Runs rough on cold start? - The Ford Focus Forum

**MustFocus** · 10-28-2009, 02:35 PM

Hello Everyone. I'm having an issue which is driving me nuts and I'm wondering if you could help out. Out of no where about three weeks ago, the Focus started running much rougher than usual on a cold start. After she warms up, no issue. Also, while it is running rough, if I hit a bump in the road it makes a funny noise that I can best describe as sort of grinding. Like it runs worse for a second. Its the Zetec with a 5spd in a 4 door. The other thing I noticed is when shifting I notice a very quick rough patch while the clutch is going in an out. None of this happens when warm. No idiot lights. about 150,000 miles on the car.

I did a little reading here and it sounds to me that maybe it is a bad motor mount? That is not at all what I was thinking, but I'm not the expert here. Does this sound right to you guys? Is this a major PIA to replace? Thanks for any thoughts.

**Lancer211** · 10-28-2009, 07:08 PM

Is there only a difference when the engine is warm? As opposed to, say, when the engine starts?

Like, if you've been driving for 10 minutes and then you stop for 5 minutes and then restart your car, it'll run smoothly?

**MustFocus** · 10-28-2009, 07:39 PM

Exactly. If I have been driving around and then restart the car while it is warm, then it is as smooth as it used to be.

**01slo-cus** · 10-29-2009, 07:14 AM

I had a similar problem w/ the cold start thing and mine turned out to be the O2 sensor (the one I had just replaced less than a yr ago

). For some reason it wasn't reading right until it got good and warm then it would run smooth as silk. Try unplugging the primary O2 (the one before the cat) and start it when it's cold. If it runs smooth, problem solved.

**racer1735** · 10-29-2009, 10:10 AM

I had very similar problem with my SVT, noticed it when tank was nearly empty on one particular fuel load. A combination of a full tank of quality fuel (I'd purchased the previous tank at a thrifty station by necessity) and a change of spark plugs provided the cure.

**MustFocus** · 11-01-2009, 08:55 AM

Lots of things to check. Thanks everyone.

**ZX3autoxtasy** · 11-01-2009, 12:12 PM

The noise, and what these guys are saying, seem like 2 different things.

The poor running could be what people have been saying.

The grinding? Thats weird. It doesn't grind when it gets warm when you hit a bump?

**gilliam** · 11-02-2009, 05:31 AM

i replaced my driver side(transmission) motor mount and rear motor mount, much of my engine noise has stopped(need to replace passenger side one still).
that noise includes minor grinding/rubbing sound when going over bumps.

motor mounts were about a 4 on a 10 scale of dificulty. mostly need a good arm or prybar for those old mount bolts.

**MustFocus** · 11-02-2009, 06:42 PM

Its not exactly a grind so much as a harsh rubbing sound almost like a bad bushing in the front suspension somewhere. Its really hard to describe. It does happen after the car has warmed up but its not nearly as noticeable. When it is cold it feels like a strong vibration more than a grind I suppose. I need some daylight after work to climb under and check things out, but now of course daylight savings is over. Maybe tomorrow.

**albanach** · 11-18-2009, 06:42 PM

Don't suppose you've made any progress on finding a cause? My '04 ZTW is showing exactly the same symptoms. They developed at almost exactly the same time too. Uncanny.

**albanach** · 11-18-2009, 06:46 PM

Sorry, I should have added I don't have the grinding noise - just the engine roughness. But exactly the same, it happens when cold. If the car's been sitting in the sun it's quiet. It I start it in the morning I get five minutes of rough engine noises.

**dvanderm** · 11-19-2009, 03:56 PM

I've had this same issue here recently. My car has been in the shop for two weeks now. I should get it back tomorrow. Luckily everything is covered under the extended warranty.

I had several failures at one time which seem to have contributed the rough cold weather starting:

1. Ignition Coil
2. Fuel Injectors
3. Throttle Body
4. Motor Mounts

2003 Ford Focus ZTS 2.0 Zetec 72K miles.

**Zeke'sTS** · 11-19-2009, 10:56 PM

the noise over bump maybe suspension related ball joints would be my guess

end the cold start issue sounds like lean condition to much air or not enough fuel that thats has a "miss or rough" result so check or change fuel filter and if not check for any vacuum leaks

10-28-2009, 02:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
MustFocus Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 6	Runs rough on cold start? Hello Everyone. I'm having an issue which is driving me nuts and I'm wondering if you could help out. Out of no where about three weeks ago, the Focus started running much rougher than usual on a cold start. After she warms up, no issue. Also, while it is running rough, if I hit a bump in the road it makes a funny noise that I can best describe as sort of grinding. Like it runs worse for a second. Its the Zetec with a 5spd in a 4 door. The other thing I noticed is when shifting I notice a very quick rough patch while the clutch is going in an out. None of this happens when warm. No idiot lights. about 150,000 miles on the car. I did a little reading here and it sounds to me that maybe it is a bad motor mount? That is not at all what I was thinking, but I'm not the expert here. Does this sound right to you guys? Is this a major PIA to replace? Thanks for any thoughts. __________________ Black 01 Focus Zetec, 5spd 1968 Mustang 5.0, 5spd

