Low speed miss or lurching

[jimmyg2]

I have a 2002 Focus with 42000 miles, just recently it stated lurching and acting like a low speed miss at 25 to 45 mile per hour. I tried new plugs and plug wires and checked all the hoses, still the same problem. The engine light also comes on but I don't have a reader for the code. Any Ideas?

[Mustangman25]

I would find a way to get the code read...usually will give you a very good idea of where to look. Try Pepboys; I'm pretty sure that they'll scan your comp for a good price. I've heard of many different causes for this in the Zetec...you should try the simple stuff first. You did plugs and wires, make sure that your air filter is clean, MAF sensor is clean, fuel filter is ok. If those check out, then a common solution is a new ignition coil, also something called a DPFE sensor, but to tell you the truth, I have no clue how that sensor affects the engine's performance, all I know is that many engines with symptons exactly like yours have had their problems fixed by having that replaced. Check with your Ford dealer, as the part is supposed to have an extended warrenty.

[jimmyg2]

I replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the fuel injectors, still the same jerking at lower speeds. I reset the engine light and that has not come back on yet. I guess I'll try the exhaust sensor next if that makes sense.

[ttlaserwi]

Originally Posted by jimmyg2

I replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the fuel injectors, still the same jerking at lower speeds. I reset the engine light and that has not come back on yet. I guess I'll try the exhaust sensor next if that makes sense.

We just had our 2002 se into an independent repair shop for the same problem. They found the code and actually called Ford because they suspected the bad sensor was part of a Ford recall. It was. We took the car into the Ford dealer, who replaced the bad sensor for free. He said the recall extended the warranty to 70,000 miles on emission control sensors.
We were lucky find a shop that would refer us to Ford for the free fix instead of saying nothing and charging us for the sensor. $60 for the scan was a good deal.