I don't drive the car much, it's used mostly by my son, so I don't know how often this happens, but...

2009 mk7 1.6 Zetec S.

Turning the key just gives a click.  No slow turnover, nothing other than the solenoid click.  Then 2nd 3rd 4th 5th or 6th key turn, the starter motor engages at a 'normal' speed, and the engine starts instantly.

It's not the battery, as it never gets any worse, or better, and quite often never happens at all.

 

I am guessing it happens more when the engine is hot, so I'm thinking I should change the battery earth, but as I've never had a car with a 'clever' positive connection to the battery, is it likely to be the positive cable/thing?

 

Any hints or ideas welcome - chuck them at me.

 

Thanks!

58 minutes ago, orangecurry said:

but as I've never had a car with a 'clever' positive connection to the battery, is it likely to be the positive cable/thing?

Hi Jon, if your referring to the Battery Monitor System (BMS) it is installed in the negative lead on all Fords that have the system fitted. The 2009 Fiesta isn't fitted with BMS so you have nothing to be concerned about regarding that.

The 'Click' you are getting is the Starter Solenoid trying to close and engage the starter motor. It's known that often when these start to fail they do so when warm/hot. You might be lucky and it is just a poor earth strap between the chassis and the engine. Use a multimeter and measure the resistance between the engine block (any good bare bit of metal should do) and the battery negative terminal, it should be no more than 0.3 ohms.

 

1 hour ago, unofix said:

Hi Jon, if your referring to the Battery Monitor System (BMS) it is installed in the negative lead on all Fords that have the system fitted. The 2009 Fiesta isn't fitted with BMS so you have nothing to be concerned about regarding that.

 

Seriously?  So what's in the big red plastic 'box' that's on the positive terminal?

10 hours ago, orangecurry said:

Seriously?  So what's in the big red plastic 'box' that's on the positive terminal?

That would be the battery positive plastic terminal cover.

 

https://www.galamotors.co.uk/product/ford-fiesta-mk7-positive-battery-terminal-cover-2009-2012-hk59/

Hmm.  Mine looks like it has electronics inside, hence the question/suprise.

I'll take a photo when I'm near it again.

14 hours ago, unofix said:

That would be the battery positive plastic terminal cover.

 

Just as an aside, the Driver's manual says you shouldn't connect to the negative terminal, but to the chassis instead (without going to find the manual to check).

Is that wrong then?

 

ETA yes the manual does say, in BOLD LETTERS not to connect to the negative terminal.  Which seems ridiculous of course, but again I presumed there were some electronics somewhere that might get fried/damaged, even though there clearly isn't.

Do Ford understand electricity?

The reason you should not connect directly to the Negative Terminal of a Lead Acid Battery is because the Gas that can leak or be vented, especially during Charging which includes connecting another Battery, is highly flammable.  

I was taught to blow across a battery before disconnecting the charger.  That way if there's a spark caused it won't be surrounded by a flammable cloud of gas...

Most modern batteries are sealed.... and where Ford do suggest you attach the other booster cable is so close to the battery it would make no difference....but we digress.  Resistance measured as suggested above seems low enough, 0.3-0.4 ohms if I'm reading my meter correctly.

But I'll look for the engine-block-to-chassis cable and replace it anyway.

Thanks all.

Here is the positive terminal - inbuilt to the plastic cover is 'something' - no idea what, which is why I asked.

Crash fuse?  Good grief.

I can ignore that then.  Thanks.  What will they think of next?

On 6/28/2023 at 5:13 PM, orangecurry said:

Most modern batteries are sealed.... and where Ford do suggest you attach the other booster cable is so close to the battery it would make no difference....but we digress.  Resistance measured as suggested above seems low enough, 0.3-0.4 ohms if I'm reading my meter correctly.

But I'll look for the engine-block-to-chassis cable and replace it anyway.

Thanks all.

Hi, my son has the exactly same car and starting having the exactly the same issue as yours, changing the cable chassis fix the issue or it was something else ?

Thank you

....sorry been away for three weeks @DeAgrela - no it was the starter motor that was on the way out.  I replaced it with a NAPA (cost 70 GBP incl P&P) and that solved the issue.  It's been perfect ever since.  Part number NSM1518 for my 1.6 Zetec S 2009 mk7 according to my notes.