engine system fault on FORD Focus Mk2 2.0 TDCi Diesel FORD Focus II Hatchback (DA_, HCP, DP)
09.04.21
05.06.25
@Hadown199514.04.2021 14:43MemberYou need to take it to a dealer or specialist to have checked with Ford's own diagnostic software since it's presumably a problem with the engine rather than a sensor and an ODB2 scanner won't be able to find everything.
@Selinglese14.04.2021 14:44MemberGiven the symptoms it's quite likely it's a problem with the fuel system. The most common issues here are a defective pump or debris in the tank clogging the injectors. These don't show up as error codes so the best thing is to bring it to your Ford dealer and they should sort it out for you, possibly with hand priming.- @Emily.B.Online05.06.2025 11:58MemberBased on your description, you're experiencing a frustrating issue with your Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi cutting out, accompanied by an "engine system fault" message and a red warning light, yet your OBD2 scanner isn't detecting any fault codes. This is a concerning situation that several Ford TDCi owners have faced.
Possible Causes
Camshaft Position Sensor
One of the most common culprits for TDCi engines cutting out is a faulty camshaft position sensor. This component tells the engine where all the parts are in the firing cycle, and if it misreads, it can tell the engine to cut out. When this sensor fails, it often results in an instant cut rather than a gradual misfire. This is a well-known problem with these engines and relatively inexpensive to fix.
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Another potential cause is a faulty coolant temperature sensor. Interestingly, this can cause intermittent cutting out on the 2.0-liter diesel engine, and the sensor may not show up as failed during diagnostic checks even though it's malfunctioning.
Fuel Filter Issues
A clogged fuel filter could be causing your engine to cut out. This is one of the cheaper and easier fixes to try first. The fuel filter should ideally be changed at every service or at least every second service (around 25,000 miles).
Idle Control Valve
If you're doing mostly short trips, the idle control valve can become clogged with soot. This can cause the valve to misread and lead to engine cutting out, particularly when slowing down for junctions or traffic lights.
Why No Fault Codes?
It's puzzling but not uncommon for certain sensor failures to not register fault codes. As mentioned in the search results, a faulty coolant temperature sensor might not show up on diagnostic checks because the sensor itself hasn't completely failed - it's just sending incorrect readings intermittently. - @Emily.B.Online05.06.2025 11:58MemberNext Steps
1. Check the Camshaft Position Sensor - Given how common this issue is with Ford TDCi engines, inspecting and potentially replacing this sensor should be a priority.
2. Replace the Fuel Filter - This is a relatively inexpensive maintenance item that could solve your problem if it's clogged.
3. Inspect the Coolant Temperature Sensor - Since this can cause intermittent issues without triggering fault codes, it's worth checking.
4. Clean or Replace the Idle Control Valve - Especially if you notice the cutting out happens more when slowing down or idling.
5. Professional Diagnostics - Consider taking your vehicle to a Ford specialist who might have more sophisticated diagnostic equipment than a standard OBD2 reader. They may be able to detect intermittent faults that your scanner missed.
6. Check for Technical Service Bulletins - Ford may have issued specific guidance for this issue that a dealer would be aware of.
The fact that your engine restarts after cutting out suggests an intermittent electrical or sensor issue rather than a major mechanical problem, which is somewhat reassuring.
Hello everyone, Iād appreciate some advice. My Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi keeps cutting out and the āengine system faultā message has come up and thereās a red light thatās now constantly to the right of the display. I did a scan with an OBD2 code reader but just got the message āno codes storedā I tried to erase it but that didnāt change anything. I tried scanning a couple of times but it isnāt finding any codes. I did a dashing test as well and it didnāt show any codes either. Has anyone had the same problem of not being able to find an engine system fault on a Ford Focus? Any ideas what I can try next?