Power Loss - Galaxy 1.9td Zetec Auto

[SimonD]

Hi,

 

First of all - an apology. I did try to use the search function but couldn't find what I am looking for - possibly because I don't really know how best to describe my problem.

 

I have a 2.5 year old Galaxy 1.9TD Zetec with a five speed Auto that has the balance of the manufacturer's warranty on it. I've owned the car for around 3 months and have done about 2,500 miles in it, it has done a total of around 41,000 miles.

 

I've driven around 30 miles in it today, mostly on country lanes, but a bit of urban driving as well. There has been a fair bit of starting and stopping. The last leg of my journey involved a short hop between junctions 5 and 6 on the A1(M), which is eesentially a mile climbing up a fairly steep hill (for a motorway, that is), then about another mile going down the other side. As I pulled onto the slip road and put my foot down, there was a loss of power. The car gradually climbed up the hill, but instead of joining the motorway at 70mph, I was struggling to get over 40mph. Once I got to the top of the hill, gravity helped, and I got the car up to 70mph on the down hill section, but I still didn't have any power to speak of. I tried kicking down, but that made no difference.

 

Anyone got any ideas as to what the problem might be. It'll be going to the Ford dealer first thing Monday, but I'd like to know what I'm dealing with before then if possible. Hopefully, I can then ask the right questions.

 

Many thanks,

 

Simon

[mumof4]

No need to appologise Simon :lol:

[SimonD]

No need to appologise Simon :lol:

 

Cheers. I have been a moderator on a large forum and know how annoying it can be when certain old chestnuts keep reappearing ;-)

 

To give an update on my car. I have just been outside to try it again, and it now appears to be working normally. I assume that it must have gone into some kind of limp home mode before, and I will still take it to the garage on Monday, so I'd still be grateful if anyone can suggest what the problem might be, and whether I still have anything to worry about.

 

Cheers,

 

Simon

[Neils TDi again]

Sounds like you may have a MAF problem if it happens again stop and pull the plug off it and see if the power returns if so it may be time to buy a new one (well have it replaced under warranty if the will).

 

Good luck and welcome

[SimonD]

Neil,

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not very mechanically minded and have no idea of what a MAF is, or how I remove its plug;-) Is there a glossary of technical abbreviations on this site? However, I am reassured that it sounds a lot simpler than "you need a new turbo" or "you need a new gear box"!

 

Cheers,

 

Simon

[NikpV]

have a look here

 

how to change a maf

 

this link is in the FAQ which you can also get to by clicking on the faq link in my signature (along with lots of other useful links)

 

 

btw MAF = Mass AirFlow sensor

Edited July 14, 2007 by NikpV

[SimonD]

That's really helpful! Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction. As I said elsewhere, I will take the time to browse the forums in more detail now that I think I know where I'm heading with the immediate problem.

 

Cheers,

 

Simon

[mumof4]

umm...i dont think it is the MAF, as when it goes, it goes and the power doesnt return or go back to normal.If unplugging the MAF makes the car run better, then yes it is the MAF, but if it makes it worse..then it isnt why your car lost power.The car will become a slug when the Maf goes.

[seatkid]

Limp home mode is usually triggered by boost pressure anomolies (too high or too low).

 

Usually caused by leaking/blocked vacuum pipes, (inc leaking brake servo), sticky actuator on the turbo, or less often, sensors such as the MAP sensor (but NOT the MAF sensor).

 

Usually brought on when you put your foot down - the boost doesnt stay in the correct band and ........

 

Limp mode is reset when you restart the ignition.