Ford Ka Juddering (AGAIN!!!!) in The AnswerBank: Motoring

erin-x

Question Author

Anyone? HiQ doesn't open for another hour and I'm not entirely sure if it will today or not :|

NoMercy

When does it judder? Whilst you are driving or as you are coming to a stop?

erin-x

Question Author

The whole time really. It's especially bad when i'm pulling away and in 1st and 2nd gear. Driving in 3rd is a bit better with high revs but it really struggled getting up the wee hill to get home last night :|

I'm so fed up with it! I'm getting a new car but not until my work contract is permanent at the end of this month. My insurance is up for renewal next week as well. I really grudge insuring this piece of junk again!!

NoMercy

Mine sometimes judders as I pull up at the traffic lights and feels like it's going to stall. This only happens periodically and I've learned to live with it.

My next car will be an Aston Martin. ;-)

erin-x

Question Author

It's really peeing me off! :|

I'm looking at a Ferrari 458 myself. With Alonso is the passenger seat of course ;-)

NoMercy

Well Jenson Button can rev my engine anyday.

tonyav

Does the engine management light come on ?.

erin-x

Question Author

Oooh I do like Jenson :-) lol!

It flashes on and off just like before. It was only a five minute journey so I think it would come on properly if it was a longer drive like before.

And thanks for replying you two :-)

tonyav

If the engine management light has been on it will have stored the fault code in the E.C.U. To get the fault code it will have to be plugged in to a computer. If you find out it is a faulty coil pack or spark plug take it back to garage where it was repaired and get them to put it right.

jake-the-peg

Before you do - it might just be worth checking the connections on all the leads - it's not beyond doubt that one might have come loose.

Always worth checking the simple stuff before cracking open the computers

erin-x

Question Author

Sorry Jake.. It's in the garage just now and i've just seen your reply :|

He said something about pencil coils (?) and the younger one said that after one goes usually another one goes soon after. Excuse my ignorance but I though coil PACK was plural! =s

Hymie

Many years ago, petrol vehicles were fitted with a single HT coil, that supplied the spark to each plug in sequence. This was achieved using a ‘distributor fitted with a rotor arm’. There were many disadvantages to this method of spark ignition – not least of which was the fact that the high voltage was being fed down long leads to each spark plug.

Later, vehicles were fitted with what could correctly be called a ‘coil pack’ in that they might contain a separate coil for each plug – but more likely a coil supplying each of two plugs.

Most vehicles are now fitted with the HT coil integral to each spark plug connector. You can easily determine if you have such a system on any vehicle by closely inspecting the wiring to each spark plug. Those having integral coils within the spark plug connector will have wires having normal thickness insulation – and normally have two connecting wires. Those having a high voltage feed to each plug, will have a single wire, being at least 8mm in diameter due to the insulation thickness.

If the engine warning light is on – an OBD scanner should identify the faulty plug. Before replacing the integral HT coil, check the spark plug for fouling and correct gap.

erin-x

Question Author

Thanks Hymie :) They said it was a misfire in the 2nd cylinder?..... I don't know! It's staying there overnight and my dad will pick it up tomorrow if they can find a supplier that's open. That's all I really know! :|

tonyav

If it is a coil pack it will be called a cassette, these days it will most likely be a single '' pencil '' coil.

TWR

Try replacing the Plug, you could have a duffer, also make sure the lead is connecting onto the plug firmly.

danielh3410

hope this helps- am in process of checking out my problem but try getting a second opinion from a mechanic (from an independant garage- ie not ford),
but for example - with no immediate connection to a named car make-ie ford.
I believe the problem could be poor quality leads- theyre much cheaper for the mechanics to install- £18 as opposed to £80 for a set of leads.
MINE ACTUALLY POPPED OUT OF PLACE UPON LEAVING THE GARAGE AND COULD HARDLY GET IT BACK TO THE GARAGE!!
SO THIS BEGS THE QUESTION "COULD IT BE THE LEADS AGAIN BUT SLIGHTLY OUT OF PLACE INSTEAD OF TOTALLY LIKE LAST TIME?"

I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO CONTACT YOU ABOUT IT AGAIN BUT IF I SOMEHOW FORGET THIS PLACE MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [email protected]

danielh3410

hope this helps- am in process of checking out my problem but try getting a second opinion from a mechanic (from an independant garage- ie not ford),
but for example - with no immediate connection to a named car make-ie ford.
I believe the problem could be poor quality leads- theyre much cheaper for the mechanics to install- £18 as opposed to £80 for a set of leads.
MINE ACTUALLY POPPED OUT OF PLACE UPON LEAVING THE GARAGE AND COULD HARDLY GET IT BACK TO THE GARAGE!!
SO THIS BEGS THE QUESTION "COULD IT BE THE LEADS AGAIN BUT SLIGHTLY OUT OF PLACE INSTEAD OF TOTALLY LIKE LAST TIME?"

I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO CONTACT YOU ABOUT IT AGAIN BUT IF I SOMEHOW FORGET THIS PLACE MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [email protected]

danielh3410

hope this helps- am in process of checking out my problem but try getting a second opinion from a mechanic (from an independant garage- ie not ford),
but for example - with no immediate connection to a named car make-ie ford.
I believe the problem could be poor quality leads- theyre much cheaper for the mechanics to install- £18 as opposed to £80 for a set of leads.
MINE ACTUALLY POPPED OUT OF PLACE UPON LEAVING THE GARAGE AND COULD HARDLY GET IT BACK TO THE GARAGE!!
SO THIS BEGS THE QUESTION "COULD IT BE THE LEADS AGAIN BUT SLIGHTLY OUT OF PLACE INSTEAD OF TOTALLY LIKE LAST TIME?"

I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO CONTACT YOU ABOUT IT AGAIN BUT IF I SOMEHOW FORGET THIS PLACE MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [email protected]

Ford Ka Juddering (AGAIN!!!!)

Answers