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Hi, I have an 03 Mondeo 130 TDCi 6 gear and also had a flashing glow plug light last weekend. The car seemed to lack power but as I was on a long climb up the A9 beyond Aviemore in Scotland I didn't bother until I had to change down to 5th then 4th which was unusual. At one point I even changed down to 3rd gear but inadvisedly as I was still going too quickly and probably overrevved. I then noticed the flashing glo plug light but unfortunately didn't notice when it came on as it was hidden by the steering wheel in my normal driving position. So was it initiated by overrevving? (unlikely since the lack of power preceded it) I drove on for another hour to my destination. Switched off and restarted .. no flashing light and drives normally with apparently full power. I'm about to go on a long trip to France. Should I assume it's 'reset' itself or what do you recommend I do? Thanks, Graeme. 24 April 2012
Country: United KingdomMake: FordModel: MondeoYear: 2003Engine: TDCi 130bhp
Hello and Welcome to justanswer...
A flashing glow plug light on these Fords acts as a ECU fault message - telling the driver that the Ecu - main computer , has detected a fault somewhere in the engine management system... and as such, the ecu will have logged a fault code (s) to show what the problem is.
What you need to do when that light is on..is to have a diagnostic machine connected to the vehicles' main 16 pin diagnostic port so that the ecu can be scanned for the logged faults... Then the operator is directed to the location of the fault/s with the aid of the fault code process.
Many smaller garages have this equipment that is needed so ring around to find one that can help you and get that done for you - then you will be able to address the fault itself... using a smaller garage rather than a dealer will no doubt be cheaper..and quicker for you.
Too.. the loss of power is caused by either the actual fault itself - or, the fact that glow light is on as you say - when this is on, the engine management is in whats called LHM - Limp Home Mode.. induced by the ECU - management computer to protect the systems etc - and it cuts the power output - allowing you to "Get home" or to a garage for the above - rather than a complete breakdown.
..As the light is off is now - all will be well again..and to be honest - it is going to be diffiult to trace the fault ( via the tests mentioned above ) when its not got the light on / LHM... so you really need to wait until it occurs again - and then have it tested.
It has as you say reset at the moment - ie, the Ecu is not seeing any fault - so all is well... but if / when it sees it again...it will happen again - which will be the time to get it tested as above.
Hello.. I see you have joined me - I have just typed out your answer showing above for you...
Can I help you anymore while we are in the Live Chat system?
Hi Mike, thanks for the prompt response. If the fault is logged by the ECU should it not be 'visisble' to a diagnostic check after the event, even though it's reset?
Hi there.. No on these systems they dont store the code Im afraid..its a bit of a pain to say the least ..
Thats why Im saying not to have the diagnostic done - while the light is off - its a waste of your time and money.
ok, thanks for that. I hope I don't see the light again... what's the chances of that? And could it be a costly repair? Or should I sell the car!!
Well.. its a bit awward for you with that trip to France in mind - as no one can say if it will come on or when... Is the car / engine due a service at all - a general service?
Yes, within the next two weeks. I've been with this small local garage for 20 years and happy with their service but does this call for a FORD specialist?
Ok - no I think its worth having the service done then - dirty fuel filter etc - can be the cause of what you have - simple as that - so a good engine service - to inc oils / fuel and air filters etc - general service items - and I would suggest - a good quality injection system / pump cleaner poured into the tank - and you may find that sorts it altogether - Its certainly worth doing that now.
There's no added benefit at this stage in using a dealer...if the local garage is ok to good - then I would carry on with them for this at least.
If it comes to having to have diagnostic tests done - it will be a case of what sort of equipment they have as to whether they can deal / cope with it - Most small garages have the correct equipment now - but some dont - you would have to check with them - again - if it comes to that.
That's great Mike, I'll have that done, thanks very much for your help.
By the way, can I print this chat?
No problem at all- Im glad to have helped.. Yes you can print it - put your mouse pointer in the above section - click whichever button brings up the panel - click ctrl and "P" ...and then it will print..
some computers are different - but generally thats how to do it.
Or you can select the above- "blue" it ...with your mouse - and just print the selection - ( in your printer control panel)
Ta, it's done
Excellent .. I hope all goes ok for you with the car...
- Let me know if I can help anymore anytime at all..
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Experience: 34 years experience of motor vehicle diagnostics