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2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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newtocars
Novice
Dec 13, 2012, 10:02 AM
Post #1 of 11
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2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Hey everyone! I have a 2005 Ford Focus 2.0 Zx4 that just broke just broke 100,000 miles a little ways back. When I drive it for a while now, it starts sputtering around idle and lower rpms, then eventually it just stalls out. When it starts up, I can be slowing down rolling to a red light, and I have to switch to neutral and tap the gas so it doesn't stall out, up until it's green again and I can put it into drive and keep going. The check engine light is on so I took it to Autozone to be tested: P0171, Fuel Trim Bank One Condition, THe computer has recognized a rich or lean condition on one engine bank only. One guy thinks it's the 02 Sensor. Another said he thinks my fuel pump is on its way out. If it's one of those two things I can fix the problem without dumping a ton of money into a mechanic, and I am definitely on a budget. ANY car advice on this would be incredibly appreciated. Thank you.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 13, 2012, 11:09 AM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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They both could be wrong if you have a MAF not reporting the correct air flow or a vacuum leak. Lean code needs to be systematically diagnosed instead of using the carnival ring toss method. Probably a good idea to first start by checking for vacuum leaks. Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 13, 2012, 5:19 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Also on your engine you only have bank one since it is a 4 cylinder. Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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newtocars
Novice
Dec 13, 2012, 6:13 PM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Thanks. The vacuum leak test is next on my list.
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newtocars
Novice
Dec 13, 2012, 6:15 PM
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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So you're saying in the end it could very well be my mass airflow sensor as well? Not excited about that.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 13, 2012, 6:23 PM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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I'm not saying that it is a problem, but it's a possibility. You think of all the possibilities and test them to eliminate each one. Noticed I typed test instead of the Autozone's diagnostic method of replacing parts (swaptronics) to resolve an issue. Most DIY and even some professionals use the swaptronic method because they don't know how to test something to see if it is actually bad or not. I don't blame them to resorting to swaptronics because most can't afford the equipment and schooling or don't have access to the information on how to test something. I would probably do the same thing in their shoes. I guess that is why us technicians are paid the big bucks... (sarcasm) I had a customer today that asked me what my best guess was on her VW passat with a TR sensor problem. I couldn't duplicate her concern. I asked her was she willing to pay $300-$1000 dollars on my best guess. She didn't say anything after that...LOL Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 13, 2012, 7:02 PM)
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newtocars
Novice
Dec 14, 2012, 5:52 AM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Gonna have to do 'swaptronics' myself than. If is doesn't do the trick, I'll have to do 'clean-that-mother-up so Autozone will take it back-tronics'. Guess I'll start with renting some equip. for a vacuum leak test. Than I'll try the 02 sensor. If not i'm wondering if I should try replacing the fuel pump at that point. I just know once I replace that than I won't be able to get my money back on it. So before I replace the fuel pump, would you think it would be best to get a diagnostic done at Ford, and possibly let them fix it? It's $90 for the test to start with. If they can tell me the EXACT issue, than I can see if I can do it myself, or at least price shop for a mechanic. Let me know if there is a kink in my plan so far please and thank you.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 14, 2012, 5:59 AM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Do some visual inspections first. Make sure all your hoses and duct work are connected, plugs aren't worn out, and filters are clean. If everything looks good visually you have the option of renting equipment and attempting to troubleshooting it yourself or pay someone else to troubleshoot it for you. Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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newtocars
Novice
Dec 14, 2012, 7:36 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Thanks for the advice. I'll check back in when/if I get it all figured out.
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nickwarner
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Dec 14, 2012, 2:46 PM
Post #10 of 11
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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You can rent a fuel pressure gauge at some parts stores, or buy a cheap one outright for $30 or so. Cheaper than a $90 check at Ford to be able to test your own pressure.
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Sidom
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Dec 14, 2012, 8:06 PM
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Re: 2005 Ford Focus Spuddering/stalling
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Something you may want to try in addition to the other help is the get a can of MAF sensor cleaner & clean the MAF sensing wire. If it makes a noticable improvement on your problem the replace the MAF..... Some sensors the wire can be "hidden" inside a chamber so make sure you look very carefully & don't subsitute any other type of cleaner....
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