Ford Focus LPG Problem

Tim.. wrote:
> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall RemoveThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine dies when
> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from petrol.
> >
> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine warms up
> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the switch-over OK as long as
> > the engine is warm. It just occurs when cold starting.
> >
> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!) - they
> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
> >
> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go and shout
> > at them with conviction?
> >
> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard job, and
> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a Ford, and b) under
> > warranty
> >
> > Thanks in advance....
>
>
> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do drift out of
> tune over time...
>
> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its most likely
> slightly out on gas.
>
> Tim..

Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol or lpg.
The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the official figures
hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps excessively so. I get
28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of 25-26.

Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas? Would
that also make it critical when switching over on cold?

Regards Stuart (Sheeper)
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem 

"sheeper" <stu.bagnall DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1166770150.717027.21060@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
>
> Tim.. wrote:
>> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
>> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
>> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine dies when
>> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from petrol.
>> >
>> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine warms up
>> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the switch-over OK as long as
>> > the engine is warm. It just occurs when cold starting.
>> >
>> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!) - they
>> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
>> >
>> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go and shout
>> > at them with conviction?
>> >
>> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard job, and
>> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a Ford, and b) under
>> > warranty
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance....
>>
>>
>> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do drift out of
>> tune over time...
>>
>> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its most likely
>> slightly out on gas.
>>
>> Tim..
>
> Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol or lpg.
> The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the official figures
> hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps excessively so. I get
> 28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of 25-26.
>
> Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas? Would
> that also make it critical when switching over on cold?

Yes, definately.

Tim..
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem 

Tim.. wrote:
> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:1166770150.717027.21060@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > Tim.. wrote:
> >> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> >> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> >> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
> >> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine dies when
> >> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from petrol.
> >> >
> >> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine warms up
> >> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the switch-over OK as long as
> >> > the engine is warm. It just occurs when cold starting.
> >> >
> >> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!) - they
> >> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
> >> >
> >> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go and shout
> >> > at them with conviction?
> >> >
> >> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard job, and
> >> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a Ford, and b) under
> >> > warranty
> >> >
> >> > Thanks in advance....
> >>
> >>
> >> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do drift out of
> >> tune over time...
> >>
> >> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its most likely
> >> slightly out on gas.
> >>
> >> Tim..
> >
> > Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol or lpg.
> > The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the official figures
> > hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps excessively so. I get
> > 28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of 25-26.
> >
> > Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas? Would
> > that also make it critical when switching over on cold?
>
> Yes, definately.
>
> Tim..

Can I aks if this was bought from A Ford dealer? I was after a Focus
LPG but was told they dont do them direct-you have to but them and then
get a conversion(which invalidates your warranty).
TIA
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem 

Steve Robinson wrote:
> Paul Johnson wrote:
>
> >
> > Tim.. wrote:
> > > "sheeper" <stu.bagnall.DeleteThis@hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > news:1166770150.717027.21060@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
> > > >
> > > > Tim.. wrote:
> > > >> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall.DeleteThis@hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > >> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > > >> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
> > > >> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine
> > > dies when >> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from
> > > petrol. >> >
> > > >> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine
> > > warms up >> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the
> > > switch-over OK as long as >> > the engine is warm. It just occurs
> > > when cold starting. >> >
> > > >> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!)
> > > - they >> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go
> > > and shout >> > at them with conviction?
> > > >> >
> > > >> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard
> > > job, and >> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a
> > > Ford, and b) under >> > warranty
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Thanks in advance....
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do
> > > drift out of >> tune over time...
> > > > >
> > > >> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its
> > > most likely >> slightly out on gas.
> > > > >
> > > >> Tim..
> > > >
> > > > Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol
> > > > or lpg. The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the
> > > > official figures hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps
> > > > excessively so. I get 28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of
> > > > 25-26.
> > > >
> > > > Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas?
> > > > Would that also make it critical when switching over on cold?
> > >
> > > Yes, definately.
> > >
> > > Tim..
> >
> > Can I aks if this was bought from A Ford dealer? I was after a Focus
> > LPG but was told they dont do them direct-you have to but them and
> > then get a conversion(which invalidates your warranty).
> > TIA
>
>
> Ford have done bi fuel for several years , quite common in the
> continent
>
> Some of the engines in the uk were not suitable for conversion ,
> something to do with the valves or one of the asscociate components
> being to soft cant remember the exact part name , if i can find the
> letter ford sent me i wil post it (about 5 years ago)
>
> --

Much appreciated
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem 

Paul Johnson wrote:

>
> Tim.. wrote:
> > "sheeper" <stu.bagnall RemoveThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > news:1166770150.717027.21060@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
> > >
> > > Tim.. wrote:
> > >> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall RemoveThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > >> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > >> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
> > >> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine
> > dies when >> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from
> > petrol. >> >
> > >> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine
> > warms up >> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the
> > switch-over OK as long as >> > the engine is warm. It just occurs
> > when cold starting. >> >
> > >> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!)
> > - they >> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
> > >> >
> > >> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go
> > and shout >> > at them with conviction?
> > >> >
> > >> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard
> > job, and >> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a
> > Ford, and b) under >> > warranty
> > >> >
> > >> > Thanks in advance....
> > > >
> > > >
> > >> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do
> > drift out of >> tune over time...
> > > >
> > >> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its
> > most likely >> slightly out on gas.
> > > >
> > >> Tim..
> > >
> > > Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol
> > > or lpg. The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the
> > > official figures hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps
> > > excessively so. I get 28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of
> > > 25-26.
> > >
> > > Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas?
> > > Would that also make it critical when switching over on cold?
> >
> > Yes, definately.
> >
> > Tim..
>
> Can I aks if this was bought from A Ford dealer? I was after a Focus
> LPG but was told they dont do them direct-you have to but them and
> then get a conversion(which invalidates your warranty).
> TIA


