Calling all mechanics (or the mechanically inclined)

[NRacine]

I have a 2005 Focus SES with 80,000 miles on it. I took it to a SuperLube yesterday (yeah, first mistake?) for an oil change and the guy convinced me to get a new fuel filter as well. So I drove home after that and today went to do a few errands. I put about 30 miles into it when it started idling really sporadically and not shifting properly (automatic) and the check engine went on. So I took it back and of course they claimed it had nothing to do with anything they did, but I told them they were fixing it anyway. The code read cylinder 4 misfire and misfire on start. They dumped a bottle of cleaner in the tank and did an injection cleaning service. The light went away, but it still idles wacky and drives like crap. They said the next thing to do would be to change the spark plug. But they don't do that.

So, am I getting messed with here? It ran perfectly before I brought it to them. Needless to say, I'm pretty mad. I like my little roller skate car.

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

Do a tune-up...not with them, and see if that help. It very well could be the plugs.

 

[b.hromada]

My hubby is a mechanic, and he said that its due for a tune up, you should change the spark plugs and test the coils, to see if they are good. That would probably solve your problem, that's considered routine matienance.

 

[fhdogs]

b.hromada :

My hubby is a mechanic, and he said that its due for a tune up, you should change the spark plugs and test the coils, to see if they are good. That would probably solve your problem, that's considered routine matienance.

Yup get the tune up. Make sure they pay attention to the plugs and wires. They most likely knocked one lose while they were working under there.​

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

you would have to change all four plugs. Never just change one unless it is a constantly fouled plug. And if that is the problem you have more problems than a fouled plug.

I would take it to get a tune up. Luckily it's only a 4 cyl.. cheaper than a 6 or 8 to get done. But running on 1 less cylinder, when you only have 4 to begin with, is not good for the over all health of the engine and transmission
Been there. Done that. Will never drive a 4 cyl again

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Take it to a FORD dealership to get it serviced,...other places can try to stick it to you if you don't know what is going on. My DH has been a mechanic for years and thank goodness for that. It does sound as if it needs a tune-up,..funny it happened right after an oil change. Did they reccomend anyone???? Some places do that, kind of like scratch my back and I will scratch yours deal. Drumming up business for friends,...

 

[NRacine]

We changed the plugs, nothing. Now the CEL starts flashing when I accelerate and goes away when I then put it in park. I really think those crackheads did something. Looks like I'm going to have to take it to the dealer for a million dollars. Lesson learned: don't take your car to the SuperLube.

 

[debilorrah]

You could find another reputable independent in your area and tell them what happened. It almost sounds to me like they put the wrong fuel filter in the car and it isn't getting the juice it needs.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
I can't tell you how many times I've worked on equipment or cars only to have something else go bad. What you are experiencing is typical and not a big deal. Chances are the Superlube was not negligent and you really should find out EXACTLY what is wrong before making statements like you did.

Since they changed the fuel filter, something that probably should have been done anyways, it may have loosened up some debris in your fuel rail and clogged an injector. At 80k a good fuel injection cleaning, using the Motorvac system, is in order.

Bring it to the dealer and request a diagnosis only. Then you can make a decision based on what they find. Again, chances are it's nothing and definitely not something to get stressed over.

 

[Imp]

First off let me say I'm not at all mechanically inclined, not even slightly mechanically tilted.
When my old Honda Civic started getting close to 80,000 miles the mechanics started getting very antsy about the timing belt.

Imp