Is it safe to drive my 2012 Ford Fiesta if the malfunction indicator lamp is on?

The broad rule is that if the indicator light is a yellow or orange one (check-engine light, low-fuel warning) you should be okay to get the car to a mechanic to have it scanned to see what the problem is. Or to get it to the nearest service-station to put more petrol in it. But, if the light is a red one (temperature, oil pressure, charging system etc) then you need to stop driving the car right now or risk doing further, permanent damage to it. Pull over somewhere safe and call the cavalry. Continuing to drive with a red warning light on the dashboard is almost a guarantee to damage or destroy something expensive, including the engine.

My 2011 Ford Fiesta Zetec is jerking on take off

Unfortunately, it sounds like you have one of the dreaded Powershift dual-clutch transmissions in your car. If that's the case, then this type of transmission behaviour is all too common and, we're sorry to tell you, is a sign that the gearbox is about to die. Ford was hauled over the coals by the ACCC back in 2017 for 'unconscionable behaviour' regarding this transmission and its approach to dealing with consumer complaints about it. We'd be talking to Ford Australia's customer service department as it will have a standard procedure now for dealing with such problems. All that said, your car is well and truly out of warranty now, but Ford knew years ago that it had a major problem with this transmission, so it's worth asking about compensation or help with repairs. The other piece of advice is to not sink too much money into the car, as the trade and consumers know it's a ticking time bomb and, as a result, this model is worth very little as a trade-in.

Is there a fix for the Ford Fiesta dual clutch automatic transmission?

After being hauled over the coals for its handling of this transmission-failure fiasco (and fined millions of dollars by the ACCC) Ford Australia is taking subsequent cases of Powershift transmission failure on a case-by-case basis. Consideration will be given to the kilometres the vehicle has travelled and whether there was an extended warranty with it, among other things. The best advice in your case is to sidestep the dealer and go straight to Ford's customer service department and spell out the situation. You might find there's some redress after all. There are no guarantees, of course, but Ford Australia is painfully aware of its responsibilities in this area, so it's definitely worth a shot.

Ford Fiesta 2012: What are the replacement intervals for the timing belt?

There’s no difference between the petrol engines in the 2011 Fiesta compared with the 2012 model. So, yes, they both require the same timing-belt changes. And yes, the interval is determined by which comes first, the 160,000km or the eight years.

Ford Fiesta 2011: When should I change the timing belt?

If it’s a diesel engine the change interval is every 10 years or 200,000 km, but if it is a petrol engine it is eight years or 160,000 km.

Ford Fiesta 2010: Where to buy a spare tyre?

I understand the 2010 Fiesta came with a space saver spare tyre. I'd be trying a wreckers to find a replacement, but make sure it actually fits your car. Plenty of space savers will look the same, but feature a different PCD (nut spacing), offset and overall diameter.

Ford Fiesta: Key fob replacement

Without more information, such as if you have access to the spare, it's hard to know if a dealer is your only option. You can read more about how to replace your car keys here.

Ford Fiesta 2011: Broken transmission

It’s only the dual-clutch transmission that’s affected, and Fiestas also had the problem. I’m guessing you bought the car secondhand, which is probably why you got no response from Ford. Contact the ACCC (1300 302 502) for advice.

Ford Fiesta 2011: Is a transmission malfunction covered by Ford?

Your car has the dreaded Powershift disease. Call Ford’s customer service (13 3673) and request they repair the car at their cost. I would expect they would cover the cost of repairs, but they might offer to cover part of the cost of replacing the transmission.

Ford Fiesta 2009 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Ford Fiesta 2009 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Ford Fiesta 2009: Knocking noise from engine

Answered by CarsGuide 27 Jan 2011

By the advice he gave you the dealer probably believed the engine was pinging, but switching to the higher-octane fuel did nothing to fix it. The car is still under warranty, so take it back to the dealer and ask that it be fixed again. If they can't fix it, ask them to consult Ford about the problem. Persist until it is fixed, long term pinging can cause damage to the engine.

Engine

Used fuel efficient cars review: 2009

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Doing 100km of general running about for less than five bucks in fuel makes motoring pretty affordable. As manufacturers bring out more models with increasingly-amazing frugality, motorists are ...

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