Ford Sierra Common Problems and Solutions
Rough Idling
Problem:
The car is idling roughly, and you are using more oil than usual. There may be blue smoke coming from the exhaust, and you have lost acceleration power.
Solution:
These are all signs that you have worn out valve seals. Order new seals from us and replace all of the worn ones.
Difficulty level
Poor Performance
Problem:
There has been a noticeable drop in performance levels.
Solution:
On the Ford Sierra, a drop in performance is often an indication that you have a fuel pump problem. If this isn’t addressed, then eventually, your pistons will start to melt. Find a new fuel pump on our parts list and easily install it.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump in Tank
Hesitant Gear Changes
Problem:
You’re struggling to make smooth gear changes and are experiencing regular baulking.
Solution:
This is a sign that your clutch cable is on its last legs and will need to be replaced. This can be a fiddly job, but you can order a new clutch cable direct from BreakerYard and save yourself a lot of cash by doing the job yourself.
Difficulty level
Clutch Cable
Difficult 2nd to 3rd Gear Change
Problem:
You’re finding it harder to move between 2nd and 3rd gear.
Solution:
It’s common on the Sierra for the synchros on the 2nd and 3rd gears to wear out prematurely. The only solution is going to be to replace the synchros. If you don’t, then the problem is going to get worse, and the whole gearbox will end up being worn out. You can find new synchros on our parts list and have your repayments delivered.
Difficulty level
Overheating
Problem:
There has been known problems with overheating on these vehicles. If there is a bubbling noise, air locks or the system is slow to fill up then it is most likely a blockage in the expansion tank hose.
Solution:
Check the upper small hose to see if it’s blocked. If so, then remove any blockage and re-fit the hose to solve the problem.
Difficulty level
ABS light on dashboard
Problem:
The ABS light is on the dashboard constantly, even when driving. If you are facing this problem then it is most likely a faulty ABS sensor.
Solution:
You will need to get a diagnostic check done to identify which sensor is faulty. Once identified, you will need to replace the faulty sensor. Watch the video below to see how to change an ABS sensor
Difficulty level
ABS Sensor
Speedo needle erratic
Problem:
On these cars it is not uncommon to see the needle on the speedometer being a bit erratic and unsteady. This is due to a faulty VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor).
Solution:
You will have to replace the VSS in order to fix this problem.
Difficulty level
Boosting problem
Problem:
If you are finding that your Scorpio is not boosting when you apply the accelerator then it will most likely be a problem with the airflow meter.
Solution:
Replace the airflow meter and this should resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Air Flow Meter
Water leaking into fuse box
Problem:
A common problem on the Ford Scorpio is water leaking into the fuse box which could affect all sorts of electrical equipment on the vehicle. Very common parts to fail are the window wipers and headlights/indicators when this leak occurs.
Solution:
You will most likely have to change the fuse box and find where the water is leaking in from. Once you find where the water is coming in from, you will need to fix this to stop any further damage.
Difficulty level
Noise from rear when cornering
Problem:
If you hear a ticking noise coming from the rear when turning a corner then it will most likely be a worn CV joint.
Solution:
To resolve this, you will need to fit a new CV joint on the affected side.
Difficulty level
Starting problems
Problem:
Sometimes the engines have been known to start but then soon conk out, and then they will not restart; you should check the fuel pump relay. This part is known to fail on these cars.
Solution:
The first thing to do is to try and clean the contacts on the relay. If the relay is too hot to touch then it is faulty and you will need to replace it.
Difficulty level
Brake problems
Problem:
If you are noticing your brakes juddering when you apply pressure to them you have a problem with the pads and discs. If the juddering is on the steering wheel it will be the front brakes, but if its on the foot pedal it will be the rear brakes.
Solution:
Once you have identified if it is the front or rear, you will have to fit new pads and discs to solve the problem, and in extreme cases, fit new hubs.
Difficulty level
Handling issues at high speeds
Problem:
If you have noticed your Sierra has handling issues at high speeds then this is most likely caused by the type of bushes fitted to the track control arm. The bushes are too heavy, causing the vehicle to stutter.
Solution:
To solve this you will need to fit the revised bushes.
Difficulty level
Idling problems
Problem:
If the car is having problems with surging when the car is idling, it is most likely a problem with the idle speed control valve. Watch the video below which demonstrates this.
Solution:
Disconnect the idle control valve and clean it with carb cleaner. Re-fit the control valve and test it. If this doesn't solve the problem, you will have to get a new idle control valve.
Difficulty level
Idle Control Valve
ABS light or pulsating brake pedal
Problem:
If you are noticing that the ABS light is on your dashboard or you can feel a pulsating on the brake pedal, then you most likely have a fault with one of the ABS sensors.
Solution:
You will need to have a diagnostic check done to identify exactly which sensor is at fault. Once you have identified the faulty sensor, you will need to fit a new sensor.
Difficulty level
Alarm faults
Problem:
Alarm faults are common problems on the Ford Sierra. This is usually due to water leaking into the alarm barrel switch. These are located next to the door barrels.
Solution:
The best way to fix this is to cover the area with a small sheet of foam to stop the water leaking in.
Difficulty level
DOHC not running correctly
Problem:
You may find the DOHC is not running as it should be. This is down to a small rubber hose connected to the emissions valve behind the exhaust manifold. It can deteriorate over time as it gets too hot.
Solution:
A replacement hose will come with a metal cover over it, and this will sort the problem.
Difficulty level
Starting problems
Problem:
If you are having problems with starting the vehicle then this is more than likely down to faulty HT leads on the distributor cap. You may also find that the engine is misfiring which would be another clear indication of this problem. This is caused by a leaking camshaft seal which leaks into the distributor cap.
Solution:
In order to resolve this issue, you will need to replace the HT leads and the camshaft seal.
Difficulty level
Ignition HT Leads
