I have owned my trusty old Fiesta MK6 1.4 TDCI since 2008 and she has rarely given me any problems. However, just recently, I have noticed the dash display and radio etc., fails to come on immediately when starting. Starting, particularly when cold, has always been an issue and sometimes I have to crank it over for some time before it'll start. This has been like this ever since I have owned it.

Anyway, back to the initial problem. Once it finally starts I sometimes have to wait for several minutes before the LCD finally decides to work. When it does I get a series of dashes on the main LCD screen followed by it finally giving full display. Its not a major issue but wondered if anyone else has had this issue and know what may be the cause?

38 minutes ago, chris301up said:

I have owned my trusty old Fiesta MK6 1.4 TDCI since 2008 and she has rarely given me any problems. However, just recently, I have noticed the dash display and radio etc., fails to come on immediately when starting. Starting, particularly when cold, has always been an issue and sometimes I have to crank it over for some time before it'll start. This has been like this ever since I have owned it.

Anyway, back to the initial problem. Once it finally starts I sometimes have to wait for several minutes before the LCD finally decides to work. When it does I get a series of dashes on the main LCD screen followed by it finally giving full display. Its not a major issue but wondered if anyone else has had this issue and know what may be the cause?

Could be wrong but sounds like instrument cluster failure.

2 hours ago, Gazcaz said:

Could be wrong but sounds like instrument cluster failure.

Yes. I was thinking exactly the same, but has the radio also fails to come on at the same time suspect its possibly another fault somewhere? I have also noticed the rev counter drops once the LCD starts working. I have a video of this but cannot upload this to the site so have published this on YouTube and it can be found here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqRVxBpbDcw&feature=youtu.be

 

This is caused by a lack of power from the battery.  Basically the starter takes all the power away from every other module as it struggles to start without enough power, it's only once it starts and the alternator starts charging that they come back on again.  This is a classic cause of LCD dashes as the system wakes up.

I'd usually suggest the battery needs replacing but as it's been the same for so long it may be a wiring fault instead, such as one of the thick battery cables or earth cables being frayed.  It may also be that the starter itself is worn and taking more power to turn over than it should.  Do you regularly do short journeys out of interest?

9 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

This is caused by a lack of power from the battery.  Basically the starter takes all the power away from every other module as it struggles to start without enough power, it's only once it starts and the alternator starts charging that they come back on again.  This is a classic cause of LCD dashes as the system wakes up.

I'd usually suggest the battery needs replacing but as it's been the same for so long it may be a wiring fault instead, such as one of the thick battery cables or earth cables being frayed.  It may also be that the starter itself is worn and taking more power to turn over than it should.  Do you regularly do short journeys out of interest?

Valid point actually i keep forgetting everything relies on a good bill of power.

41 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

This is caused by a lack of power from the battery.  Basically the starter takes all the power away from every other module as it struggles to start without enough power, it's only once it starts and the alternator starts charging that they come back on again.  This is a classic cause of LCD dashes as the system wakes up.

I'd usually suggest the battery needs replacing but as it's been the same for so long it may be a wiring fault instead, such as one of the thick battery cables or earth cables being frayed.  It may also be that the starter itself is worn and taking more power to turn over than it should.  Do you regularly do short journeys out of interest?

Thanks for the suggestions. The battery was replaced quite recently so wouldn't think this is at fault? I can have this checked just to be sure and for piece of mind. All cables appear to be intact without fraying. I appreciate your comments about the starter motor taking too much power as it starts the engine. Perhaps the starter could be faulty? Particularly as it take quite a long time to start especially in colder weather. I no longer do many short journeys. In fact it doesn't get much use now to be honest.