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NOS2Go4Me,Jan 25 2007, 11:10 AM Wrote:I had a very similar problem with our previous Focus in that when you cruised at a set speed for a while (minutes, hours), it would "hiccup" slightly. It wouldn't be enough to log a code or throw a CEL, but it happened once every few months.

I didn't keep the car long enough after the repair, but not too long prior to selling it we found out that a lot of minor driveability annoyances were related to the ignition coil. Once that was replaced, the car woke right up and drove well... until we sold it ;)

I'm not ruling out the transmission per se... try resetting the ECU entirely by leaving the negative cable off the negative battery terminal for 5-10 minutes. Then, reconnect it and drive the car as you normally would. Occasionally, take it for a quick jaunt to the upper rev ranges. See if it happens again.

When was the last time you replaced the fuel filter?
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thanks for the reply! as for the fuel filter, I have no idea.. i'll have to check through her maintenance records. I'll try resetting the ECU tonight to see if that helps. it happens pretty consistantly.. like i'd say 3 or 4 times per minute when on the highway. at lower speeds i dont' notice it as much but i think it's more related to keeping it at constant speed in one gear for long enough for it to happen.

good suggestion about the ignition coil as well. if after resetting the ECU it's still acting up, she might end up just taking it to her dealership to have them check it out. yeah i know the dealers are expensive, but the one she's been going to have been pretty honest and straight up in the past. i myself have a mazda protege so i know very little about the focus. is there one ignition coil per plug on the 2001, or does it use coil packs?