2009 1.4 petrol…  When turning the key to start 2 things can happen, both intermittently. The problems started around 2 months ago and to date have been unable to nail a solid cause.

Very occasionally nothing happens when the key is turned (all other electrical systems work). After cycling the open/close buttons on the fob 3 or 4 times it turns and starts. More often, upon turning the key in the ignition it very briefly pulses the central locking whilst starting. I would add that once running the car runs well.

my instincts tell me it’s a ground problem but checks on ground connectors show nothing. And battery has been checked and cleared and charging side good when running as well as holding draw down voltage on starting. Now thinking it might be the starter relay, starter motor,ECU or key fob

hoping someone has any suggestions before I start replacing the above 1x1….   Thank you

 

Hi, I just wondered if you got to the bottom of this? Mine has just started doing the same.  Battery showed fault so it was changed but problem occurred virtually straight away.  Had new starter motor fitted but it's occurred again. It's intermittent but don't want to end up stranded! If you managed to get yours sorted it would be great to know what it was.  Thank you

Hi.  Could be start lock out switch.  My 07 focus wagon stick did similar thing.  Start lock out switch is on my clutch.  If yours is automatic, would be on your brake pedal.  I simply cut the wires and twisted them together, thus shorting (bypassing) the lockout circuit.  Been running like that for about 8 years now.  But be careful.  Last week I had my shop do same to a tractor-trailer at work.  On clutch again.  But my cruise control no longer turns on and the governor is doing weird things.  So will have to get shop to replace the switch properly.  Evenutally.