and valve need to be registered on the stand and linked to the memory of the RSM vehicle control unit. The equipment helps to reflash the operating parameters of the ECU with an updated kit, check and program the correct operation of the distribution pump.

Main reasons

Another reason for poor starting of the power unit may lie in the spark plugs. Check their condition. Of course, if there are problems with the spark plugs, the engine most likely will not start at all due to the lack or excessive supply of fuel. Pay attention to the catalyst. If it is clogged and unable to perform its function normally, the engine may stall after starting. The problem is that the escape of gases is difficult. The malfunction is eliminated by replacing the catalyst or dismantling it.

So, you are faced with the problem that after starting the engine, it immediately stalls. In general, the second Focus is a reliable and unpretentious car, but time takes its toll.

Fortunately, experienced owners of this model share information, and we were able to identify 2 main malfunctions that can cause unstable operation of the power unit:

• idle air control;
• injector.

It is because of the idle speed regulator that a similar situation can occur when the engine constantly stalls. How can you be sure that this is the problem? A simple and quick diagnosis will help clarify the problem and help you understand that you need to look for something else. To diagnose, you need to perform the following steps:

• warm up the engine to operating temperature and drive for some time;
• stops, turn off the car and try to start the engine again;
• If the engine starts and stalls, then we have identified the problem.

By the way, the same trouble can occur when starting a cold engine for the first time. It may start but then stall. Moreover, even if the engine continues to run, the idle speed will float and stabilize only after gas operation.

A sign of a breakdown of the idle speed control is also the engine starting only after pressing the accelerator pedal. When the pedal is released, the engine may stall. Please note that failure of this part may be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, when stopping at a traffic light, the car may stall for no reason. Then the engine starts and everything is fine.

Another possible reason for this behavior of the second Focus is an injector malfunction. Of course, this is too broad a description of the problem, but, nevertheless, we need to dig in this direction. If other possible breakdowns have been set aside, then you need to try to deal with the injector. It may be clogged and needs to be cleaned. During diagnostics, it may turn out that some part has worn out and failed.

In order to avoid such problems, you need to operate your car correctly. Injection engines have their own characteristics. Thus, it is not recommended to remove the terminals from the battery if the engine is running at this time. Also, you shouldn’t light up your Focus often. If there is any problem with the battery, it is better to immediately replace it with a new one. It will be more reliable and reasonable.

Checking the battery and electronic control unit

If the starter turns, but is relatively sluggish and the car starts poorly when cold, then you should check the condition of the battery. Often it is its low charge level or complete inoperability that is the main reason for the inability to start the car. It's very easy to check if it works:

• using a multimeter - the switch is set to measure DC voltage with a limit of 20 V - the voltage should be 12.6 V;
• A hydrometer measures the density of the electrolyte - the standard value depends on the ambient temperature.

If the battery voltage is lower than nominal, or other problems are present, then the question of why the car does not start will be answered. It is enough to replace the battery or recharge it in a warm room. Battery problems occur especially often in winter. The discharge is carried out quickly, other problems arise in cold weather.

Another common reason for the inability to start a car engine is a malfunction of the electronic engine control unit. It will be impossible to check its performance without a special device. You will need to connect the adapter via the CAN bus.

Regardless of the type of engine installed, version of the Ford Focus 1 car, the CAN bus for connecting a special diagnostic device is located under the steering wheel. Using it you can get detailed information about the vehicle. Including errors that are present in the engine.

Often the car does not start when hot, or simply stalls while driving. In this case, you need to conduct a diagnosis. During this process, you can detect other faults that may be present. Often on cars with high mileage, the ignition switch fails. Checking it is very simple - just call its contacts in all positions without exception. If the ignition switch fails, then you just need to buy a new one.

The process of diagnosing a Ford Focus 1 car is relatively simple and usually does not cause any difficulties. You just need to carefully check all typical breakdowns. Usually the problem lies in the spark plugs or a faulty ignition switch.

Summarizing

As we were able to find out, unstable engine operation on the second Focus can have many reasons. In some cases, it is quite difficult to identify them, while sometimes the problem can be solved very simply - by restarting the system, removing and replacing wires, etc.

