Bad Gas

[Hatchman]

Sorry, not a flatulence story!! My check engine light came on yesterday after I filled up. I had noticed that I was getting some hesitation and bogging in lower gears. I have to assume I got some water content so I put in a bottle of dry gas. According to the manual, the light should go out after "three driving cycles". That's 3 cold starts and varied city/highway driving. I also put in half a tank of super to mix it up a little. Anybody had this problem?

[wmudavey]

damn i was hoping for a fart story

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2001 ZX3
Advance Trac, Side bags, moonroof, Malibu blue
Mods to my company car:
Intermittent wipers, BMW tip, Ireland sticker, Foglight mod.
That will be about it...I don't own it!

[focusguy2000]

I had been running regular 85 octane (midgrade is 87 in colorado) due to gas prices, then filled up with 87 last night to go out and do some boonie racing. Upon starting the car it emediatly died on me, and ever sence has run like crap. I assume I got a batch of bad gas, but the check engine light didn't come on. I do remember the salesman telling me to avoid mixing different grade gasoline, that could be the cause as well.

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cloud 9 white zx3 5spd
Ractive filter
custom exhaust
Progress sport springs 1.8" drop
Team 5280 NONE HIGHER!
Quarterfinalist 2000 Bandimere speedway Import/Sport compact challenge

[quale]

Hatchman--same thing happened to me last week on trip out-of-town. Filled 'er up and the check engine light goes on.

Plus, the fuel gauge doesn't return to full until I switch off the ignition and restart several miles down the road. The fuel gauge problem has been discussed elsewhere on this list. Maybe to guage and engine light problem are related.

After more than three driving cycles, and some fresh gas, the check engine lights hasn't gone out. I'll have the dealer look at it when I get the oil changed in another 1000 miles. Or sooner, if the car should die. But at highway speeds with cruise control engaged, the motor feels okay. There's a little hesitation at lower speed and gears, as you say.

There is a recall on the 2001 Focus. Seems to be a fuel pump sending unit. I filled my tank one day only to see the check engine light on and my fuel gauge pegged at E (I filled the tank)!!! I contacted the dealership and they came up with the recall. Go to your dealer and get this repaired. I've also have had performance problems that some say was bad gas. Im not quite convinced yet. I think my PC chip is wacked. Some days my head is in the rear seat from the unannounced torque and other days I have Yugos passing me (kidding). Diagnositics showing nothing wrong. Very frustrating!!! > What the hell is up with the reverse rotating window cranks??

[Hatchman]

I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day!

[Hatchman]

Had the DPFE sensor installed today and I am in-Focus again! Running smooth and purrs at idle. All is well.

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Focus on Jesus
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2001 ZX3 CD Silver 5spd, power group, K&N air filter, fog light mod, shorty antenna, resonator removed, seatbelt chime disabled