Hello!

I have a Fiesta MK6 (2007) 3 door 1.25 Fiesta with 175k miles on it.  We use it for running around and now for teaching my eldest to drive.

It has had a problem for a long time, which I have sort of ignored.  But now that my daughter is learning to drive in it, I need to get it sorted.

The problem is starting.  With the key in and ignition turned on, I get all the normal lights - all good.  Then when I twist the key to start, it all goes dead.  The engine doesn't turn over (or attempt to turn over).  If I repeat the sequence 3 or so times, it will then start.

The battery has been replaced

The starter relay has been replaced

The starter motor has been replaced

Car runs great once running.

 

I only have one key with the car, and am wondering if it could be an immobiliser issue?  Does it even have an immobiliser?

Any assistance/ideas to look at next would be very much appreciated!

 

Thank you

 

2 hours ago, Alfabeat said:

  Does it even have an immobiliser?

Yes it does, but I don't think that will be the problem.

Next time you try to start it and nothing happens, give the top of the dashboard just above the instrument cluster a bit of a thump (or two) with you hand and see if it then starts.

The car is the right age and model to have the infamous 'dry solder joints' on the back of the instrument cluster.

Thank you for the advice.  I have tried that, but no difference.  I don't have any issues at all with the instrument cluster that I know of - just this starting issue.

Could it be an earth strap issue?

It will be a loose connection, damaged wire or poor or loose earth somewhere

8 hours ago, Alfabeat said:

Could it be an earth strap issue?

Possibly.

Use a multimeter and set it on the resistance range. Measure the resistance between the battery negative terminal and the metal of the engine block. It should be less than 0.5 Ohms.

So, to bring this thread to a close and an update for anyone in the same predicament....

I changed the starter motor again (as it had all the hallmarks of a stuck solenoid), I added a dedicated earth strap to the starter motor and checked and cleaned all the connections I could get to.

Then a mate suggested I change the ignition module.  A £10 part.  Which I did, just now.  And hey presto, it is fixed 😀

Video (not mine) of my exact issue and how to replace the part. I found this after the event typically.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to suggest fixes.

So I have treated it to an oil change and some new peddle covers.  Would love it to get to 200,000 miles.  15,000 to go!

 

Thanks so much for posting this.

Had a similar issue with my daughter’s fiesta (57 plate) and this resolved it. 

It’s not clear from the video but to remove the radio switch column from the left of the steering column, once the bottom screws are undone you can actually insert a finger into the column behind it, press towards you and it releases instantly.