Stuttering, limp mode and shaking?

MARCONUOVA

MEMBER
2013 FORD FIESTA
1.0L
3 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
114,000 MILES

Since a week or so my Ford Fiesta (2014, normal model 59kw/80hp, nothing special) has started to stutter.

What I mean by that is when I'm giving gas it occasionally (especially when the engine is cold) feels like it's giving gas, then it's not and then it is and so on.

I brought it to a mechanic who looked at it and suspected it might be a broken ignition coil, so he replaced all 3 of them to see if the problem persists and asked me to take the car for a day to test ride it and see if it's solved.

When I drove to the gym this morning, I noticed straight away the problem was still there, even worse than before and now the car felt like it had gone into limp mode (I guess?). I couldn't get it to accelerate faster than 2200 rpm and 60km/h. Also, once I arrived at the gym the whole car was shaking and when I looked at the engine it was shaking a lot (see video)

The yellow engine light kept blinking but didn't stay on, which didn't allow the mechanic to read a code.

Could you tell me what is causing this and if it's something I can fix myself or need a shop to fix?

Kindest regards!

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,604 POSTS

I don't see the video; can you please reload it? It can take a while over the phone so please be patient, also do you know the code number? You say the mechanic changed the coils but were the spark plugs replaced as well? If not, I would replace the spark plugs here is what needs to be done which makes sense because the check engine light will come on when the engine misfires.

Here is a guide to help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Also, there is 1 ignition coil but 3 were replaced?

Removal and Installation

1. NOTICE: Spark plug wires must be connected correctly. For additional information, refer to the Coil Terminal-to-Cylinder Relationship illustration in the Description and Operation, Engine Ignition See: Ignition System > Components > Engine Ignition portion. Failure to follow this instruction may result in poor engine performance.

NOTICE: Do not pull on the spark plug wire as it may separate from the spark plug wire connector inside the spark plug wire boot.

Disconnect the spark plug wires from the ignition coil by slightly twisting while pulling upwards.

2. Disconnect the ignition coil electrical connector.

3. Remove the 4 ignition coil bolts.

- To install, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).

4. Remove the ignition coil.

5. NOTE: Wipe the coil towers with a clean cloth dampened with soap and water. Remove any soap film and dry with compressed air. Inspect for cracks, carbon tracking and dirt.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

- Apply silicone dielectric compound to the inside of the spark plug wire boots prior to installation.

You should replace the spark plug wires as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 10:43 AM

MARCONUOVA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Sorry, here is the video!

After I left the car and took a carpool to work, after work I picked it up and drove it home, the engine light finally stayed on. The mechanic couldn't read the code due to it blinking and not registering a code.

The mechanic is an acquaintance of mine, he did check the sparkplugs but those looked fine he said (he did replace them 4 months ago). Also, with I mean the 3 bobines instead of ignition coil(?), Sorry English is not my first language. You can see the brand-new ones in the video.

However, the mechanic just picked up the car to check it tomorrow for the error codes and will let me know what's wrong. I just missed your answer but it's very insightful and if the code says the problem is one of these you mentioned, I might give it a try myself to fix it!

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 11:12 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,604 POSTS

Thanks for the video, it helps. This looks like you may have low compression in one cylinder or one of the spark plugs is cracked or bad. I would recheck the spark plugs by removing them and while you are at it use a compression gauge to ensure the engine is in good shape.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

and this guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Please go over these guides and get back to us.

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 11:39 AM