Intermittently Dead!

[CamMan]

Hi all, this about my Focus 2002 1.8 TDDI

When I sometimes park up and return to the car a little while later it is dead when I try to start the car. Leave it several hours or even overnight and it starts first time.

All the lights on the dash light up when I switch on the ignition, radio, headlights and electric windows work but when I try to start it there is not a click and as I mentioned, leave it for several hours or until the next day and it starts no problem. When it’s running, it runs perfectly.

Does this sound like a starter motor problem or any other suggestions if it’s not please?

Obviously something is happening when the engine gets warm…

Thanks

[STEADS]

Sounds like an earth prob to me had similar on a clio dci have you got any jump leads if so next time it happens put on between the battery earth and the block if it starts there's your prob all I did with the clio once i Sussex out what it was was run a perm earth from the battery to the head and no further problems try it.

[CamMan]

Hi STEADS and thanks for your reply

After returning home from a short erand this morning I left the car for awhile and when I went back to it to see if it would start it was dead. I tried as you suggested with a jump lead from the battery negative terminal to the engine block but no different.

Its damned annoying as I know it will start again in several hours.

Any other suggestions (anyone) I can't believe I'm the only one thats experienced this problem!!

[STEADS]

Ian try moving the earth around whilst someone try's to start the car for you first time I tryed it was hit and miss it could possibly be that you have a duff battery its that time of year where they get zapped in an instant . It could also be a dodgy solenoid on the starter not familiar of the layout of your car is the starter handy to get at for you to give it a tap whilst someone try's to start it for you .is your earth fully tightened down on the battery just a few pointers to what else it could be .

[jeebowhite]

I had a similar issue yesterday, it was the connection to the battery post itself.

Check that the posts are secured to the battery terminals correctly, and also make sure you have about a half mmof the post coming above the terminal connections.

[Grahamw]

Hi. I've got the same issue with a Mondeo mk4. Will start when cold but if warm will be engine dead ( dash and other electrics seem ok). But usually after trying to start it 20 times over 5 mins it will start totally normally.

Did you ever find the solution?

[jeebowhite]

If the battery is securely connected I would suggest that could be crankshaft sensor

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