Hi all, I have a 2005 Fiesta mark6 1.25 (40,000 miles) that has an intermittent starting issue. Always when cold, when trying to start, turn the ignition key and it turns over once and then stops until you try to turn it over again (Ignition off and then on again) and then it turns over fine and fires up. It's always okay when it's warm. Also, only when cold, the starter motor appears to hang in for a few seconds after the engine fires.

Any ideas at all? Many Thanks.

Hello Martin, the problem could be one of a few things but start with the easy stuff first.

1-Check that both battery lead clamps are tight and the connections are clean. Give the leads a bit of a pull and makesure they don't rotate on the battery post.

2-Next is check the main body/chassis earth point. Remove the cable from the body and clean away any rust or paint. Cover the area with a little vaseline before reconnecting.

3-Check and clean the main positive lead on to the starter motor terminal. Make sure it is tight and free from rust and dirt. - Please DISCONNECT the battery before doing this.

 

Good morning and thank you for the prompt reply and advice. I have checked all 3 items you suggested and I have fitted a new battery also.  Earthing points are clean and tight. I was swaying toward a starter motor but have read that the ignition switch could be suspect?

2 hours ago, John Thomas99 said:

starter motor but have read that the ignition switch could be suspect?

Hi Martin, if all 3 of the points I mentioned are good then my thoughts would be with a faulty Starter Motor/Starter Solenoid.

I think that the ignition switch would be unlikely to be effected by the cold, but you can never be 100% sure.

On 11/8/2021 at 9:22 AM, John Thomas99 said:

Hi all, I have a 2005 Fiesta mark6 1.25 (40,000 miles) that has an intermittent starting issue. Always when cold, when trying to start, turn the ignition key and it turns over once and then stops until you try to turn it over again (Ignition off and then on again) and then it turns over fine and fires up. It's always okay when it's warm. Also, only when cold, the starter motor appears to hang in for a few seconds after the engine fires.

Any ideas at all? Many Thanks.

I suspect the starter is beginning to fail.2005 with only 40000 miles, maybe short journeys and lots of starter motor action👍

Thank you all. This was my thought as well. With the starter hanging in only when cold it makes sense.

Appreciate your responses.

Symptoms sound exactly the same as what happened to my old 58 plate Mk7; not starting first time, weird noise from starter, etc. It was my starter failing- my car was just over 100,000 miles at the time- and the resulting total failure stranded the car and took the ECU with it, so get yours looked at sooner rather than later!