Focus LS Zetec 2006 strange performance problems

[StevenB]

Greetings, I am using 95 or 98 octane petrol since new and every time after servicing my car is sluggish. Return visit to Ford service centre cleared it in the past and Ford advised that they "reset the computer". Last service was not any different, expect that when I came back they told me that the resetting doesn't do anything and I am imagining things... I kept driving for about 4 months until I accidentally filled the tank with regular 91 unleaded. And instead of drop in performance, my car accelerated faster and had more torque up hills. It felt like "when it was good" on a 95 octane fuel. I could hear engine pinging (under hard acceleration and when pushing up hills), but the pinging stopped after few seconds. Yesterday I filled it up again with 95 octane and the car is definitely sluggish again with less power up hills... Can you assist with some ideas what can be wrong and more importantly, how to handle this with Ford ? BTW - I use Shell or BP only and car is now out of warranty. Thanks and regards, Steven

[NZ XR6]

Have you had a discussion with them about what could make the car sluggish when they service it?

It's usually possible to reset the ECU by pulling the fuse for a few minutes to clear the settings stored in memory. This may not work on a Focus ECU, but I'm sure that the dealer has a way to do it.

[simone]

how confusing for you! go figure? Ford service say they reset the computer and then say it makes no difference? I understand your frustration. wish I could be of more help.

[BlackLS]

Try the advanced timing sensor move modification to suit the higher octane, otherwise, get a flash tune.

[player110]

Originally Posted by BlackLS

Try the advanced timing sensor move modification to suit the higher octane, otherwise, get a flash tune.

Where is the advanced timing sensor move modification located?

[DZFord]

Here is how to do it on a Mazda 3, same engine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qBKReAJajk