Of course, you can pay attention to all sorts of breakdowns and try to fix them on your own. If this does not bring any results, then it is best to contact professionals who can diagnose and fix the problem.

The engine does not start in cold weather

If the Ford Focus 2 does not start in cold weather, this may indicate a discharged battery. Also among the reasons are breakdowns in the ignition distributor system. High-voltage wires may be damaged or pierced. Also check the ignition coil. However, the most common reasons are still the battery and spark plugs. If the starter turns, the fuel pump works as it should, and the Ford Focus 2 does not start in cold weather, then the spark plugs are most often to blame.

Focus 2 2.0 automatic transmission starts and stalls smoothly

Focus 2 2.0 automatic transmission starts and stalls smoothly

Post by esfirr » Oct 31, 2013 11:57 pm

There is a FF2 2L automatic transmission December 09, mileage 58t. A couple of months ago, when it is started for the first time in a day, it starts up, runs for 2-3 seconds and smoothly drops the speed to “0”. It doesn’t have to be in the morning, sometimes I start it for the first time at 3-4 p.m. The second time it starts fine. Not every day but about 30% of the time. The car is under warranty in Rolf. I took it to them for diagnostics, they found no errors, cleaned the throttle, changed the spark plugs and promised that it would drive. It drives, but not the first time. A day after the rolf, it started again and died. It stalls if you start it right away, and if you turn on the ignition for a minute and then start it. Except for the glitches: at low speed the car slows down when you press the gas pedal, doesn’t react for the first 2-3 seconds, then jerks forward sharply (not regularly). And when standing on the brake in drive mode (at a traffic light), the revs jump, it seems that it will stall, but does not stall (happened several times, including when leaving the diagnostics from Rolf) Before the second diagnostics, we disconnected the battery in the hope of resetting the buggy settings - it stalls , but it doesn’t twitch, or you’ve already gotten used to the current bullshit, don’t stall))) I recorded it on video as it stalled, took it to the rolf and left it for 3 days. Repeated diagnostics revealed nothing, the car did not stall. Versions of the masters after spark plugs and throttle: bad gasoline (I fill up in Moscow with 95m Tatneft, Gazprom, Lukoil), engine wear 58t mileage. double start read instr 131-132str (Ford did not confirm the version with double start to me), the highlight of Ford is that it starts the second time, it’s gentle on the engine. Rolf engineer: started it in front of me, started right away, gave it to me before his next shifts. I left the car park, got stuck in a traffic jam for 1.5 hours, turned off the car at a gas station, refueled it, and started to start it, the speed began to drop to 500-400, almost stalled, but it raised it to 900 (this is the second time). The warranty is running out, the reason is not clear, there are no versions. Who came across it? are there any versions?

PS Ford - drive your dream if you start one)))

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by SAILOR » 01 Nov 2013, 00:55

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by esfirr » 01 Nov 2013, 07:17

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by Serega 2 » 01 Nov 2013, 10:05

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by Dis5 » 01 Nov 2013, 11:04

Forum → Ford → Focus → Operation

ff1 1.8 zetek 2003 Guys, tell me - there are no services. What can be done with your hands, i.e. What's the best way to get around it so that it at least works?? The problem is this - the engine starts when cold and runs fine for the first few minutes - then it stalls. All the symptoms are like running out of gas. We slam the ignition many times, then the starter - it starts up with a jerk, somehow, but when re-engaging it stalls when you press more than half of the gas pedal, the longer it works, it starts to stall with less and less pressure on the gas pedal. And so for several 10 starts - then it can start with a twitch and start working, but not for long - after driving 20 meters - the same thing. After half an hour it starts working normally as if nothing had happened. A comrade in an Opel says that he has the same canoe, like something with the DRMV.

