MikeT66
Member
Thought I'd update the forum with some info, in case anyone finds it useful. Having run perfectly for some time since the last Coil Pack replacement (https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=30368&p=357160#p357160), the Puma began to have a slight misfire again, noticeable under load (say 3rd Gear, around 20mph or hard acceleration). Thinking it may be a Coil Pack again, the car went back to Ford. Diagnosis was either 1) the PCM (Engine Control Unit), 2) a Sensor (but I can't remember which one 
) or 3) the wiring in-between. I gave authorisation for more investigation, which proved that the wiring (the cheapest option) was OK. Oh dear.
Ford's diagnostics didn't work too well on the old Puma though, so they couldn't determine what component was at fault - either way it was looking to be expensive. £1400 for a new PCM (although they seem to be available second-hand) or £450 for the Sensor. Either one could be fitted but not cure it, as it could be the other component, so a potential £2000 bill. Now, I know I've spent a lot on my car but that was a bit steep even for me.
On the advice of a petrolhead colleague, though, I got in touch with a company called Camco Automotive (http://camcoautomotive.co.uk), conveniently located nearby in Warrington. Experts at ECU issues, and offering a while-you-wait Bench Test for £12+VAT, I thought I'd give them a call and see if they could pin down the problem. I explained the issue over the phone and asked if they could help. "What car is it?" the gentleman asked. "2002 Ford Puma, 1.7". "Ah," he replied, "it's a bit old really... we can't do the simple tests like we can on the newer units."
Oh.
Anyway, I booked the car in and handed it over today. A few hours later and they had the answer. They managed to replicate the fault, and their diagnostics pointed to a HT issue. It turned out that one of the Spark Plugs had a hairline crack, causing it the spark against the Engine Block and result in the hesitation/misfire under heavy load. Ford had checked the Plugs and found no issue, but once cleaned one of them clearly showed the burn marks on the ceramic section, tracing the hairline crack. A replacement of all four Spark Plugs later by Camco and the Puma is purring once again.
Total cost - £163.00, so I feel like I've saved some money (Puma-maths!) Hope the info helps someone though, and I'd certainly use Camco again if the need arises - superb service.
) or 3) the wiring in-between. I gave authorisation for more investigation, which proved that the wiring (the cheapest option) was OK. Oh dear.Ford's diagnostics didn't work too well on the old Puma though, so they couldn't determine what component was at fault - either way it was looking to be expensive. £1400 for a new PCM (although they seem to be available second-hand) or £450 for the Sensor. Either one could be fitted but not cure it, as it could be the other component, so a potential £2000 bill. Now, I know I've spent a lot on my car but that was a bit steep even for me.
On the advice of a petrolhead colleague, though, I got in touch with a company called Camco Automotive (http://camcoautomotive.co.uk), conveniently located nearby in Warrington. Experts at ECU issues, and offering a while-you-wait Bench Test for £12+VAT, I thought I'd give them a call and see if they could pin down the problem. I explained the issue over the phone and asked if they could help. "What car is it?" the gentleman asked. "2002 Ford Puma, 1.7". "Ah," he replied, "it's a bit old really... we can't do the simple tests like we can on the newer units."
Oh.
Anyway, I booked the car in and handed it over today. A few hours later and they had the answer. They managed to replicate the fault, and their diagnostics pointed to a HT issue. It turned out that one of the Spark Plugs had a hairline crack, causing it the spark against the Engine Block and result in the hesitation/misfire under heavy load. Ford had checked the Plugs and found no issue, but once cleaned one of them clearly showed the burn marks on the ceramic section, tracing the hairline crack. A replacement of all four Spark Plugs later by Camco and the Puma is purring once again.
Total cost - £163.00, so I feel like I've saved some money (Puma-maths!) Hope the info helps someone though, and I'd certainly use Camco again if the need arises - superb service.
