Hi Guys,

I have this weird issue that only (annoyingly) happens sometimes. When I go to start the car it doesn't start first time, I can hear the starter motor trying to turn over but the engine just doesn't start. On the second turn of the key, the car then starts fine and drives completely fine with no power loss.

I dont think its blocked fuel lines as I can hear the pump going when the ignition is turned. I know its not the starter motor as when i turn it, I dont hear the "clicking" sound you normally hear which indicates that its dead. I also know its not my battery, I've recently put a new one in like a month ago. I check the HT leads they all look fine and I checked the connectors from my battery to the ignition coil and dont see any cuts or tears.

Not sure what it could be. I was wondering what you guys think it could be, maybe faulty Spark plugs? or maybe Ignition coil?

 

52 minutes ago, Ford_lover38 said:

Hi Guys,

I have this weird issue that only (annoyingly) happens sometimes. When I go to start the car it doesn't start first time, I can hear the starter motor trying to turn over but the engine just doesn't start. On the second turn of the key, the car then starts fine and drives completely fine with no power loss.

I dont think its blocked fuel lines as I can hear the pump going when the ignition is turned. I know its not the starter motor as when i turn it, I dont hear the "clicking" sound you normally hear which indicates that its dead. I also know its not my battery, I've recently put a new one in like a month ago. I check the HT leads they all look fine and I checked the connectors from my battery to the ignition coil and dont see any cuts or tears.

Not sure what it could be. I was wondering what you guys think it could be, maybe faulty Spark plugs? or maybe Ignition coil?

 

I had a similar thing but on my 1.6 diesel, and if i remember correctly got a crank sensor DTC.  As it happens I unplugged the Crank sensor when doing the timing belt a few months after and since I plugged it back in have not had the issue.  Whether or not it's that in your case I don't know but maybe worth putting forscan on to see if there's any stored codes?  

Crankshaft position sensor. Had similar.

thanks @pky and @Albert27

Looks like it might be worth my while just reading the stored fault codes and seeing if it points to the Crankshaft sensor. What tool would you recommend to do this? I've seen a few OBD readers on amazon or would you recommend forscan? Not sure which cable I should buy to use with forscan

1 hour ago, pky said:

Crankshaft position sensor. Had similar.

Also how much did it cost you to get this fixed?

2 hours ago, Ford_lover38 said:

thanks @pky and @Albert27

Looks like it might be worth my while just reading the stored fault codes and seeing if it points to the Crankshaft sensor. What tool would you recommend to do this? I've seen a few OBD readers on amazon or would you recommend forscan? Not sure which cable I should buy to use with forscan

Forscan is much better than any generic code readers you can buy.  Get an ELM327 cable and download forscan for laptop or android.  I got mine from tunnel rat electronics.  I would read the codes and make a note of them then clear them.  Wait for it to happen again then re scan and see what you get.

If it is the crankshaft sensor it's not a particularly expensive part, and I don't think it's a difficult job at all just a straight swap.

Ok thanks mate, I’ll order a cable and see if I get any faults relating to that.

where is the crank shaft sensor located? Is it easy to get to? Or is it something I’d need to take the garage as they have to get under the car?

3 minutes ago, Ford_lover38 said:

Ok thanks mate, I’ll order a cable and see if I get any faults relating to that.

where is the crank shaft sensor located? Is it easy to get to? Or is it something I’d need to take the garage as they have to get under the car?

Based on my 1.6tdci,  I'd be DIY'ing it as it's right next to the crankshaft pulley and is held in by one small bolt.. Remove the O/S front wheel & archliner, then the lower timing cover (that might not be necessary - can't remember exactly!) and then it's just there.  I'm not sure exactly where it is on yours but probably similar.  Do you have a haynes manual to check?  That will tell you for sure.  

Thanks mate, I’ll have a look see how difficult it is to do if the fordscan tool shows it needs doing.

 

 

According to here it seems to be next to the gearbox.

 

 

The crank sensor is in different places depending on engine type, which engine do you have?

2 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

The crank sensor is in different places depending on engine type, which engine do you have?

Hi mate, I've got a 1.6 petrol 2009 engine...not sure if this is enough info lol

13 hours ago, Albert27 said:

Forscan is much better than any generic code readers you can buy.  Get an ELM327 cable and download forscan for laptop or android.  I got mine from tunnel rat electronics.  I would read the codes and make a note of them then clear them.  Wait for it to happen again then re scan and see what you get.

If it is the crankshaft sensor it's not a particularly expensive part, and I don't think it's a difficult job at all just a straight swap.

Was this the cable you purchased? @Albert27 https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/index.aspx?pageid=4541936&prodid=17045457

13 hours ago, Ford_lover38 said:

Ok thanks mate, I’ll order a cable and see if I get any faults relating to that.

where is the crank shaft sensor located? Is it easy to get to? Or is it something I’d need to take the garage as they have to get under the car?

This thread may be of interest...

 

10 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

This thread may be of interest...

 

Thanks! Thats a good find, very useful 

53 minutes ago, Ford_lover38 said:

Hi mate, I've got a 1.6 petrol 2009 engine...not sure if this is enough info lol

Yep, that's fine.  Yours will be located the same place as in the linked youtube video above, roughly between the oil filter and the gearbox.  

4 hours ago, Ford_lover38 said:

Was this the cable you purchased? @Albert27 https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/index.aspx?pageid=4541936&prodid=17045457

Yes mate that's the one 

 

8 hours ago, F0CUE said:

According to here it seems to be next to the gearbox.

 

 

What music is that guy listening to in the background 😂

4 hours ago, Ford_lover38 said:

Was this the cable you purchased? @Albert27 https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/index.aspx?pageid=4541936&prodid=17045457

Yes mate that's the one 

 

8 hours ago, F0CUE said:

According to here it seems to be next to the gearbox.

 

 

What music is that guy listening to in the background 😂

Thanks mate, I’ll let you know what fault codes come up 🙂

Just an update - I've not got the cable and plugged it int my car and there are no faults showing. I done a rescan of every module and nope, nothing! Had a word with a local garage and they said the crankshaft sensor is usually what fails but always flags up an error code.

Back to the drawing board I guess, might have to put it in for a service and ask them to see if they can find any reason as to why it would randomly not start first time!