Good morning.

I have tried doing a search first but i can't find the answer. 

I'm having trouble with my Mk7 festa. It's not always starting very well and another problem is, a few weeks ago i couldn't get it to release the steering lock. The fob key was very warn so i tried the new plain key and that seemed to work ok. Now that is doing the same thing and is sometimes very stiff to even get the key in. 

I presume the barrel is knackered, but would there be a connection between the key issue and the not starting well ?. 

Also this will be a diy replacement of any parts, so would appreciate any tips please. 

Thanks

Debz

Squirt a bit of WD40 in the key hole in the barrel, then work the lock and run the key in and out a few times.

Starting issues: Get it fully serviced, including all ignition parts

I was going to try the WD40 so i'll do that today. It had a big service in April but what what would it involve to service ignition parts ?. In a nutshell, which parts and can i do it myself ? 

Spark plugs and HT (Ignition leads) if you know they weren't changed change them.

Your car may not like regular E10 unleaded petrol either, some perform poorly on it.

Try a tank full of Tesco super unleaded (E5) and see if the issue goes away, if it does stick to that

I'll try the petrol next time as i've just filled up....bugger lol. I'll have a look about the leads etc. I have a feeling they weren't changed. Would it then be worth testing the coil pack as i have a multi meter. Saying that i need to find the specs of things first. 

 

You can't really test the coil pack.

If the leads and plugs and fuel don't solve the issue, change the coil pack

Also, make sure your battery is in good condition

Cheers Dave. That gives me a good list of things to check out 👍 ☺️.

2 hours ago, Debz68 said:

Good morning.

I'm having trouble with my Mk7 festa. It's not always starting very well

OK so a bit more info will help - we can begin with 'is the starter motor turning over at the same speed every time, it does crank for ages, but sometimes the engine will not fire?  Or is the starter motor the problem?'

On 11/5/2024 at 10:43 AM, orangecurry said:

OK so a bit more info will help - we can begin with 'is the starter motor turning over at the same speed every time, it does crank for ages, but sometimes the engine will not fire?  Or is the starter motor the problem?'

Hi. 

I haven't started to diagnose that yet as i'm currently working on the key issue. I just gave the barrel a quick squirt (not saturating it) of WD40 and it's a tiny bit better. Still a lot of wiggling to get the key in at times. The amount of black that's coming out every time i remove the key :/. Must have done it about 50 times and have to wipe the key everytime. 

I was going to order a new key case, but as the spare is doing it as well, i don't want to get one if it is the barrel that's knackered. 

35 minutes ago, Debz68 said:

I just gave the barrel a quick squirt (not saturating it) of WD40

WD40 is an excellent release agent but its not a lubricant.

You now need to lubricate the barrel with 3-in-one spray oil.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000TVLT00?th=1

I'm a bit late to this thread, but a good lubricant for a key mechanism  in a dry lock is pencil lead - but not once the lock is full of WD40/any other oil.  Oil tends to encourage dirt inside the lock.

External locks on a modern car (that never get used anyway) do benefit with a water repellent to stop them freezing solid for our northern readers (not applicable in temperate Hampshire...).

I'm not familiar with the construction of a modern ignition switch, but I would not want to get any oil near the contacts of the switch.

Tbh I was wondering if the black coming out of the keyhole was old graphite lubricant when I read that post.

Slightly embarrassed to say I can't remember whether these used Tibbe keys or not.  The Tibbe barrels wear badly but I don't remember seeing a flat blade barrel wear to the point of being difficult to get the key in.

26 minutes ago, Paulkp said:

I'm not familiar with the construction of a modern ignition switch, but I would not want to get any oil near the contacts of the switch.

It'll be fine, the contact dial has oil on it from factory.

If the WD40 hasn't worked then the barrel is worn beyond repair, unfortunately

Yes, I forgot to ask what your other starting issues are, can you explain a bit more

46 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

I can't remember whether these used Tibbe keys or not. 

Let me unlock the answer 🤣

Fiesta Mk7 2008-2015 Keyfob