i have a ford fiesta zetec 1997 1.3 that cuts out while driving on going now for 2 years?

Question

my fiesta cuts out while slowing down towards roundabouts/lights ect also while driving normaly the power backs off and will not pick up speed it is almost like the brakes are on. This has been going on for 2 years on and off, work gets done and the fault seems to hide for awhile then comes back normaly within three months. Had many parts replaced, valves cleaned out/new valves/new speed sensor/new throttle/new relay which the fault codes had to travel through, at the end of my teather and bank balance ford dealler has now said have i considered a new car need ideas has anyone had problems like this and a solution been found if not i think its the scrap yard thankyou

thankyou for your answers in reply just like to say this is car has not just been to 1 mechanic last count 5 they have been given a chance then i have moved on no 1 has ever mentioned the idle valve might give it a try thankyou

Answer 1

I had the same problem with an old Escort Encore 1.3, and like you it kept cutting out whilst slowing down at junctions and roundabouts. The fault was intermittent and i can honestly say that no matter how often it did this when ever it went into the garage they could not find a fault. I eventually scrapped the car off as it was 1995 registration plate and had no value. not sure about you but i did find it a little scary when you go to pull out on a roundabout and the car would stop in the middle of the road. Sorry i can't be much help but my advise to you is if you feel unsafe in the car then get rid!

Answer 2

Dagenham Dustbin - as Fords are commonly known!

I had an Escort with the same problem - many bills and repairs (so-called by Ford) later...I found out that it was a fault with the electrical/electronic link to the injectors!

Got a 10pence piece of wire and cut the existing wire and put my bit in. Problem went!

In all fairness (as much asI hate Ford cars) this was not a known issue on Fiestas, BUT, you never know!

It may also be an intermittent Engine Management Unit fault! Most of these cars are controlled by electronic components now and they can be a pig to track down - I don't think it has or had anything to do with valves, speed sensors or anything like that! I would suspect the above or an Engine Idle Valve problem.

Answer 3

My Tigra does the same!!
I boot it up to the roundabout, brake, the revs drop and the pesky car cuts out! I can usually slam it in 2nd gear and bump it!
I always know when its going to happen as my engine management light comes on and it starts spluttering!
Its been hooked up to the computer and nothing shows up, its had a new engine, all filters cleaned and my ex was a mechanic so it was looked after!
There is no pattern, like weathers etc, and can be fine for 5 weeks and then every day it does it!!!
Had loads of bits replaced but no!
I have been told its a common fault with no reason! There must be!
I do sympathise as its so embarrassing! My Tigras an N reg!

Answer 4

you need a better mechanic.

sorry, but your description is rather vague, imagine im the flying doctor at 20 000 feet.. we need a little more to go on to make a reasonable diagnosis.

it sounds like its the idle control jets.. its an INJ engine isnt it?

your slowing down, foot off the gas, so all it can be is fuel related... check the tank breathers, and the fuel filters, check the AED, and the high pressure resovior.

if it picks up eventually check the air filter and the dizzy cap/rotor arm... they should be shiny brass, not corroded green.


and after two years, id be wondering why my mechanic wasnt doing a good job... this isnt rocket science... its basic engineering.



you eat out and have a bad meal... do you go back? coz i dont.

Answer 5

Hi I had the same problem with a fiesta from the year, it actually was the idle engine valve i had it replaced and then got shot of it! I'd suggest you do the same. failing that get some dodgy person to nick it and burn it out for an insurance job........

Answer 6

fuel filter? replace if needed...fuel injectors..?? clean if needed
this sounds like the problem is going to nickel and dime you to death..don't keep putting good money after bad. i have worked for Ford Motor Company for over 28 years and I have had it with the fix or repair daily attitude of the ford motor company...ford means found on the road dead...get a nice Toyota or Honda but anything that is not United Auto Workers Made....enough said as i have been screwed by ford for the last time...lol

Answer 7

I even have had lots of vehicles, of which 6 the place vauxhall and four the place fords. Vauxhalls are for extra solid and the engines final for ever. some years in the past I examine a pair of guy who had a vauxhall astra that had executed a million miles on the comparable engine. they are good vehicles.

Answer 8

fiestas are well dodgy on electricals bunk of junk is my pet name for mine

Answer 9

Buy a new car!