Ford Mondeo Engine Problems

It sounds like the stability-control program is throwing up random fault codes that are telling the on-board computer that something’s wrong with this very important piece of safety technology. At that point, the protocol could be to send the car into limp-home mode to avoid having a faulty stability-control system create any problems that could cause a crash. But who knows, because there are literally hundreds of systems on a modern car that could cause this sort of malfunction.

Because the ESP light only comes on sometimes before the limp-home condition occurs, perhaps the two are related but not reliant on each other. While the engine limp-home mode is usually associated with a problem under the bonnet, the ESP light is more likely to be triggered by a problem with the braking or throttle-by-wire system. Certainly, the latter could also trigger a limp-home response from the engine.

Have the car scanned by a workshop and see what fault codes pop their heads up. That will save a lot of time and money compared with changing components until you find the one at fault.

I assume the computer was replaced as diagnosed after the second episode, and that it has continued to give problems even with the new one. Intermittent problems are hard to diagnose, so you have to have some sympathy for the mechanics doing it. But given that Ford recently owned up to not looking after its customers I would approach them about fixing it, or getting a replacement car, or a refund.

No, you got a good deal from your mechanic.

If you can hear the pump start running when you hit the tank then it could be an earthing or a connection problem, but it could also be a blockage. It's a good idea to refill your tank before the fuel level drops close to empty when there is a much higher chance of the pump picking up rubbish on the bottom of the tank.

It is not unusual for the engine fan to run for a short time after the engine is turned off, although it's more common on engines with turbochargers, and it's done to cool the turbocharger before it's shut down. I don't believe there's anything untoward happening with your car.

Seems we got it right.

It has to be a power drain; there is no other plausible explanation. There is something that is not shutting down when you turn the car off. It could be a lamp in the boot, it could be a computer, there is something that is draining the battery. I would go to another auto electrician.

I think you have every right to complain given that Ford couldn't supply you with a replacement part for three days. You were effectively forced to use a non-genuine part, although it seems that the only non-genuine thing about the replacement pump was the packaging. I think the very least Ford could do it to reimburse you for the part if not the labour involved. Remember that although Ford's warranty might not cover the situation you found yourself in they have to honour the statutory warranty that is part of our consumer laws and I reckon you would have a claim against them under that law.

In a word, no. Ford replaced the engine under warranty, so you're not really out of pocket on the deal.

If the alternator is charging ok, the problem must be a leak somewhere that causing the battery to drain. Make sure the lights in the boot and the footwells go out when you close the hatch or the doors. If they are working correctly it's really then best to see an auto electrician and have him trace the problem.