Well folks its that time of year, and once again my trusty old 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCI just will not start as it should. I have owned her since 2008 when I purchased her with just 84 miles on the clock. So almost new when I had her.

Anyway, its the same old problem that I have had for many years and I see outlined in many, many posts that I have read. The glow plugs do not seem to operate unless the temperature is very, very low, and when they do eventually decide to work they only stay on for a couple of seconds. Consequently, the engine is having to crank over for some 20 - 30 seconds or more before it finally starts to 'fire up'. If I'm really lucky!

Yesterday it just wouldn't have it and it drained the battery, and it was only after I re-charged the battery it finally started. I popped the code reader on it and nothing showing. It seems to be such a common problem but without reason or cause. Anyone have any advice please?

when the glow plug light goes off it does not mean the glow plugs turn off, they should still stay on a bit longer to help smooth running and lower emissions. I do not know the answer to the problem but I wonder if you have some failed glowplugs , take wires off them and check their resistance. On a car that age I would not be surprised if some are failing.  but they also have a nasty habit of snapping off in the hole when removing them.