Ford_lover38 Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Hi there, My car (Ford focus petrol 1.6 2009) has an intermittent issue when trying to start. Most recently, the car would not start then after around 30 minutes it then was fine. Randomly after drives, then car would not start again in the same way. When the car doesn’t start: - the battery is not flat (lights, radio etc are working) - when turning the key there is no click - when turning the key, the engine just doesn’t turn (no cranking/staring noise) - the battery and engine light remains on when the car doesn’t start. Like I said, after waiting a while the car seems to always start again. Any ideas what this could be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F0CUE Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 18 minutes ago, Ford_lover38 said: Hi there, My car (Ford focus petrol 1.6 2009) has an intermittent issue when trying to start. Most recently, the car would not start then after around 30 minutes it then was fine. Randomly after drives, then car would not start again in the same way. When the car doesn’t start: - the battery is not flat (lights, radio etc are working) - when turning the key there is no click - when turning the key, the engine just doesn’t turn (no cranking/staring noise) - the battery and engine light remains on when the car doesn’t start. Like I said, after waiting a while the car seems to always start again. Any ideas what this could be? Could be the starter motor on its way out or the chip in your key no communicating to disable the immobiliser. Best to get a code reader on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford_lover38 Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 1 minute ago, F0CUE said: Could be the starter motor on its way out or the chip in your key no communicating to disable the immobiliser. Best to get a code reader on it. OBD reader? I used the forScan software to check for any fault codes but nothing was showing. Do you think its the fuse for the immobiliser? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F0CUE Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Doubtful as it wouldn't ever start. I would check out the starter relays. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Hi, I have had this problem myself many years ago. It turned out to be the wire on the terminal of the starter solenoid was corroded and making a poor connection. From memory I think the starter solenoid is mounterd directly on the side of the starter motor on your car. Take a look at the wires (the smaller ones) going to the solenoid especially the point at which they connect, it is very likely you will find the wire/terminal showing signs of corrosion. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford_lover38 Posted February 28, 2021 Author Share Posted February 28, 2021 10 hours ago, unofix said: Hi, I have had this problem myself many years ago. It turned out to be the wire on the terminal of the starter solenoid was corroded and making a poor connection. From memory I think the starter solenoid is mounterd directly on the side of the starter motor on your car. Take a look at the wires (the smaller ones) going to the solenoid especially the point at which they connect, it is very likely you will find the wire/terminal showing signs of corrosion. Thanks for this. I’ll have a look at those and see what I can find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botus Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 14 hours ago, Ford_lover38 said: Hi there, My car (Ford focus petrol 1.6 2009) has an intermittent issue when trying to start. Most recently, the car would not start then after around 30 minutes it then was fine. Randomly after drives, then car would not start again in the same way. When the car doesn’t start: - the battery is not flat (lights, radio etc are working) - when turning the key there is no click - when turning the key, the engine just doesn’t turn (no cranking/staring noise) - the battery and engine light remains on when the car doesn’t start. Like I said, after waiting a while the car seems to always start again. Any ideas what this could be? NORMAL, after its done a fair few miles if parked on the flat, put in second gear let off the handbrake and rock the car.... then all is normal (on a hill just let it try to roll in gear for 1/2 metre) I believe its a bit of swarf on the flywheel ring gear that stops the starter engaging, before it meshes it won't crank.. (the starter gear with the ring gear ). What is odd on car's with a very low battery the click you hear is the starter moving in to engagement.... but in the condition these ford's get in its silent... happened to a mate multiple times on his (he taught me the trick - after AA showed him how to stop calling them out) and mine did it twice over 6 month period...... Not done it for 3 years now... I guess the swarf fell off ??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford_lover38 Posted February 28, 2021 Author Share Posted February 28, 2021 13 minutes ago, Botus said: NORMAL, after its done a fair few miles if parked on the flat, put in second gear let off the handbrake and rock the car.... then all is normal (on a hill just let it try to roll in gear for 1/2 metre) I believe its a bit of swarf on the flywheel ring gear that stops the starter engaging, before it meshes it won't crank.. (the starter gear with the ring gear ). What is odd on car's with a very low battery the click you hear is the starter moving in to engagement.... but in the condition these ford's get in its silent... happened to a mate multiple times on his (he taught me the trick - after AA showed him how to stop calling them out) and mine did it twice over 6 month period...... Not done it for 3 years now... I guess the swarf fell off ??? Interesting! Might give that a go. It got into a weird state yesterday where it wouldn’t start at all, I wish I’d known this then! At the moment it starts fine, then if i turn it off then straight back on it will not start again until I wait a while. So annoying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botus Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 won't crank or won't start. very different faults, clarity helps. On MANY cars (although not read about on a ford) the CPS fails around the 10 year mark (crank position sensor - that tells the engine management the fact its turning over and or the position its in) . Usually stalling in traffic, throwing the EML and often running perfectly well but then won't fire up after parking when the engine is hot.... wait 30 mins and it behaves OK. You can drive round like this for a year till it progressively becomes worse. Swap the 30 quid sensor all is normal for another 10 years 55 - 70k miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford_lover38 Posted February 28, 2021 Author Share Posted February 28, 2021 6 hours ago, Botus said: won't crank or won't start. very different faults, clarity helps. On MANY cars (although not read about on a ford) the CPS fails around the 10 year mark (crank position sensor - that tells the engine management the fact its turning over and or the position its in) . Usually stalling in traffic, throwing the EML and often running perfectly well but then won't fire up after parking when the engine is hot.... wait 30 mins and it behaves OK. You can drive round like this for a year till it progressively becomes worse. Swap the 30 quid sensor all is normal for another 10 years 55 - 70k miles Sorry, i meant not cranking. Funny you mention the crank sensor, I actually replaced that a year ago with an OEM replacement. Going to change the starter relay tomorrow hopefully that could help, a quick and cheap step to try i suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.