02 focus vibration in reverse.

[chuck5506]

i have a 2002 focus se that has a very bad vibration at idle speed when cold. it doesn't do it as bad or hardly at all once it warms up. most of the time it only does this in reverse but sometimes in park and drive. speed up and vibration is gone....any ideas im stuck?

[taillight]

Sounds like maybe the engine is misfiring when cold.

[chuck5506]

I have just put new plugs and wires on less than 3000 miles i suppose i will have to recheck my plugs and wires.

[taillight]

Look for loose wires or a spark plug that was not gaped right.

[jwalker1970]

Is your focus a 2.0L Zetec (dual overhead cam)?

Zetec engines are notorious for acquiring moisture down the spark plug wire holes. Even if you have newer wires if there is moisture or oil down there, it will cause a cold misfire or a misfire under a load (chugging up a hill,etc.) .

Possible causes: washing your engine, big water puddle in road, leaky valve cover gasket (oil residue in hole).

Suspect a spark plug wire problem if your problem goes away once the vehicle warms up or under high RPM's.

I have found the best fix for moisture is removing the wires, spraying down the holes with brake-kleen, and blasting out with an air nozzel. Then replacing wires. Note: even newer wires that have gotten wet and misfired may need replacement.

[chuck5506]

it is a 2.0 dohc i am going to check that out. do these type valve covers have the small o-ring around where the plug screws into the head?

[chuck5506]

finnally found the problem it is fixed. front right side motor mount was bad. replaced in about 15 min. vibration is gone.