Ford c-max drinking petrol

[chady]

Hi all

 

Could do with some advice in where to start! Please.

 

We have a 08 ford c max 1.8 petrol.

 

And just got a call from mrs asking me to have a look at it as she thinks it's drinking fuel.

 

Now I have suspected this before! It's seams to be intermittent.

 

And I drove it last week and I thought it was sluggish. I mentioned it to the mrs and she says she has not noticed it!

 

Now I'll check for leaks but don't think it's that as on a Tarmac drive so would have noticed! And it bing intermittent.

 

The engine management light is NOT on, but would a error code pick any thing up? Or not as the light is not on?

 

So any idea's on where to start please??

 

Thanks Jamie

[robbiep]

Start with the most basic items. Servicing, for example, has the engine air filter been changed ? Apart from that, it could be the EGR valve, mass airflow meter, or lots of other bits. A diagnostic might pick up on these, but might not.

Edited May 8, 2014 by robbiep

[chady]

Thanks it was changed last year but I'll check it and it been fully serviced.

 

Is there a way of checking if sensors are working right?

[thepasty]

First you need to confirm whether it is or isnt by doing a real world mpg test.

[chady]

How do you do that?

[chady]

Is that where you fill it till pump clicks and reset mileage then when you refill see how many gallons you put in to get your mpg?

[thepasty]

yes, fill up, drive 50miles then full up again to know how much it used.

[chady]

Thanks I'll do that

Thanks I'll do that

[Del T]

Could be a faulty lambda sensor.

[chady]

I'm thinking it's a sensor. As it's seams to be intermittent.

 

I've herd you can check some sensors with a multimeater? Any idears how ?

[Tim Kelly]

My jeep suddenly started giving 14MPG instead of the usual 27 or so, but seemed to be running fine otherwise. Did a check and the computer was about right. Turned out the handbrake pads had fallen off the shoes and were binding the rear wheels.

[yod dropper]

I'd also check for a binding brake, some of the calipers are known to stick on the Mondeos, might be the same on a Focus. Fits in with sluggishness as well. Simply check the heat of all wheels after you've driven it, you might find one or more is hotter than the the others. If you do it yourself, just start with cleaning and regreasing the pins rather than thinking you need a new caliper. It's possible to clean the piston up a bit without dismantling the whole caliper but it's more of a job.

Edited May 9, 2014 by yod dropper

[chady]

Thanks I'll have a look at that as well thanks

[88b]

Any sensor out of spec will put the engine management light on. Does it have the electric hand brake ? Known to go wrong so could be a rear caliper partially on. Another problem with the 1.8 petrol is the solenoid that controls the flaps in the inlet manifold, this would affect power low down and fuel consumption. The solenoid is on the right side over the trans and has rubber pipes going to it, could even be a split pipe or pipe fallen off.

[Del T]

Any sensor out of spec will put the engine management light on. Does it have the electric hand brake ? Known to go wrong so could be a rear caliper partially on. Another problem with the 1.8 petrol is the solenoid that controls the flaps in the inlet manifold, this would affect power low down and fuel consumption. The solenoid is on the right side over the trans and has rubber pipes going to it, could even be a split pipe or pipe fallen off.

My lambda sensor went funny but didn't bring a error up. It just used a lot more fuel than normal which is bad considering it uses plenty normally! (Modded mitsi evo)

[chady]

Thanks think this happened on my dads mondeo.

 

It hasn't seamed to play up yet. Again

 

But I'll have a look

 

And no it's not the electrical handbrake so not that

 

Thanks Jamie

 

 

Any sensor out of spec will put the engine management light on. Does it have the electric hand brake ? Known to go wrong so could be a rear caliper partially on. Another problem with the 1.8 petrol is the solenoid that controls the flaps in the inlet manifold, this would affect power low down and fuel consumption. The solenoid is on the right side over the trans and has rubber pipes going to it, could even be a split pipe or pipe fallen off.

Edited May 13, 2014 by chady

[aauser]

Check that the spark plug chambers have no water contamination as this will generate a misfire till it dries out water will come from poor fitting washer jets and fill the chambers. Also check the wiring to ignition coils as these break close to the connector block as the wiring can be routed wrong

[tigger got stichs]

my mrs 09 fiesta had the same prob turned out it had a pin ***** hole in the fuel rail coz there **** plastic I also know of 3 other cases of fiestas were I live it took months before even a smell of petrol was evident could be c maxs as well?

[yod dropper]

Would highly recommend registering on the TalkFord forum. Ford Technicians on there plus other people who know their stuff. Masses of old threads to search though as well or ask your question. They're free with their knowledge. I find it invaluable.

 

Not sure if you'll be able to see this or not if you're not registered.

 

http://www.talkford.com/forum/362-ford-c-max-forum/

 

Good luck with it.

Edited May 14, 2014 by yod dropper

[chady]

Thanks all I'm going to try and have a look this weekend.

 

According to the other half it's been fine since!!

 

Thanks I'll let u all know how I get on