- Faulty fuel injector: A faulty fuel injector can cause the engine to run lean or rich, leading to intermittent loss of power.
- Ignition system issues: Weak spark or spark plug issues could also cause intermittent loss of power.
- Air intake issues: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the engine to lose power.
- Faulty oxygen sensor: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can provide incorrect information to the engine's computer, leading to improper fuel mixture and loss of power.
Iron filings in the fuel filter indicate wear or damage in the fuel system, such as:
- Rust or corrosion in the fuel tank, fuel lines, or fuel filter
- Wear or damage to the fuel pump
- Contaminated fuel
In addition, using the correct fuel filter for the vehicle is crucial. Incorrect fuel filters can cause restricted fuel flow, leading to power loss and other issues.
Addressing the intermittent loss of power and iron filing presence requires diagnosing the exact cause. Given that there are no specific computer codes, a mechanic may need to perform manual checks, tests, and visual inspections of the fuel system components mentioned above.