Owners Forums for Ford and Volkswagen MPVs / SUVs

Hello All,

Yesterday my Mk1 R reg Galaxy TDi misfired a few times while trying to accelerate under 30mph around town. It was as though the engine cut out for a split second then carried on working. It has never done this before. There was no bang or anything like that, but a big lurch as the power cut.
The heater plug warning light now flashes permanently after the ignition has been turned on for about 35 seconds.

I have checked the fuel filter has no water in it, cleaned the battery terminals and have squirted contact cleaner on the electrical lead connections from the injector pump and today I took it on the road for a test. Around town it seemed to lack oomph, then on a 70mph bit of read it would not quite get to 70! 
I have a friend who has a code scanner but his device won't read the car's codes, perhaps as the car is too old.

I rang the local Ford dealers but they can only look at the car on Friday when I am working and refused to say how much they would actually charge to scan it - though they said the initial visual inspection would be free! 

Also, in case it is relevant, there has been a hissing sound audible from inside the car with the engine running for the last 18 months or so, and this is just discernible above the engine noise when looking under the bonnet.

Any ideas anyone? Thanks.

Thank you Paul. I shall look through the info on the link to find out more about CAG-com. I have ordered some vacuum tubing off the internet and will replace some of the hoses - there are various scuffs and weak looking bits that may be hiding cracks. It is getting old!

The needle lift sensor is usually incorporated into injector number 3 for ignition timing purposes, it's possible the sensor has become worn with age & use, if so I believe the whole injector may require replacement- there's a little more about in in section 3 of this article, though I'm not exactly sure how the system is impemented on the Mk1 Gal.

I'm not that familiar with the older type mechanical fuel pump systems but I'd say a dodgy needle sensor could be causing your problem.

If Haynes are referring to relay 209 as a power supply, then it could be a typo on their part. It's not one I've come across anyway!

All is well - now done a few hundred miles on it with no more problems. Power loss and misfires due to frayed wire from needle lift sensing valve on injector.