UKH

I've got a 2002 Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, which has been a right pain in the arse since we've had it. The latest problem is a hesitancy at just over 2000 rpm, which happens quite frequently and seems to be getting worse. If you accelerate it's fine; pulls away hard.

I was concerned it was the fuel pump on the way out, but the guys at Ford said it doesn't sound like that, as they tend to go without warning on start-up.

I'm in two minds whether to just get rid of it and get a Honda, but it would be nice if it was able to be rectified cheaply and give us another year or so.

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

In reply to Submit to Gravity:

Do you get clouds of black smoke when it is being hesitant?

In reply to Submit to Gravity:

Assuming engine in good overall condition (oil and water etc)

That's a tough one to diagnose, could be any number of causes.

Has the turbo noise become more noticeable? Could be a split in an intercooler hose, allowing pressure to bleed off at low throttle settings, get someone to rev it and listen for a hiss.

Otherwise its probably sensor or EGR related and you will need to plug it in.

Cheers Adam

In reply to Fultonius:

Not that I've noticed - I'll keep an eye out.

In reply to butteredfrog:

It's already had a new turbo hose, but I'll do as you suggest.

Local lad with a computer (obviously not a Ford one) plugged it in and it didn't pick anything up.

It's done 122k, and has FSH, all bar the last service done at a Ford main dealer.

We've had the injectors re-coded about 3 times now (for which one Ford dealer tried to charge me £400!)

In reply to butteredfrog:

Just been for a spin in it. Of course, it didn't hesitate. I did notice a whooshing sound at the right rev range, not a hissing or whistling. I'm not sure what the turbo sounds like normally to be honest, but my wife thinks it's different to how it used to sound, so may be worth investigating.

Thanks to all for the replies so far, much appreciated.

In reply to Submit to Gravity:

The MAF (mass air flow) sensor is a common cause of hesitancy in diesels. (My experience is with VW's but it's common to most makes).

Worth checking, although it's not a cheap part to replace without knowing its at fault.

In reply to Submit to Gravity:

It may pay you to seek out a diesel specialist. There is probably somebody in your area that does nothing but diesel engine work, both truck and car.

You seem to be saying that it's fine if you floor it. That's certainly an interesting pointer.



(Frankly, diesels have never been easy since they started trying to make the governors respond like petrol engines.)