2016 LZ Focus 'engine service now' limp mode.

seedywagon · 26-03-2018, 08:27 PM

Hi,
Own a 2016 LZ for 2 years now, been reasonably reliable until a few months ago when I started getting "engine service now" on start up and occasionally while driving. Along with this, another error will appear saying 'hill start assist not operational', start stop becomes disabled and the car goes into limp mode. Occasionally restarting the car clears the fault, but sometimes it doesn't. The car is currently back at Ford for the 4th time to have this issue resolved and I'm losing patience.
They've tried:
-self test and reset (LOL)
-EGR replacement (do the petrol engines have these?)
-Boost sensor replaced

Absolutely the worst car I've owned so far, and it's not even the one with the powershift cogbox!

WindsorXR · 26-03-2018, 08:52 PM

Our Focus has been awesome. I'm hoping that this isn't a reoccurring thing on these models.

seedywagon · 26-03-2018, 09:05 PM

I should add that I've put 71k on mine, I drive long distance, so perhaps you guys with lower K cars should be worried. I am over this issue, the car is undrivable.

frankie86 · 26-03-2018, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seedywagon

I should add that I've put 71k on mine, I drive long distance, so perhaps you guys with lower K cars should be worried. I am over this issue, the car is undrivable.

Watching with interest on this one, ours is up to 60k and touch wood we haven't had 1 warranty claim has been a awesome car. I got the gearbox serviced at 45k for peace of mind. Please let us know the outcome mate

seedywagon · 26-03-2018, 10:46 PM

It's been an absolute turd since I bought it mate.
Warranty claims so far:
- rear wheel bearing failure
- oil/fluid pump for start stop feature failed twice
- start stop jerky operation or non operational altogether
- re-occuring limp mode (this issue)
- rough and dipping idle intermittent

Serviced like clockwork at Ford (reluctantly) since purchase, no modifications or abuse at all.

Meanwhile my BA XT which I did a turbo conversion on years ago continues to be dependable and brilliant, only stopped driving it because of fuel economy.

seedywagon · 26-03-2018, 10:49 PM

Really wishing we had lemon laws like USA, I want this thing out of my life.

jase_elxr8 · 29-03-2018, 10:57 AM

sounds like a grounding issue or an issue with the engine harness splices. Splices in the engine harness cause the exact same symptoms in the ST's

WindsorXR · 29-03-2018, 08:15 PM

Everyone that I know with an LZ Focus has loved it with no issues. I'd be peeved if I got a lemon

Smoke Pursuit · 29-03-2018, 11:09 PM

My LZ rattles on start up, it’s like a heat shield noise. Ford says they all do it.

marg99 · 30-03-2018, 12:52 PM

should have bought a diesel then you would know that the noise is OK for the car

seedywagon · 31-03-2018, 10:36 AM

I think there's an issue with the engine harness, I quizzed Ford on it, they said they did a jiggle test on it with the IDS plugged in, but nothing came up. Got the car back now after it wouldn't fault for them, so the issue is ongoing. It hasn't played up for a few days now though

WindsorXR · 01-04-2018, 11:26 AM

Yeah, the heat shield rattle is normal. It doesn't really bother me too much, but a mate of mine just bent his up a little to stop the rattle. I know that you shouldn't have to, but it's not too hard of a fix

Victor1 · 01-04-2018, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindsorXR

Yeah, the heat shield rattle is normal. It doesn't really bother me too much, but a mate of mine just bent his up a little to stop the rattle. I know that you shouldn't have to, but it's not too hard of a fix

I don't have any rattles or any other unusual noises on start up.sept 2016 purchase and 33000 kms and I still think it's the best focus I've owned.

WindsorXR · 02-04-2018, 02:24 PM

It's a very faint rattle. Usually only hear it with the door open while starting. Not sure if some are worse than others or not

seedywagon · 10-04-2018, 04:15 PM

Hey everybody,
I complained to Ford head office, who then dealt with the dealer service centre and have since found that the LZ Focus does in fact have the same type of engine wiring harness splice as the Kuga and other Foci had in the past that caused issues.
The splice has since been soldered together and the issue seems to be resolved now.

So LZ owners, the engine wiring harness can have dicky splicing, yours may not fail but they can, keep it in mind.