I’m noticing my Ford Fiesta Titanium mk7 2015 with an Ecoboost engine shakes quite a lot when starting up. I’ve heard Ecoboosts have some problems, but not sure what could be causing this.
The Ecoboost engine does have known issues with the wet belt which sheds particles as it ages. These particles can block the oil filter and cause oil starvation, which leads to engine failure. It’s a common problem, and some garages specialise in replacing the belt for around £750-£800.
However, the shaking you’re describing isn’t something I’ve heard of related to the belt. This could be caused by other issues like a faulty spark plug or coil, or a broken engine mount. I’d recommend getting it checked by a professional.
My old car had similar shaking, and eventually it made some weird noises. Turned out the oil was almost gone, even though the oil light never came on. I’d suggest checking the oil level with the dipstick.
Check your oil level. My car started rough idling and then was fine once warmed up, but it got worse with cold starts and eventually the engine just bogged out. My dipstick was dry, and this happened a month after a full service.
@Tracy
When I topped up the oil, the car ran fine again.
This might not be the issue, but it’s worth checking your coolant. About three months after my car was serviced, I noticed more vibration than usual, especially in the driver’s seat. I took it to another garage, and they found the coolant was so low that the engine fan was running constantly. I thought I had a leak, but they pressure tested it, and everything was fine. After topping up the coolant, the problem stopped, and it’s been smooth ever since.
I changed the belt on my 2013 Ecoboost at 47k miles. The mechanic said I caught it just in time.
Ivy said:
I changed the belt on my 2013 Ecoboost at 47k miles. The mechanic said I caught it just in time.
How much did it cost?
Ivy said:
I changed the belt on my 2013 Ecoboost at 47k miles. The mechanic said I caught it just in time.
How much did it cost?
In the UK, for the belt, oil pump, water pump, oil and filter service, antifreeze, and plugs, I paid £1k.
@Ivy
Is that everything that would need to be replaced if I changed the belt?
Orion said:
@Ivy
Is that everything that would need to be replaced if I changed the belt?
That’s what my mechanic recommended. The pumps are cheap, so while you’re in there, you might as well replace them. You don’t have to replace the plugs, but I did. I change the oil and filter every year.
Orion said:
@Ivy
Is that everything that would need to be replaced if I changed the belt?
Keep in mind, you’ll need special tools if you’re doing it yourself. If not, take it to a specialist, not just any garage. But first, check the rear engine mount.
@Ivy
In Austria, the official Ford service wanted 3300 Euros for this. In Slovenia, it’s around 800 to 1100 Euros, depending on the engine’s condition. I’ve already booked the service, but I’ve done 140,000 km, so I’m pushing it.
Could be a misfire. If it was the wet belt, the car wouldn’t start and the oil light would come on. It could also be the purge valve.
Ecoboom
Harlow said:
Ecoboom
That’s not a diagnosis, but thanks for the input.
Orion said:
Harlow said:
Ecoboom
That’s not a diagnosis, but thanks for the input.
Ecoboom.
Ah, now I get it. Thanks for explaining.
Check the wet belt.
Ember said:
Check the wet belt.
You can’t really check the wet belt unless you’re changing it. It’s inside the engine, so you’d have to strip it down to access it.