Ford have done bi fuel for several years , quite common in the
continent

Some of the engines in the uk were not suitable for conversion ,
something to do with the valves or one of the asscociate components
being to soft cant remember the exact part name , if i can find the
letter ford sent me i wil post it (about 5 years ago)

--
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem 

Paul Johnson wrote:
> Tim.. wrote:
> > "sheeper" <stu.bagnall RemoveThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > news:1166770150.717027.21060@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
> > >
> > > Tim.. wrote:
> > >> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall RemoveThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > >> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > >> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
> > >> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine dies when
> > >> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from petrol.
> > >> >
> > >> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine warms up
> > >> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the switch-over OK as long as
> > >> > the engine is warm. It just occurs when cold starting.
> > >> >
> > >> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!) - they
> > >> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
> > >> >
> > >> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go and shout
> > >> > at them with conviction?
> > >> >
> > >> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard job, and
> > >> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a Ford, and b) under
> > >> > warranty
> > >> >
> > >> > Thanks in advance....
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do drift out of
> > >> tune over time...
> > >>
> > >> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its most likely
> > >> slightly out on gas.
> > >>
> > >> Tim..
> > >
> > > Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol or lpg.
> > > The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the official figures
> > > hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps excessively so. I get
> > > 28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of 25-26.
> > >
> > > Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas? Would
> > > that also make it critical when switching over on cold?
> >
> > Yes, definately.
> >
> > Tim..
>
> Can I aks if this was bought from A Ford dealer? I was after a Focus
> LPG but was told they dont do them direct-you have to but them and then
> get a conversion(which invalidates your warranty).
> TIA
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem 

sheeper wrote:
> Paul Johnson wrote:
> > Tim.. wrote:
> > > "sheeper" <stu.bagnall DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > news:1166770150.717027.21060@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
> > > >
> > > > Tim.. wrote:
> > > >> "sheeper" <stu.bagnall DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > >> news:1166617872.409240.130590@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > > >> >I have an 04 Ford Focus lpg (bought new as a bi-fuel car - not
> > > >> > converted). It recently developed a fault whereby the engine dies when
> > > >> > the car first switches automatically to lpg from petrol.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > It continues to do so when tried manually, until the engine warms up
> > > >> > after about 1 - 2 miles - then it makes the switch-over OK as long as
> > > >> > the engine is warm. It just occurs when cold starting.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > It's been in a Ford agency garage under warranty (for 5 days!) - they
> > > >> > say it should be OK, but the fault is still there.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Can anyone tell me what the cause is likely to be so I can go and shout
> > > >> > at them with conviction?
> > > >> >
> > > >> > They told me they replaced "a sensor", that it was a very hard job, and
> > > >> > that these cars are very rare. err - it's: a) a Ford, and b) under
> > > >> > warranty
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Thanks in advance....
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Probably wants setting up (fine tuning) on a laptop- they do drift out of
> > > >> tune over time...
> > > >>
> > > >> If its running well on petrol, and giving good mpg, then its most likely
> > > >> slightly out on gas.
> > > >>
> > > >> Tim..
> > > >
> > > > Thanks Tim - The car runs great in all other respects on petrol or lpg.
> > > > The lpg fuel consumption is excellent and beats the official figures
> > > > hands down in terms of consumption - perhaps excessively so. I get
> > > > 28-29 mpg against official Ford figure of 25-26.
> > > >
> > > > Is it possible for these engines to be set "too lean" on gas? Would
> > > > that also make it critical when switching over on cold?
> > >
> > > Yes, definately.
> > >
> > > Tim..
> >
> > Can I aks if this was bought from A Ford dealer? I was after a Focus
> > LPG but was told they dont do them direct-you have to but them and then
> > get a conversion(which invalidates your warranty).
> > TIA

Hi

Yes I bought the 04 Focus Ghia 1.8 bi-fuel pre-registered with 14 miles
on the clock from Matlock Ford (a great dealership - see their
website). It was July 04 and they and Coalville Ford in Leicestershire
were selling them off. I got the Ghia for £11000 and Coalville had
about 10 LX models for £10500. No contest for a Ghia with a book
price of almost £17000 (the lpg option originally aadded £2K to the
new cost).

They were the end of the breed as Ford introduced the new Focus shortly
after, but with no lpg option. A big mistake in view of what has
happened to petrol prices subsequently. I've saved an estimated £2800
on fuel costs over £35000 miles.

Ford now concentrate on the bioethanol engined Focus which are
available at +£600 on the new price. Great if you are Green but not
much use to us in the UK while the Chancellor taxes the fuel only
marginally less than petrol or diesel - you can only get the stuff in
Somerset and Norfolk at the moment, and that is unlikely to change
unless he slashes the tax - and he does'nt want to lose all that
income! So much for the green posturing of the current government.

If you UK Google for "Ford Focus bi-fuel" you will find a number of
firms specialising in resale lpg cars, and they are usually clearly
marked as Ford factory jobs where appropriate. Trouble is that the
nature of the beast means that they are usually high-mileage examples.

I'm so sold on production lpg cars now that I had decided to go for a
factory new Vauxhall Astra Esate or Vecta bifuel 'cos I can't get
another new Focus. Trouble is I now notice that Vauxhall's website
doesn't now offer the lpg option. I read somewhere that they can build
you the car and then deliver it to a contractor to fit the lpg prior to
delivering the car to you - presumably still under warranty? - But I
can't confirm this.

Do you ever feel the world is conspiting against you!

Sheeper
 >> Stay informed about: Ford Focus LPG Problem