If you’re a Ford Fiesta owner, you might have seen the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message on your dashboard.
This warning message is a sign that something is wrong with your engine.
It could be a minor issue or a major one, but it’s always best to get it checked out as soon as possible.
In this article, we’ll explore what this message means and what you can do to fix it.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this issue from happening in the future.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of Ford Fiesta engines!
Why does my Ford Fiesta say engine malfunction?
Your Ford Fiesta is displaying an “engine malfunction” message. According to a source, this message could indicate that something is not working quite as it should. It may be a minor problem with a sensor, an occasional poor connection, or a software glitch, or it could be an indication that something more serious is developing. The source suggests that you take the car to a Ford dealer and let them investigate the problem. As your car is still under warranty, the cost of most repairs will be covered. If you ignore the warning and something serious fails as a result, Ford could argue that your inaction allowed the initial problem to develop into something worse and could ask for a contribution to the cost of the repair.
What does engine malfunction on a Ford mean?
The “engine malfunction” message on your Ford Fiesta could indicate that something is not working quite as it should. It may be a minor problem with a sensor, an occasional poor connection, or a software glitch, or it could be an indication that something more serious is developing. According to the same source, it is advisable to take the car to a Ford dealer and let them investigate the problem. As your car is still under warranty, the cost of most repairs will be covered. If you ignore the warning and something serious fails as a result, Ford could argue that your inaction allowed the initial problem to develop into something worse and could ask for a contribution to the cost of the repair.
What do you do when the engine malfunction service comes on?
When the “Engine Malfunction Service” warning light comes on, it indicates that there might be an issue with the vehicle’s engine. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
Check the fuel cap
A loose or damaged fuel cap can cause the warning light to come on. Check the fuel cap and tighten it if necessary.
Check the oxygen sensor
A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the warning light to come on. You can diagnose the cause of a faulty oxygen sensor by reading the fault codes in the car’s computer system. If this does not reveal any underlying issues, then manual checks such as inspecting for visible damage or cracks and checking for loose connections should be carried out. The solution to a faulty oxygen sensor is typically replacing the sensor itself with a new one.
Check the spark plugs
Damaged or faulty spark plugs can cause the warning light to appear in your vehicle. The spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture to fire up the combustion process, enabling the engine to run smoothly and efficiently. When a spark plug becomes damaged due to age, wear, or other factors such as low piston compression, it can trigger the warning message.
Check the catalytic converter
A bad catalytic converter can cause the warning light to come on. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions. If it is not functioning properly, it can cause the warning light to appear.
Check the mass airflow sensor
A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can cause the warning light to come on. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and adjusts the fuel injection accordingly. If it is not functioning properly, it can cause the warning light to appear.
How do you reset the engine malfunction light on a Ford Fiesta?
To reset the “Engine Malfunction Service” light on a Ford Fiesta, you can try the following steps:
- Check the fuel cap: Ensure that the fuel cap is tightened properly. If it is loose or damaged, it can cause the warning light to come on. Tighten the fuel cap if necessary.
- Use an OBD scanner: An OBD scanner can be used to clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and reset the warning light in your Ford Fiesta.
- Disconnect the battery: Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can reset the car’s computer system and turn off the warning light. However, this method will also reset other settings such as the clock and radio presets.
- Drive the car: If the issue has been resolved, driving the car for a few miles can reset the car’s computer system and turn off the warning light.
Can I still drive my car if it says engine malfunction?
If your car’s dashboard is displaying an engine malfunction warning light, it is best to stop driving the car immediately and have it checked by a professional mechanic. The check engine light could indicate a minor issue such as a faulty gas cap or a more serious problem such as a misfiring engine. Continuing to drive the car with the check engine light on could cause further damage to the engine and lead to more expensive repairs.
It is recommended to have the car towed to a mechanic if the check engine light is flashing, as this indicates a more serious problem such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.
