one for the car wizards?

[chrisjpainter]

I was driving back from leicester today, when my little Focus started being odd! Occasionally the rev counter and oil gauge would bottom out, then bounce immediately back up again to where they should be, then the engine warning light flickered on and off. The odd thing was although the rev counter dropped to 0, the actual revs stayed fine. There was no drop in power and speed and engine sound remained constant. This all happened at varying speeds, it's just been serviced and MOT'd. had i not been watching the rev counter, i would never have known there was a problem. it drove perfectly. Any thoughts?

[Andy135]

Sounds like an electrical fault with the gauge senders maybe, or a loose connection to the dash.

[SSS]

Is it a 1.8 by any chance? Could be the ECU but more than likely the speed sensor confusing the engine management system causing a surge in power. A new speed sensor will more than likely sort it but I'm no mechanic. Get it to a garage so they can plug in and diagnose.

[chrisjpainter]

It's a 1.6 zetec. stupid electrics! I vote for a return to steam power.

[Blacksheep]

I would check the battery connections and the engine earth strap .

[sonicdmb]

my first thought would be earth fault on the dash would explain why it didn't affect engine. could also be power supply to dash. check fuses for corrosion beyond that your in auto electrician territory.

[chrisjpainter]

Thanks chaps! an evening under the bonnet and behind the instruments is in order

[HAYBURN]

Also check alternator is charging battery.ford focus well know for dash faults......dry solder joints...poor connections

 

at plugs on dash

[rabbiter]

my mrs had a 1.6 zetec and same thing was happening to hers,was the vehicle speed sensor,its located on front axle iirc......DAZ

[Livefast123]

Could be the start of your coil going, I had a mk3 Mondeo that started bouncing the dials and then misfiring a few weeks later.

[bikemad24]

Alternator- i would check the wires on the back for corrosion. You can sometimes tell a long before an alternator fails because the rev counter packs up. This is what iv found in the past anyway. if you tell what year il look through my wiring diagrams to see what the rev works off.

[lordripon]

get the fault codes read, it could be quite a few things. or have a look at ebay for a fault code reader or disc and lead for your lap top....it always saves you cash in the long run especially if you want to keep the car long term.

[Brad93]

Battery or alternator.

Not a speed sensor, that is on a gear at the back of the gearbox, runs off the crown wheel. Rev meter takes its reading from the coilpack if I remember correctly.

 

My 1.6 fiesta had a problem with the clocks when starting due to an old battery. Revometer would shoot all the way round and self test along with the temperature and fuel gauges. New battery sorted it.

Depending on age (didn't read OP fully) if there are no EML's on the dash there are no codes to read without using fords full diagnostics package. Handheld readers of even £400 won't pick up any faults. I know. I have one. The next thing up is something like the snap on, solus, autologic, very expensive.

 

Never heard of problems with clocks like you're saying.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Brad93