My fiesta xr2i keeps cutting out in the morning ................?

Question

usually within the first few minutes and always when i come upto a junction while braking. Then once it has done that sometimes it wont start up for ages. Starter motor is fine and the car runs fine after it has done it. It is on a L reg 1.8i z-tec?? Many thanks

Answer 1

Hi

It sounds like you may have a faulty coolant temperature sensor. I think these engines have two, one for the gauge which is on the coolant elbow which houses the thermostat and which I think has a blue plug, and one which I think may be on the intake manifold and I think has a white plug.

The easy way to find out is to measure the input voltage. The gauge sensor will have a 12 volt input whilst cold and the ECU sensor will only have about 4.5 to 5 volts whilst cold.

It is the ECU sensor you are looking for and I am almost sure it is the one on the intake manifold with the white plug.

The ZETECS also had a problem with the spark plugs earthing out on the cylinder head, and the fix was new plugs and leads and a coating of silicone spray on the leads.

Cheers

Geordie

Answer 2

Carb icing?
I had a Nova SRi that did the same thing, but only after I'd fitted an after market air filter. I had to attach a hose from exhaust manifold to bottom of carb to direct warm air there to stop icing.

Answer 3

z tec is normaly very good engine. no carp like the prat up there said its injection.
so plugs or ht leads breaking down?
get it it to ford just in case there is a senser playing up

Answer 4

Get it to a garage. It sounds like it might just need a tune up, you know spark plugs, fuel filter,plug wires,or whatever.

Answer 5

Uh, get a REAL car. But in the meantime, let it warm up for 5 or ten minutes before you leave your driveway your parking space.

Answer 6

have you automatic choke,thay can play up.