logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda

2015 Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec - P030092: Ignition Loss on 2nd & 3rd Cylinder, Uneven Engine Issue

ptr92 28746 16
Best answers

Why does a 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec start running unevenly after 1–2 minutes and lose ignition on cylinders 2 and 3, even though compression, fuel pressure, injectors, coil, intake tightness, and basic sensors seem OK?

The thread does not identify a final fix, but the strongest advice is to check valve clearance/valve adjustment, fuel trims (STFT and LTFT), the lambda/catalyst behavior, and the engine harness/coil control for cylinders 2 and 3. One reply notes that this engine uses paired ignition outputs, so cylinders 2 and 3 share one spark event with 1 and 4, which makes a wiring or coil-control fault on one ignition channel a plausible cause [#16655445] Another suggestion is to verify valve clearances by replacing tappets/shims if needed, and to compare STFT/LTFT and idle vs. higher-load values because a hot catalyst should give the rear probe about 0.6–0.8 V without oscillating like the front probe [#16655445] [#16657336] The poster later reported STFT around +13% and that unplugging mixture-related parts, variable valve timing, and other inputs did not stop the problem, so the issue may be elsewhere than the basic sensors [#16659132] A few replies also point out that the apparent lower injection time on cylinders 2 and 3 may be a correction after misfires rather than the root cause [#16659307]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #1 16655133
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    Hello,
    there was a similar topic here, but I set up a new one because that was resolved and there were some other malfunctions.
    I am fighting the Focus of 2015 with the 1.6 duratec engine with 45 thousand km. After starting the car works properly for 1-2 minutes, after which it starts walking unevenly. In real terms, it can be seen that the ignition falls on the 2nd and 3rd cylinder, most likely because the engine controller depletes the mixture, reducing the injection time for the 2nd and 3rd injection. (Ignitions fall out like injection times look as follows: 1.cyl: about 5ms; 2.cyl: about 3ms; 3.cyl: about 3ms; 4.cyl: about 5ms. During the ride, most of the time is good, it has power, it doesn't tug, sometimes he can only silence for a moment (then ignites for 2 and 3 cyl) but does not feel the characteristic ignition falling out, as when piercing a spark.
    What I did / checked:
    - I changed the candles to iridium DENSO according to the catalog - they were mounted nickel-plated
    - compression after 14atm
    - injections swapped, coil replaced, wires not pierced
    - disconnecting the flow meter and probes does not change anything - ignition continues to fall on 2 and 3 cyl
    - unscrewing the probe in front of the catalyst also gives nothing, i.e.
    - disconnecting the variable valve timing adjusters also changes nothing
    - air-tight intake
    - fuel pressure OK
    - damper cleaned, potentiometers approx
    - the beam is also OK
    Before eliminating the above components, I reset the G-SCAN2 adaptation values every time
    I can't understand why the engine control unit reduces the injection time to 2 and 3, since the consequence is a loss of ignition.
    I'm counting on brainstorming ;)
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #2 16655183
    mc2_
    Level 8  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    I have the same problem. Did you fix the fault?
  • #3 16655187
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    In 14min it is difficult to deal with the fault ;)
  • #4 16655213
    mc2_
    Level 8  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    In fact, I have only now noticed.

    How about the temperatures? For me, the engine temperature sensor worked for a long time at 100 degrees Celsius and the 2nd stage of the fan did not turn on. In addition, when the error is saved, the computer registers that this occurs at a temperature of -27 degrees ....
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #5 16655214
    sebap
    Level 41  
    Posts: 7139
    Help: 538
    Rate: 1078
    Is there manual valve adjustment? If so, maybe check?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #6 16655257
    mc2_
    Level 8  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    It is supposed to be regulated, the engine in old technology, not what ecoBoost
    Valve clearance
    Cold
    Inlet 0.17 - 0.23 (mm)
    Outlet 0.31 - 0.37 (mm)