How much does it cost to fix engine malfunction?
The cost of fixing an engine malfunction can vary depending on the cause of the issue. The average cost of repairing an engine control unit (ECU) is between $350 and $1,500. However, the cost of rebuilding or remanufacturing an engine can range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
It is best to have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue and provide an estimate for the repair costs. The mechanic can determine the root cause of the engine malfunction and provide an accurate estimate for the repair costs.
How long can you drive with engine malfunction light?
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Check Engine Light is a warning light that comes on the dashboard to tell you when there’s a system malfunction. It’s the ECU’s way of alerting you to potential trouble. The light comes on after a series of checks to determine that something is operating outside of its parameters.
Sometimes, the Malfunction Indicator Light comes on because of something trivial, such as a loose gas cap. Other times, it points to something more serious, such as catalytic converter failure.
If the MIL is solid and consistent, you want to look for any signs of trouble. You should also have the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) checked as soon as possible with an OBDII code scanner. If the Check Engine Light is blinking, pull the car over and don’t drive it until the diagnostics are complete.
According to The AA, if the light doesn’t disappear after continual driving, you should stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and contact a mechanic to report your breakdown. However, if the light disappears after driving for around 10 minutes at over 40mph when safe, it is safe to continue driving.
How do you clear an engine malfunction light?
To reset the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Check Engine Light, you should first fix the underlying issue that caused the light to come on. Once the issue is resolved, you can reset the codes and the light should turn off.
There are several ways to reset the Check Engine Light. One of the easiest methods is to use an OBD2 scanner.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Connect the scanner to your car’s OBD2 connector, which is usually located near the floor under the steering wheel to the left side.
- Switch the ignition to the ON position.
- Once a connection is established, press the READ button on the scanner.
- Follow the prompts on the scanner to clear the codes.
Alternatively, you can disconnect the battery for a few minutes, which will reset the codes and turn off the light.
However, this method will also reset other settings in your car, such as the clock and radio presets.
FAQs
What does the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message mean?
This warning message is a sign that something is wrong with your engine. It could be a minor issue or a major one, but it’s always best to get it checked out as soon as possible.
What causes the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message to appear?
There are several reasons why this message might appear, including a faulty or missing fuel cap, a damaged or worn-out spark plug, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, or a loose or damaged gas cap.
What should I do if I see the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message?
It’s best to get your car checked out by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. They can diagnose the issue and provide you with the necessary repairs.
Can I still drive my Ford Fiesta if the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message appears?
It’s not recommended to drive your car if this message appears. Continuing to drive your car could cause further damage to your engine.
How much does it cost to fix the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” issue?
The cost of repairs will depend on the severity of the issue. Minor issues can cost as little as $100, while major issues can cost upwards of $1,000.
How can I prevent the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message from appearing?
Regular maintenance of your car can help prevent this issue from happening. This includes changing your oil and oil filter regularly, checking your spark plugs, and ensuring your gas cap is tight and secure.
What happens if I ignore the “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message?
Ignoring this message could cause further damage to your engine and lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
How often should I get my Ford Fiesta serviced?
It’s recommended to get your car serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What is the average lifespan of a Ford Fiesta engine?
With proper maintenance, a Ford Fiesta engine can last up to 200,000 miles.
What is the warranty on a Ford Fiesta engine?
The warranty on a Ford Fiesta engine is typically 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
The “Ford Fiesta Engine Malfunction Service Now” message is a warning sign that should not be ignored.
It could be a minor issue or a major one, but it’s always best to get it checked out as soon as possible by a professional mechanic.
Regular maintenance of your car can help prevent this issue from happening.
This includes changing your oil and oil filter regularly, checking your spark plugs, and ensuring your gas cap is tight and secure.
With proper maintenance, a Ford Fiesta engine can last up to 200,000 miles.
Remember, your car is an investment, and taking care of it will save you money in the long run.
Thank you for reading!
