Intermittent loss of engine power issue

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.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,482 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

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM

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.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, August 26th, 2021 AT 9:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,482 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

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

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