Hi Guys.   I had to replace the battery in my 1.6 mondeo diesel, as it failed for the first time in 6 years. I did try to jump start from a petrol focus, but didnt have enough to start it, however, i was careful & connected it correctly, etc. Bought a new Varta correctly speced, but the car would only turn over now, but not start.                         

I called breakdown assist, and he tried to re-set, etc, but he got a fault code for the metering valve at the pump. He towed it to a good mechanic, but he got the same. Dealer parts guy said they never need replacing.

So, it mechanic suggested taking to a main dealer. The main dealer hasnt had time to run a full check, but said it could be the fuel end of things, or possibly an ECU. Said it is likely to be expensive (but no surprise here).

Everyone else who gave an opinion ( and im only talking about other mechanics and people in the know), said that as the car was running fine until the battery failed, they cant see how it would be more than an electronic up-set, or some suggested key / immobilizer.

One thing i noticed at the mechanics, is that there is a constant relay type of noise in the engine bay, when the ignition is on, and in the end, i think it remained with the key off, so we disconnected the battery.

Any suggestions on what to check, either mechanically, or on a diagnostic tool ?

By now after all the attempts to start the car the new battery must be getting quite low. So start by charging the battery for at least 12 hours.

You say that you first tried to jump start your car from a petrol Focus but it didn't have enough power. That sounds to me like either the jump leads were not making a good contact or there was already a bigger problem with your car. The battery on the Focus would have easily started your car, it just wouldn't have enough power to do that multiple times a day.

When your car first didn't start, (before you tried jump starting it) what happened when you turned the key ?

Have you used FORScan to check for Ford specific DTC's ?

 

Thanks Unofix

The first time it turned over, but not fast enough, after that the charge was gone, and it was just the solenoid clicking.

It turned over ok on the jump, but just for a few seconds, and would then stop. Turns over great on the new battery, even at the last try, but oddly enough, sometimes nothing happens, and you have to fully turn back the key, and try again.

Not sure what the FORScan is or DTCs. Im not a mechanic myself, but have a decent basic understanding of most parts (as they were on old cars), apart from some of the valves and electrical sensors on more recent.

I didnt have much choice at the time, but to send it to the dealer, but now, i think i should have looked elsewhere. There is a very reputable guy, who specialises in diagnostics, however he is currently on holiday

Hello Ollie,

You need a laptop and then download FORScan (it's free). The programme will allow you to read any stored Ford specific "Diagnostic Trouble Codes" (DTC's) These will give a very good indication as to what is causing the problem.

You will of course need the special connecting lead to go between the laptop and the cars OBDII port (On Board Diagnostics 2). There are two main types available the original 'ELM327(modified)' and the new fully automatic 'vLinker FS'

FORScan : https://forscan.org/download.html

Original ELM327(modified) cable : https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/USB_Modified_with_switch_ELM327/p4541936_17045457.aspx

New 'vLinker FS' cable : https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/vgate-vlinker-fs-elm327-for-ford.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw8JKbBhBYEiwAs3sxN5BMSWTwudZLKbBr8_ZjPKwcU9P_iaAdcTpnIISgBJWhXrmXMta_lhoCq_8QAvD_BwE

Thanks for that... sounds interesting.

Would the lead be something you might get at a electrical / computer store, or more likely from a Halfords or dealership ?

I will have a look on-line also.

I will let you know how it works out.

Sorry... I just see the link for the cable now !

If you want the ELM327(modified) lead then only buy the one from TunnelRat Electronics. 

The vLinker FS lead can be bought online from many places including Amazon