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    For now, I have made a basic adaptation of the driver and it has improved. I will test tomorrow and let you know but the driver could get lost - we have hard times ...
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #7 16655294
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    I went to check specifically. There are no, there are glasses.
    Attachments:
    • 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec - P030092: Ignition Loss on 2nd & 3rd Cylinder, Uneven Engine Issue 21014886_1758926050833407_276835148_o.jpg (309.93 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #8 16655331
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    mc2_ wrote:
    For now, I have made a basic adaptation of the driver and it has improved. I will test tomorrow and let you know but the driver could get lost - we have hard times ...


    for me at the first reset it was also good for 10 minutes and on nickel candles. I did the reset on a warm engine. You also ignite the 2 and 3 cyl and also impoverish the dose on them?
  • #9 16655445
    dare23
    Level 19  
    Posts: 214
    Help: 32
    Rate: 242
    Hello. Adjustment of valves in this engine is probably carried out as in the older version of Ti-VCT by replacing the tappets (or if you prefer glasses) with others of the appropriate thickness to determine the appropriate clearance. It takes a long time to work because the camshafts need to be dismantled ...

    And what do STFT and LTFT look for bank1 and bank2 after a long drive? What are the idle values and what are the higher speeds while driving? Maybe this will tell us something?
    The ignition coil is dual even though it has 4 outputs and maybe the problem is in the engine harness (short circuit, interruption) on one of the two ignition initiation wires? In this case, the ignition on just 2 cylinders will fall out. Pairs of cylinders on which a spark occurs simultaneously are 1.4 and 2.3.
    These are just guesses but maybe they'll suggest something?
  • #10 16655501
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    Thanks for showing interest. I checked the coil inputs with an oscilloscope, the signal is the same all the time, no interruption, no interference, short to ground. I even dismantled the connector and corrected the pins. If I find the same somewhere, I will list them.
    When driving the probe in front of the catalyst all the time works nicely from 0.1 to 0.9, and behind the catalyst there is the same graph, they even coincide (i.e. at the same time one probe and the other have an extreme), but of course they reduce the amplitude. A little low frequency. I'll take pictures tomorrow and send it.
    However, at low speed I had a probe that barely began to change voltage, and the ignition was falling out. I will look more closely at this tomorrow.
    Added after 12 [hours] 9 [minutes]:
    The second attachment is the work of the probe at low speed when the ignition falls out, the first is the work of the probe at high speed, then the ignition does not fall out, but the injection time at 2 and 3 cyl is less.
    There is no time on the chart, the time that is on the chart is 8s
    Attachments:
    • 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec - P030092: Ignition Loss on 2nd & 3rd Cylinder, Uneven Engine Issue 21037661_1759351890790823_1112997389_o.jpg (223.01 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec - P030092: Ignition Loss on 2nd & 3rd Cylinder, Uneven Engine Issue 21038035_1759351914124154_1050008579_o.jpg (184.57 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #11 16657126
    mc2_
    Level 8  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    For me, the reset did not have a lasting effect. The fault has returned. I lost the concept - like in the second case it is almost a new car ...
  • #12 16657336
    dare23
    Level 19  
    Posts: 214
    Help: 32
    Rate: 242
    And what are the corrections for short and long-term fuel doses? (STFT LTFT)
    The probe after the catalyst at idle or constant load should have a signal of about 0.6-0.8 V and should not oscillate like the first. (of course with hot catalyst)
    And one more question: what is the catalyst? Double or Single? There are 4 lambda probes in the binary system.
  • #13 16659132
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    dare23 wrote:
    And what are the corrections for short and long-term fuel doses? (STFT LTFT)
    The probe after the catalyst at idle or constant load should have a signal of about 0.6-0.8 V and should not oscillate like the first. (of course with hot catalyst)
    And one more question: what is the catalyst? Double or Single? There are 4 lambda probes in the binary system.


