Whether you have the latest Ford Focus or any other car, a jerking sensation when accelerating is something that many people often deal with. There could be different reasons for this, but it is not often something to worry about if it happens once or twice. The Ford Focus jerking when accelerating is something many people have tried to identify.

One of the biggest reasons your Ford Focus might jerk while accelerating is often the driver. In manual vehicles, clutch control is an important part of your driving. Many people who lack proper clutch control might notice the jerking feeling when they accelerate. When it is not your fault, in many cases, it might be the spark plugs being faulty.

Since this is a major issue that people deal with in various vehicles, we must try to identify what is happening and why you have this jerking sensation. This article aims to help you better understand the reason for this jerking sensation and what you can do to avoid it. We have identified the most common reasons for Ford Focus Jerking When Accelerating.

Ford Focus Jerking When Accelerating: 5 Main Causes

As mentioned, some of these faults can be easily fixed at home. However, others might require the assistance of a professional mechanic. The following issues are not only specific to the Ford Focus but can be extrapolated to other vehicles as well. Here are the main reasons your vehicle is jerking while accelerating:

1. Faulty Spark Plugs

Problem: The spark plugs are an essential part of the igniting of the fuel in your car. If one of the spark plugs does go bad in your car, the spark created might be weak. A damaged spark plug might not even ignite at all. This could disrupt fuel to your engine and it might lead to a sensation of the car jerking when pulling away.

Solution: Spark plugs are generally checked during a regular service for your vehicle. However, some spark plugs might not be of the best quality and have some issues. The best bet would be to remove the spark plugs and test them. Fortunately, it is on the cheaper end of the scale when it comes to replacing your spark plugs.

2. Dirty Fuel Injectors

Problem: Since jerking has plenty to do with fuel being pumped into the engine, the fuel injectors are an important component to keep in mind. If they cannot provide the vehicle with a consistent stream of fuel, you might find the jerking happens. The problem could be related to dirty fuel injectors, especially if you don’t follow a regular maintenance program.

Solution: Instead of replacing the fuel injectors, you can remove them and clean them. While this might take some basic mechanical skills, you can also do this at home. However, most automotive shops will charge you between $50 and $100 to clean the fuel injectors. It should be much cheaper than having to replace them.

3. Faulty Fuel Filter Or Pump

Problem: As you might have noticed, fuel supply is one of the main reasons that your car might be having issues with acceleration. It all comes down to how efficiently and consistently your vehicle can pump fuel through the engine. A damaged or faulty fuel pump and filter might be one of the main causes of this issue.

Solution: Once again, this is not an issue that will break the bank and you can easily remove and clean the fuel filter. When it comes to the fuel pump, it could be more daunting. You will have to remove the component and check for faults. This is best done with the assistance of a professional mechanic to make it easier.

4. Defective Fuel Lines

Problem: Once the fuel is pumped from the fuel pump and clears the filter, the fuel lines are responsible for transporting the fuel to the engine. Once they reach the engine, your vehicle has the fuel it needs to move. A damaged fuel line might affect the fuel pressure and this could cause some inconsistencies in the fuel being pumped.

Solution: Fixing a fuel line is one of the hardest things you can attempt. Unless you know exactly what the fault is, you might find that it is a tedious process. Having someone assist you in replacing the fuel lines is often the best way to go. It should cost you around $120 to have these lines fully replaced and ready to go.

5. Blocked Airflow Or Airmass sensor

Problem: While this also relates to the fuel of your vehicle, your vehicle needs air to mix with the fuel. The air will be used by the spark plugs to ignite and this will ignite the fuel. A blocked air filter or intake valve could reduce the air coming from the outside. This will prevent the spark plugs from igniting the fuel consistently.

Solution: Fortunately, you can fix this problem and have the airflow unblocked to provide efficient airflow to your vehicle. Unfortunately, the costs could vary and you might have to replace certain components. If you are unsure about the possible cause, you should have a mechanic assist you in finding and fixing the issue.

FAQ

Is It Safe To Drive A Car That Jerks?

A car that jerks could cause big worries for the driver. While it does not put you at much risk when the jerking sensation happens from acceleration, it could be troublesome at higher speeds. If you are on the freeway and your acceleration does not work, you could be the reason for an accident. Many people assume other drivers travel at a constant speed.

Can An Automatic Ford Focus Jerk When Accelerating?

If you are dealing with a car jerking, the chances are often related to the fuel supply. Manual vehicles are the most common to deal with the jerking sensation. However, transmission issues in your Ford might also cause a jerking motion. One of the biggest causes could be dirty transmission fluid in the Ford Focus.