10-28-2009, 07:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lancer211 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,330	Re: Runs rough on cold start? Is there only a difference when the engine is warm? As opposed to, say, when the engine starts? Like, if you've been driving for 10 minutes and then you stop for 5 minutes and then restart your car, it'll run smoothly? __________________ For sale: Eibach Pro-Kit springs, sedan taillight, lower grille, DPFE, EVR, MAFS, side markers, trunk handle, fuel door, gas pedal, headlight switch, AC/vent/defrost button, hazard switch, ashtray, silver console bezel, HVAC controls. 2004 infrared Focus SE Zetec ATX sedan "Ruby" CarDomain Page

10-28-2009, 07:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
MustFocus Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 6	Re: Runs rough on cold start? Exactly. If I have been driving around and then restart the car while it is warm, then it is as smooth as it used to be. __________________ Black 01 Focus Zetec, 5spd 1968 Mustang 5.0, 5spd

10-29-2009, 07:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
01slo-cus Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 42	Re: Runs rough on cold start? I had a similar problem w/ the cold start thing and mine turned out to be the O2 sensor (the one I had just replaced less than a yr ago ). For some reason it wasn't reading right until it got good and warm then it would run smooth as silk. Try unplugging the primary O2 (the one before the cat) and start it when it's cold. If it runs smooth, problem solved. __________________ 2001 ZX3 CAI, ported TB, SVT header, UDP, 2.5" exhaust and still barely gets out of it's own way!

10-29-2009, 10:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
racer1735 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 91	Re: Runs rough on cold start? I had very similar problem with my SVT, noticed it when tank was nearly empty on one particular fuel load. A combination of a full tank of quality fuel (I'd purchased the previous tank at a thrifty station by necessity) and a change of spark plugs provided the cure. __________________ - If you've run out of mods, it's time to buy something new - 2004 Sonic Blue ZX5 SVT; FS Cool-Flo, FR Plug Wires, VF Rear Mount, FR Short Throw shifter, fog light mod, Centric rotors, Hawk HPS, Russell SS lines.

11-01-2009, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
MustFocus Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 6	Re: Runs rough on cold start? Lots of things to check. Thanks everyone. __________________ Black 01 Focus Zetec, 5spd 1968 Mustang 5.0, 5spd

11-01-2009, 12:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
ZX3autoxtasy [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: atlanta Posts: 5,241	Re: Runs rough on cold start? The noise, and what these guys are saying, seem like 2 different things. The poor running could be what people have been saying. The grinding? Thats weird. It doesn't grind when it gets warm when you hit a bump? __________________ 2008 Specialized Tarmac:: 0.0mpg with more carbon than your Focus. Pure. Power. 2007 Ridley Crossbow: Beware. Terrorizing you town until I sell it for a TT bike. 2004 Pitch Black 5spd 2.0L(Z) ZX3: Eibach Pro-Kit Springs, Eibach Pro-Kit Dampers, Brembo Rotors, Hawk HPS Pads, H&R 24mm Rear Swaybar, P-51 Shims, Focus-Sport Cool-Flo, Focus-Sport front & rear stress bar, MBRP Cat-Back, [Track] 15'' Steelies with 205/50/15 Falken Azeni RT-615's,[Street]UK ST200 Mondeo Wheels w/ Toyo Proxes 4 215/45/17's, Quantum Audio 12''/Quantum 800w Amp, Custom Ported Box, SVT Lip, and tons of other stuff...

11-02-2009, 05:31 AM	#8 (permalink)
gilliam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 70	Re: Runs rough on cold start? i replaced my driver side(transmission) motor mount and rear motor mount, much of my engine noise has stopped(need to replace passenger side one still). that noise includes minor grinding/rubbing sound when going over bumps. motor mounts were about a 4 on a 10 scale of dificulty. mostly need a good arm or prybar for those old mount bolts.

11-02-2009, 06:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
MustFocus Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 6	Re: Runs rough on cold start? Its not exactly a grind so much as a harsh rubbing sound almost like a bad bushing in the front suspension somewhere. Its really hard to describe. It does happen after the car has warmed up but its not nearly as noticeable. When it is cold it feels like a strong vibration more than a grind I suppose. I need some daylight after work to climb under and check things out, but now of course daylight savings is over. Maybe tomorrow. __________________ Black 01 Focus Zetec, 5spd 1968 Mustang 5.0, 5spd

11-18-2009, 06:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
albanach Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Runs rough on cold start? Don't suppose you've made any progress on finding a cause? My '04 ZTW is showing exactly the same symptoms. They developed at almost exactly the same time too. Uncanny.

11-18-2009, 06:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
albanach Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Runs rough on cold start? Sorry, I should have added I don't have the grinding noise - just the engine roughness. But exactly the same, it happens when cold. If the car's been sitting in the sun it's quiet. It I start it in the morning I get five minutes of rough engine noises.

11-19-2009, 03:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
dvanderm Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4	Re: Runs rough on cold start? I've had this same issue here recently. My car has been in the shop for two weeks now. I should get it back tomorrow. Luckily everything is covered under the extended warranty. I had several failures at one time which seem to have contributed the rough cold weather starting: 1. Ignition Coil 2. Fuel Injectors 3. Throttle Body 4. Motor Mounts 2003 Ford Focus ZTS 2.0 Zetec 72K miles. __________________ I've got gas.

11-19-2009, 10:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
Zeke'sTS TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Eagle Rock, CA Posts: 556	Re: Runs rough on cold start? the noise over bump maybe suspension related ball joints would be my guess end the cold start issue sounds like lean condition to much air or not enough fuel that thats has a "miss or rough" result so check or change fuel filter and if not check for any vacuum leaks __________________ Need a cell phone help let me know what you

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