Hi
Just returned from towing the caravan from Cornwall,300 mile trip each way. When hitting the big hills the car loses power(limp mode?)it returns to normal when engine turned off for a minute or two.
This only happens when it's a long steep hill there are two adults and three kids in car pulling a 1450kg mptl van.
It sounds as if the clutch may be getting ready to be replaced(100k)
Would putting a diagnostics test on it be worth a try?
Anyone have any experience of similar?
Thanks Martin.
Yes a diagnostic is a must. Depending on the year an OBDII code reader for about £40, Get one with live data rather than a show a code a reset it type.
Diesel i assume? Model year? Flashing glowplug light?
Sticky turbo vanes? Fuel pressure issues?
DMF? If thats going it could be covering the flywheel sensor in swarf from it.
Join talkford.com and see if anyone near you has a code reader before splashing out.
If you have a laptop then it's cheaper to buy an F-Super for about £25 - £30 on eBay than to take it to a garage, plus you can use it as often as you like. The F-Super is designed for Fords and has more features than a standard OBDII code reader.
If you join talkford.com you may find someone nearby that has already bought an F-Super who will plug it into your car and let you know what the problem is.
I have a 08 SMax turbo diesel. A similar thing happened to me after I started using the car less (to try to save a little money on fuel). Took the car on a 60 mile round trip going mostly 70mph on the motorway and it cleaned out the problem.
Garages can charge anywhere from £20 to £80 to plug it in.
Plugging it in and reading the codes is only a 5 monute job. But they can charge 1/2 hour or 1 hours labour.
If you have a laptop the F-Super off ebay is worth buying.
You can get cheaper handheld boxes that just show the code and reset it.
But the F-Super or a handheld OBDII reader with live data will be more useful.
Check there's not a split in the hose from the turbo to the intercooler. If the engine management light did not come on maybe it did not go into limp mode but lost boost pressure
My 99 Galaxy used to do this on me, I used to set out in the morning, up the incline, loose power, pull in the same layby every day, turn off engine, turn on again and away we go!
It's the turbo.
Fabulous car nether the less, mine is still going strong and it's still doing the same thing with it's new owner apparently.