LR Focus problems - no power on hills...

eMpTy · 17-03-2010, 05:57 PM

Hey guys,

Got a problem with an LR Focus that seems to think it's a Rolls-Can'ardly.

It's been parked up for 3 weeks while my parents were on holidays, was running fine before they left and did a few short runs around town the day they got back without any dramas.
The problems started monday night when mum was heading down the west coast for work (7on-7off in a remote hospital). From what she has said on the phone she was about halfway when the car started "chugging" (surging) along the flats at 100 in 5th & 4th. Up the hills got so bad that she was back to 1st gear on some hills that usually the car will take in top gear.
From a standing start on flat ground, the car won't even move unless the revs are over 4,000rpm.

I was thinking that it might be a blocked cat as the exhaust had been rattling slightly recently, but apparently the temp gauge hasn't been rising anymore than normal and I thought this sort of strain from a blocked cat would cause overheating.

I'm going to head down there on the weekend to check it all out. Planning to take a new fuel filter, air filter, plugs & leads. Is there anything else that would be a good idea to take with me or to check on the car?

Any advice appreciated
Cheers
Mick

FOCUSonTHIS · 17-03-2010, 08:17 PM

Prob a tow truck as well due to the endless list of fault it may have

melbzetec · 18-03-2010, 08:46 AM

Mick, I'd suspect a blocked cat as well........when mine went, it didn't show any temp increases

photn · 18-03-2010, 11:57 PM

Also check the MAF sensor. though unlikley it may have some dust or something arather on it. i know when it goes or starts to go...it just gets really difficult to drive.

eMpTy · 19-03-2010, 12:45 AM

Cheers for the replies.
She's managed to get it into a mechanic tomorrow.

eMpTy · 24-03-2010, 08:15 PM

Well, the mechanic got it going enough for her to make it back home.
The problem he found? Water & lots of it. Apparently when he pulled the leads off to check the plugs they were wet, all up there was nearly 400ml of water sitting down where the plugs are on all 4cyls. Couldn't find the source of it unfortunately.
Just wondering if anyone else has come across this problem?
I had a look today and it's definitely water on the plugs, not coolant. Car was in a shed for 3wks without moving and hasn't been driven through any rain or puddles since so the source of the water has me absolutely stumped.

Tj-zetec · 25-03-2010, 10:44 AM

Oh right. I should have thought of this.

This happened to me when I had my LR except it wasn't as bad and there wasn't was much water.

The cause...... Umm... Someone being a little over zealous with the hose whilst cleaning the engine bay.

: The seals on the leads aren't too crash hot.

If it's still not right pop your leads out and take to it with some WD40, don't forget the ends of the plug leads. Leave it to dry for a little bit then plug them back in.

You'd think it would evaporate but it doesn't.