    in the first case the catalyst was not warmed up, hence the incorrect amplitude.
    Short-term of what I remember was 13%, long-term I do not know, but after 5 minutes from starting the car is practically only on two cylinders, so it's hard for a reliable result.
    unfortunately it is single.
    If I unhook everything responsible for the mixture, variable geometry, leaving only the throttle, shaft position sensor and shaft position sensors, then the ignition continues to fall out on 2 and 3 cyl. Oh, injection angle is still the same on all cylinders, i.e. knocking can probably be ruled out. Although it seems to me that there is not even a knock sensor there.
    Maybe the shaft position sensor sees too much angular acceleration and therefore impoverishes the dose? Can something happen there with lace? win a face, loosen, break? What do you think about it
  • #14 16659307
    dare23
    Level 19  
    Posts: 214
    Help: 32
    Rate: 242
    A strange case and at the same time very interesting. I don't want to believe in a broken impulse wheel shaft. I wonder if the injection time of 5 ms is not too long because it should usually oscillate around 3 ms. But when we pay attention to the firing order (3421) it may be due to corrections after lost ignitions on the 2nd and 3rd cylinder. It is possible that cylinder 4 corrects revolutions after a lost ignition on the third cylinder, etc. and hence the increased injection time, so maybe you should not focus on the reduced fuel dose on cylinders 2 and 3, but look for the reasons elsewhere. And after unplugging "everything" responsible for the composition of the mixture, the adaptive values were deleted? I am also interested in long-term correction because if it is also in the black it means that the controller is trying to enrich the mixture due to the detected large amount of oxygen supplied to obtain the stoichiometric composition.
    The fault occurred suddenly or manifested gradually? Engine "takes" oil? I would also substitute the WN cables for trial.
  • #15 16659442
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    Apparently the cables were replaced by a mechanic who repaired the car in front of me. I was checking the breakthroughs on the table, but now I was just thinking about measuring their resistance. The mechanic replaced, but certainly did not delete adaptive values.
    Yes, I unpinned "everything" and deleted the adaptive values. I did the same on the first probe chart, wanting to eliminate the catalyst. (In the Russian forum I found info that someone had such a case and helped the catalyst replacement)
    The values certainly reset correctly, because at the beginning the injection times are exactly the same on each cylinder.
    If the values are not deleted immediately after firing, the times are different.
    The customer said no oil was added. And if the fault occurred suddenly, it is hard to say because the car is in a rental company.
  • #16 16727579
    mc2_
    Level 8  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    Did you solve the problem? Because I didn't and the car drove away and I'm curious ...
  • #17 16732582
    ptr92
    Level 19  
    Posts: 559
    Help: 27
    Rate: 247
    After the oil change the customer did not return, so it is rather good. Or someone else is worried ;)

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a 2015 Ford Focus with a 1.6 Duratec engine experiencing ignition loss on the 2nd and 3rd cylinders, leading to uneven engine performance. The user reports that after starting, the engine runs smoothly for 1-2 minutes before misfiring, particularly on cylinders 2 and 3, with injection times indicating a reduction in fuel delivery. Various troubleshooting steps have been taken, including changing spark plugs to iridium DENSO, checking engine temperature sensors, and examining valve adjustments. Participants suggest checking short-term and long-term fuel trim values, the ignition coil, and potential issues with the engine harness. The user has also investigated the lambda probes and adaptive values, indicating that the problem persists despite resets and adjustments. The conversation highlights the complexity of diagnosing the issue, with suggestions ranging from mechanical adjustments to electronic diagnostics.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: 2015 Focus 1.6 Duratec at 45,000 km shows rough idle after 1–2 minutes; “ignition falls on the 2nd and 3rd cylinder.” Root causes cluster around ignition pairing, adaptation, valve clearance, and sensor data. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655133]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners and techs quickly isolate P030092 misfires on cylinders 2 and 3 without parts-chasing.

Quick Facts

What does P030092 mean on a 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec?

It flags misfire on multiple cylinders with performance nuance (.92). In this case, cylinders 2 and 3 lose ignition after a short warm-up. Live data showed reduced injection times on 2/3 and normal on 1/4, matching the misfire behavior. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655133]

Why does the engine run fine for 1–2 minutes and then go uneven?

