Ford Fiesta Problem

[Bezinator]

I drive a 98 ford fiesta (first car). It runs a treat apart from one slight problem, happens about twice a week mainly when its cold as ive only noticed it this winter. Have had 2 garages check it out and they cannot see any reasons for this.

Basically in the morning when im driving into work i normally have to weave in and out of parked cars to get out of the road i live in, and when im coming up to the junction and slowing down the steering will get really heavy like the power steering has died, this then leads to the car cutting out and me having to turn the engine over and over a few times till it starts again.

I use the car quite a lot for work etc and it does only seem to happen in the mornings or when im leaving from work, its a very strange problem and wondered if anyone had any ideas or anything as its really annoying as im driving in the mornings just wondering when its next going to happen

Thanks in advance,

Chris

 

[Tesla]

Are you certain that you have the order of events correct or does the engine cut out and at the same time/just after the steering gets real heavy?

 

[UltimateBadger]

Well it sounds to me like your power steering pump isn't getting any power.

Sounds like an electrical problem of some sort.

 

[Bezinator]

Are you certain that you have the order of events correct or does the engine cut out and at the same time/just after the steering gets real heavy?

No the steering gets really heavy first, then the engine cuts out

 

[ZG002]

yeah sounds like an electrical problem mate. my sisters battery was knacked in her yaris so we bumped the car it would drive put powersteering took awhile to come back. Does it always start first time in the mornings? does it have a standard immobilizer? check all connections you can get to also

 

[Clarkey]

No the steering gets really heavy first, then the engine cuts out

Sure the engine doesn't die out slowly? I mean, the PAS won't really work effectively with the engine rpm below about 500.

 

[Bezinator]

Sure the engine doesn't die out slowly? I mean, the PAS won't really work effectively with the engine rpm below about 500.

Well its hard to tell really, the first sign i get of a problem is when the steering does become heavy. I do notice that about 2 secs afterwards the battery light lights up red (dunno if that helps)

 

[ZG002]

what engine is it?

 

[UltimateBadger]

Get your battery tested.

 

[blueboy2001]

Is it the 1.3 engine? Sounds like the idle control valve to me - when these go the engine will die as you come to a stop. You can sometimes clean them but in the longer term it will probably need replacing. It's a very common problem on the Ka.

 

[dalin80]

power steering pressure sensor, sits in the high pressure pipe and forces the engine to rev a bit higher when your asking more from the steering a 1.3 at idle doesn't quite have the grunt to turn a loaded pump.

 

[Overlag]

No the steering gets really heavy first, then the engine cuts out

you sure the engine aint cutting out but sounds like its running because you still in forward motion? ie as soon as you dip the clutch as you stop it dies?

Has any of the garages changed the PAS fluid?

Is it the 1.3 engine? Sounds like the idle control valve to me - when these go the engine will die as you come to a stop. You can sometimes clean them but in the longer term it will probably need replacing. It's a very common problem on the Ka.

same happend to our Nissan primera. However dad didnt believe my mum untill it happend to him at a junction that turns back on itself. Engine dies as slowing down, but really the first indication of this is the rock solid steering lol.

 

[Bezinator]

you sure the engine aint cutting out but sounds like its running because you still in forward motion? ie as soon as you dip the clutch as you stop it dies?

Has any of the garages changed the PAS fluid?.

That could be it, its hard to tell as the car is still moving. I dont believe any of them has changed the PAS fluid.

I have been recommended a new garage to go try and armed with this extra information hopefully it will be sorted, but what you guys are saying about the ka and the 1.3 engine sounds exactly like what i am having.

So we will see on monday.

thanks for all the advice

Chris

 

[Oj2k4]

Have you had anythin changed recently which needed the battery disconnected? Connections on the battery may be a bit knackered...happened to me once n coodnt figure out why it kept on cutting out.

 

[Bezinator]

been confirmed as the idle control valve, all fixed and hasnt happened since. thx for the advice all x

 

[blueboy2001]

No problem

 

[GinG]

Just take it back to Ford, get it sorted under warranty.

Tell them that there is a problem, and to get it sorted. If it happens again you want a new car.

No point in having a new car if it breaks!

 

[Ben643]

Just take it back to Ford, get it sorted under warranty.

Tell them that there is a problem, and to get it sorted. If it happens again you want a new car.

No point in having a new car if it breaks!

He said it's all sorted now I guess he could do that if it happens again though.

 

[GinG]

hmm strange! when i posted only had a few replies up.

Looking now mine was so so late lol

 

[al123]

Just take it back to Ford, get it sorted under warranty.

Tell them that there is a problem, and to get it sorted. If it happens again you want a new car.

No point in having a new car if it breaks!

Why would Ford replace a 1998 Fiesta?