Focus 2 2.0 automatic transmission starts and stalls smoothly

Focus 2 2.0 automatic transmission starts and stalls smoothly

Post by esfirr » Oct 31, 2013 11:57 pm

There is a FF2 2L automatic transmission December 09, mileage 58t. A couple of months ago, when it is started for the first time in a day, it starts up, runs for 2-3 seconds and smoothly drops the speed to “0”. It doesn’t have to be in the morning, sometimes I start it for the first time at 3-4 p.m. The second time it starts fine. Not every day but about 30% of the time. The car is under warranty in Rolf. I took it to them for diagnostics, they found no errors, cleaned the throttle, changed the spark plugs and promised that it would drive. It drives, but not the first time. A day after the rolf, it started again and died. It stalls if you start it right away, and if you turn on the ignition for a minute and then start it. Except for the glitches: at low speed the car slows down when you press the gas pedal, doesn’t react for the first 2-3 seconds, then jerks forward sharply (not regularly). And when standing on the brake in drive mode (at a traffic light), the revs jump, it seems that it will stall, but does not stall (happened several times, including when leaving the diagnostics from Rolf) Before the second diagnostics, we disconnected the battery in the hope of resetting the buggy settings - it stalls , but it doesn’t twitch, or you’ve already gotten used to the current bullshit, don’t stall))) I recorded it on video as it stalled, took it to the rolf and left it for 3 days. Repeated diagnostics revealed nothing, the car did not stall. Versions of the masters after spark plugs and throttle: bad gasoline (I fill up in Moscow with 95m Tatneft, Gazprom, Lukoil), engine wear 58t mileage. double start read instr 131-132str (Ford did not confirm the version with double start to me), the highlight of Ford is that it starts the second time, it’s gentle on the engine. Rolf engineer: started it in front of me, started right away, gave it to me before his next shifts. I left the car park, got stuck in a traffic jam for 1.5 hours, turned off the car at a gas station, refueled it, and started to start it, the speed began to drop to 500-400, almost stalled, but it raised it to 900 (this is the second time). The warranty is running out, the reason is not clear, there are no versions. Who came across it? are there any versions?

PS Ford - drive your dream if you start one)))

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by SAILOR » 01 Nov 2013, 00:55

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by esfirr » 01 Nov 2013, 07:17

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by Serega 2 » 01 Nov 2013, 10:05

Re: Starts and stalls smoothly.

Post by Dis5 » 01 Nov 2013, 11:04

Ford Focus 1 starts and stalls reason

Tell me! The car stalled, started and immediately stalled, as if it was running for 1-2 seconds. I blame the fuel pump

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19 comments on “Starts and immediately stalls”

Most likely he is.

Dmitry, maybe check the module or spark plugs first

Dmitry, during the trip the gas was turned to the floor - did it fail?

Fuel pump, I had this

Ivan, the pump problem often has no effect on idling, the first signs of a dying fuel pump are when the gas hits the floor and it choke and stall, and when you start it it gives a weak injection which is sufficient for idling

Nikita, The pump may just die and there are no signs, I arrived at the house while I was parking, it worked well, it stalled and started right away, stalled and would not start again, there was no sign of trouble

Ivan, anyway, the first signs are the candles, then the module, and only then comes the pump, I just didn’t hear all the symptoms from the author, after which I could make a 100% conclusion

Ivan, especially since the pump can be checked for at least some survivability with the first turn of the key; if a sound is heard, it means there is life

Nikita, If it starts and stalls, it is the remaining fuel in the system that is burning out. And I also didn’t hear anything from the author about what happened next)

Ivan, that’s the problem, maybe this only happens when it’s cold, but when it’s hot everything’s fine, then it’s definitely the candles

Nikita, Yes, there can be many reasons)

The car was warmed up, I sin that on the bump, mud rose from the bottom and clogged the filter... In general, the fuel system

Dmitry, look, maybe there is an air leak in the throttle valve..

Dmitry, did it stall right on the move during a quiet ride?

Dmitry, it’s unlikely that this could happen just because of the bumps and dirt, but the module could have died over time, so it’s tripping and stalling, so check it first

After seeing the policeman, I drove 200 meters at a traffic light and started to move away, but she didn’t move, hummed as if she was in 3rd gear, I started to fail, then everything that was said above

Timing belt jumped

The main symptoms of the malfunction are that the engine stalls, the Ford Focus accelerates poorly, the engine stalls at slow speeds and when braking, the power drops, the car starts poorly when hot or does not start. This set of manifestations may indicate that the timing belt has slipped. This causes a violation of the valve timing, which leads to the problems described above.

Thus, as you can see, the engine of your Ford Focus stalls, as a rule, when braking, idling or when driving slowly, for a number of completely different reasons. To determine the possible reason for this behavior of the mechanism, it is recommended to do it yourself or with the help of a specialist:

1. check the pressure in the fuel rail;
2. check the operating temperature of the engine, as well as the air in the intake manifold;
3. throttle position sensor resistance;
4. the tightness of the clamps on the crankcase ventilation hoses.

Even if this set of diagnostic measures cannot unambiguously answer the question: why the engine of your Ford Focus stalls, it will help eliminate a number of possible problems.

I propose to work together to collect all currently available information in one note. I’ll start, and you correct me, complete me and, I hope, we will get an algorithm for solving most cases.

0. Deal with obvious symptoms, if any.

for example: 0.1 Check Engine light is on Error codes / Check Engine / Engine fault light. (P) 0.2 The speedometer needle jumps: Abnormal behavior of the instrument needles, most likely a malfunction of the speed sensor. (R)

1. Insufficient pressure in the fuel rail.

Automatic transmission: problems when switching on kickdown, freezing speed when switching. Long time switching gearbox. Diagnostic methods: measure the pressure in the fuel line, ramp. (P) Possible causes: 1.1 The fuel pump screens are clogged: Clean the fuel pump screens. (P) 1.2 The fuel pump is out of order or cannot produce the required pressure: Replace or repair the fuel pump. (P) 1.3 The fuel system is not sealed, incl. through the fuel pressure regulator. Useful tips: it is recommended to cut out: The hatch for access to the fuel pump from the passenger compartment. (R)

2. Problems in the ignition system.

Symptoms: the whole set (does not pull/stalls/shuts up.) Diagnostic methods: cracks on the ignition coil, check in a dark room for sparks in the high-voltage wires, at the connection points with the spark plugs and the coil. Possible causes: 2.1 Ignition coil. (P) 2.2 Spark plugs. (P) 2.3 High-voltage wires. (P) Example of faulty wires: Engine does not pull/stalls/shuts up. (P) (message #17233164)

10. Air leak in the intake manifold. Requires additional checking!

Symptoms: shuts up Description: Diagnostic methods: described in the first message of the profile topic: Intake manifold, problems, air leaks. Solution methods: replace the intake manifold gasket.

11. The timing belt has jumped:

The engine does not pull/stalls/shuts up. (P) (message #14421629) Primary symptoms:

Answers (2)

If it starts and stalls, the spark plugs may be to blame - check them first. In addition, the issue may be in the DTOZh sensors - https://avtoexperts.ru/article/datchik-temperatury-ohlazhdayushhej-zhidkosti-neispravnosti-i-proverka/

It’s better to have the car diagnosed at a service center, but first check simple things like the battery, spark plugs

The Ford Focus 1 is comparatively more reliable, but even it has various problems.

Sometimes it happens that the car engine simply does not start. The reasons for this may be different.

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Malfunctions in the ignition system

Repairs should begin with a diagnosis. Often the solution to the problem lies on the surface. Following is noteworthy:

• starter operation;
• Is the noise of the fuel pump audible?
• Ignition relay clicks.

If after turning the key the relay clicks, it means voltage is supplied to the starter. His lack of reaction to this fact indicates a malfunction. The reason may lie in the following:

• poor contact of power wires;
• the solenoid relay is jammed;
• The shaft bearing has failed.

The first thing you should do when checking the starter is to make sure that voltage is coming to the supply terminals at all. Often there is a break and the voltage passing through the relay simply does not reach the contacts. In this case, you need to try running the wire directly from the battery. This will ensure that the solenoid relay itself is working properly.

Sometimes it just gets stuck in one place - in this case, you just need to hit it. If this does not help, then the starter will need to be removed and inspected. Ford Focus 1 is supplied with fairly reliable components from the factory. Usually, a failed starter can still be revived.

Ignition system problems

Incorrect ignition operation can cause a number of different manifestations, including:

• The engine will not start;
• stalls at idle;
• craving disappears;
• and so on.

To identify an ignition problem, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the system elements. Obviously, the engine does not start or stalls for this reason if cracks are detected on the ignition coil, as well as sparks on the high-voltage wires at the junction with the coil and spark plugs.

The causes of ignition failures, due to which the engine on a Ford Focus stalls at idle or slow speed, and does not start, may be a malfunction of the ignition coil, spark plugs, or wires. The solution to the problem is to repair or replace faulty components.

Fuel supply system

Sometimes the car does not start due to problems in the fuel supply system. They can be of the following type:

• the injectors are clogged or there is simply no power supplied to them;
• the fuel filter has failed;
• fuel pump is broken;
• There are other problems in the gasoline supply line from the tank.

This car is equipped only with an injection engine. Therefore, the presence of a certain pressure in the fuel system plays an important role. If the engine shaft rotates, but the car does not grab, or simply stalls, it is worth checking the pressure in the fuel supply system. This can be done at the junction of the ramp with a fitting. You will need to use a pressure gauge with the appropriate thread.

There are often problems associated with the operation of the injectors. Most often, they simply become clogged - especially if the car is often filled with low-quality gasoline. It is difficult to clean the injectors yourself.

It is advisable to seek help from specialists. Also, food may simply not come to them. You can check its presence with a regular tester - by setting the mode switch to constant voltage and the limit of 20 V.

Often the problem lies in the fuel filter. It needs to be changed every 40-50 thousand km. Sometimes, when using low-quality fuel, it fails a little earlier.

This part is consumable. Therefore, you should simply purchase a new filter. If the car doesn't start well, the problem may be low fuel level.

It is undesirable to allow 100% gasoline consumption - a zero level can cause the fuel pump to fail. This occurs due to air being sucked in instead of liquid.

As a result, the pump overheats and breaks down. Replacing it will be relatively inexpensive. Repair is not advisable. If possible, it is advisable to check the integrity of the fuel line - it is laid under the bottom of the car.

The fuel pump valve control key burns out

Ford Transit minibuses produced from 2000 to 2006 were equipped with diesel engines with a BOSCH VP30 injection pump (high pressure fuel pump) and a PSG-5 electronic control unit that controls valve operation. Why did you install the ECU? The point is the manufacturer’s desire to make the pump design cheaper and more universal, so that when adjustments are made to the program, it can be installed on any diesel engines. But due to low-quality Russian diesel fuel, the pump valve often begins to stick, as a result of which the control key in the PSG-5 unit burns out and the diesel engine stops starting.

Popular brands:

Ford Focus, Ford Galaxy, Ford Taurus, Ford Transit

If such a breakdown occurs, the manufacturer recommends replacing the entire unit, since its individual parts are not produced, and it is extremely difficult to find an analogue. Therefore, a faulty PSG-5 is usually purchased through an exchange fund from Bosch or replaced with a used consumable. In the latter case, no one can guarantee how long the purchased part will last.

Checking spark plugs

If the ignition system is in order and fuel is supplied to the engine, then the problem may lie in the spark plugs. Checking for a spark is not difficult:

• it is necessary to remove the candlesticks from all candles;
• one needs to be unscrewed and connected to the armored wire;
• Next, you should “turn” the engine.

If there is a bright blue spark between the central electrode and the side electrode, there are no problems with the operation of the spark plugs. If the flash color is red or there is no flash at all, it should be replaced.

It should be noted: according to the recommendation of the car manufacturer, spark plugs should be changed every 10 thousand km. If there is a spark, you should check the functionality of the ignition coil.

You don't need any special tool for this. All you need is a tester - it allows you to ring the winding. The resistance should fluctuate between 2-3 ohms. If it tends to infinity or is equal to 0, then the coil must be replaced with a new one. Problems often arise with the crankshaft position sensor.

Separately, you should check the fuse that supplies voltage to the starter - it is not present on all cars. It should be noted that the current flowing through it is quite large. Typically, such a fuse can easily withstand 200 A.