After start, it runs smoothly, then goes rough as the ECU trims fuel and ignition based on sensors. The observed pattern was injection time dropping to ≈3 ms on cylinders 2/3, aligning with the misfire window after warm-up. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655133]

How do I quickly diagnose misfire on cylinders 2 and 3 (P030092)?

  1. Verify basics: spark plugs, coil, wires; swap injectors and recheck misfire cylinder mapping.
  2. Inspect for intake leaks, fuel pressure, throttle cleanliness; reset adaptations.
  3. Review live data: per-cylinder injection time, O2 activity, and misfire counters during the 1–2 minute transition. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655133]

What are the correct valve clearances on this engine?

Cold clearances: Intake 0.17–0.23 mm and Exhaust 0.31–0.37 mm. Incorrect clearance can affect idle stability and misfire detection. Measure on a cold engine for accurate results. Record all values before parts ordering. [Elektroda, mc2_, post #16655257]

How are the valves adjusted—are they manual or hydraulic?

Adjustment uses shimmed tappets (“glasses”). You select different thicknesses to set clearance. Camshafts must be removed, so plan time and locking tools. This is the older Ti‑VCT style without screw adjusters. [Elektroda, dare23, post #16655445]

Could a bad coolant temperature (ECT) sensor cause P030092 or rough running?

Yes. One case logged faults at an impossible −27°C while the gauge sat high and fan stage two never engaged. Bad ECT data skews fueling and warm-up logic, triggering misfire. Check ECT readings versus reality. [Elektroda, mc2_, post #16655213]

Do paired-spark coils make two cylinders fail together on this Focus?

Yes. “Pairs of cylinders on which a spark occurs simultaneously are 1–4 and 2–3.” A harness or trigger issue can take out a pair. Inspect wiring to the two primary trigger circuits and coil outputs. [Elektroda, dare23, post #16655445]

What should I look for in O2 sensor graphs at idle?

The pre-cat sensor should switch 0.1–0.9 V. The post-cat sensor, with a hot catalyst, should sit near 0.6–0.8 V and not mirror the front. Mirrored traces hint at catalyst inefficiency. [Elektroda, dare23, post #16657336]

Does resetting ECU adaptations fix this permanently?

It may help briefly. One case improved after a basic adaptation reset, but the misfire returned later. Use resets to confirm root-cause direction, not as the final fix. [Elektroda, mc2_, post #16657126]

Could the catalytic converter be involved even if there’s power while driving?

Possibly. A contributor noted similar reports elsewhere where replacing the single catalyst helped. In this case, front and rear O2 traces sometimes aligned, suggesting reduced catalytic storage. Verify before replacing. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16659442]

What ignition and injection parts were already tested in the thread?

Spark plugs were upgraded to Denso iridium, coil replaced, injectors swapped, and wires checked for breakdown. Fuel pressure was OK, and intake was airtight. These narrowed focus to control, sensors, and mechanicals. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655133]

What do STFT and LTFT tell me for this issue?

They show immediate and learned fueling. One case noted short‑term correction around +13% before the engine devolved to two cylinders. Large positive trims suggest added oxygen or fuel delivery imbalance. Capture trims at idle and cruise. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16659132]

Should I suspect variable valve timing (Ti‑VCT) here?

It’s relevant to idle quality, but disconnecting the cam phasers changed nothing in this case. That points you back to ignition pairing, fueling, and sensing rather than VVT control. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655133]

Any edge cases to watch out for during testing?

Yes. A warm engine adaptation reset made it run fine for about 10 minutes, masking the fault. Recreate the 1–2 minute post‑start window during diagnostics to catch the real behavior. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16655331]

What’s the firing order, and does it affect diagnostics?

Firing order is 3‑4‑2‑1. It explains why load oscillations may follow misfires in a pattern and why paired-spark diagnosis helps. Correlate misfire counters with the order during tests. [Elektroda, dare23, post #16659307]

Did anyone report a final outcome?

The original car left after an oil change and did not return, suggesting resolution or transfer. Document your baseline after service to verify closure if the customer departs. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16732582]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT