2000 Ford Focus chugging

Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Let me know.

Joe

Hey Joe
I didnt check the fuel pressure because it runs fine in reverse (manual transmission) Makes me curious if there are vacume lines on the transmission. the check engine light has always been on

THere are no vacuum lines to a manual transmission. Do me a favor. This is odd that it is fine in reverse and not forward gears. Check the engine mounts to make sure the engine isn't moving too much in forward gears causing a short, bad ground... If you need directions for checking them, let me know.
Joe

Hey Joe......yes do tell me how to locate and check grounds on engine itself as this is a strange problem indeed and has some of the neihborhood mechanics scratching their heads.......too continue a little deeper....it seems fine to idle and shift and drive in reverse.....but to put in to first gear and before clutch is released.....the engine imediatelly goes into a sluggish mode....and to release clutch and try to move forward....cannot unless with max power and then barely...but reverse remains fine........Jim

Follow the ground wire from the battery to the engine block. Make sure it is clean and tight. As far as the motor mounts, with the parking brake on and your foot on the brake so the car can't move, and place the vehicle in 1st and begin to leave the clutch out to see if the engine lifts. It shouldn't lift more than an inch.

Make sure no one is in front of the vehicle when you do this, but have the hood open and someone watching the engine while you do this.

will do and let you know the outcome....thanks for the tip

Let me know what you find, and please make sure the vehicle is secured when you are checking.

Hey Joe......i checked grounds and found nothing. Ended up taking it to a garage only to find that you were on the right track for sure. The problem was the three wire connector of the coil. One wire being almost completely broke under the insulation. And yes....the side engine torque in one direction would open the wire break or close it depending on forward or reverse. Thanks again Joe for your input. I wish i had of followed through on the path you figured.......with towing, $322.00....jeez....