Ford KA 2006 Running Slightly Rough

Hi there,

I have a 2006 Ford KA, 1.3 petrol which was running fine until a few weeks ago when it started to take longer to start in the mornings (instead of starting on the flick of the key, it was taking around 6 or 7 seconds to start and would sometimes cut out when starting) and when it started it ran as though it was down a cylinder. I checked the plugs and noticed that the one was slightly burnt (brown on the ceramic part) so I replaced them with a good quality set and the car ran a lot better for a few weeks.

The problem has since returned, but the spark plugs are clean. I have replaced the coil pack, HT leads, put a fuel cleaner in the fuel and replaced the temperature sensor.

When the engine is warm it generally runs fine but its taking longer to start again and when you pull off it splutters for a few miles. The engine is labouring a little on idle until the engine has warmed up!

I was wondering if it could be the idle control valve, oxygen sensor or mass air flow unit? Someone did mention the cat. too?

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

Best regards, Steve