Intermittent loss of engine power issue

Tiny
BEAR450
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
Sometimes looses power when under a load condition from stop or sometimes when I accelerate. At idle it runs fine. I mashed the brake pedal while it was in drive. Raised the engine speed up it seemed to pull hard as if nothing was wrong with it. Checked for codes none were found. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 AT 5:17 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,182 POSTS
Hi,

If it loses power under a load, the first thing I would check is fuel pressure. If it is low, that can cause what you experience. Take a look through this link. It explains in general how to test fuel pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Also, let me know if you hear any rattling from under the vehicle. If the insides of the catalytic converter are loose, that can cause a partial restriction of exhaust from the engine. That will cause low power as well. Here is a link that explains common symptoms related to a bad converter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Let me know if that seems to mirror what you experience. Also, let me know if you have a live data scan tool. If you do, let me know what the short-term fuel trims are.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
BEAR450
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
This morning took it for a quick drive about 5 miles it ran fine. About an hour later it took it out again missed up about a half a mile. Felt like it was bogging down. I pushed the gas pedal quickly and it ran better. My brother has a better scan tool a Innova 5410 model. Will use it and see what it comes up with. Again thanks for your help.
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Thursday, August 26th, 2021 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,182 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know what is found. I'm interested in knowing. Also, let me know if you hear any rattling from under the vehicle.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, August 26th, 2021 AT 8:49 PM

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