Loss of power

2014 FORD FIESTA
98,000 MILES • 1.0L • 3 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • MANUAL
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JUAN LEG
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  • 4 POSTS
When driving for a period of time at about 60-70 mph my car occasionally has a loss of power as though the turbo has been stolen. it becomes very sluggish and struggles to accelerate without dropping into third gear. However, if I pull over turn the car off and open the door to cut the power completely then start it up it works fine again for a few weeks. In total this has happened about six times in three months. No warning lights noises or smells coming from the engine. Any ideas?
Jul 10, 2019 at 5:28 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good morning,

This sounds like a clogged catalytic converter. The converters break apart inside and sometimes the broken pieces clog the out of the converter causing a blockage resulting in a loss of power. The engine cannot breathe when that happens.

Roy
Jul 10, 2019 at 6:12 AM
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JUAN LEG
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Is that likely to go away for a time from just turning the car on and off again though?
Jul 10, 2019 at 6:36 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yes, it could. The broken piece could move once the engine stops.

Roy
Jul 10, 2019 at 6:59 AM
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JUAN LEG
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Great! thanks, I will start there then.
Jul 10, 2019 at 7:01 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Jul 10, 2019 at 7:13 AM
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JUAN LEG
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Just been reading up on this. It has been suggested that the failure of the catalytic converter would also lead to an eggy smell, and a drop in fuel economy and most likely an engine warning light. None of these are present in my car.
Jul 10, 2019 at 7:16 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Yes to all when it is that, bad but never a light. There is a 420 code for the precious metals that wear out but never one for being clogged.

Roy
Jul 10, 2019 at 7:20 AM
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BMDOUBLE
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The rotten egg smell is not always there with a catalytic converter failure. I've replaced lots of converters on Focus and Fiestas from P0420 code and intermittent loss of power, totally agree with Roy!
Jul 11, 2019 at 10:16 AM
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