I have Ford Focus 1.6 TDI MK3 Zetec. 2013

When I started the car this morning it came up on the dash ENGINE START PENDING. Although it started OK.  This is the first time it has appeared. The temp was 4 degrees. Can you let me know what the problem may be. Was it just the cold ?

Thanks 

14 minutes ago, Roy Wilson said:

Can you let me know what the problem may be

There is no problem.

It what sense do yilou mean. I'm sure it doesn't come up for nothing ?

It's the glowplugs warming up.

There's no need to keep the button pressed until it starts, just keep the clutch or brake pressed (depending on whether manual or auto) and it'll start when it's ready.

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

There's no need to keep the button pressed until it starts, just keep the clutch or brake pressed

On the Mk4 Focus, once the start sequence has been initiated (could be different for other models), it will continue even if you take your foot off which ever pedal your on. If it fails to start then you will have to put your foot back on again.

During cold weather the "Engine Start Pending" warning often occurs sometimes more than once, and quite often after the engine has actually started. It's just normal.

13 minutes ago, unofix said:

On the Mk4 Focus, once the start sequence has been initiated (could be different for other models), it will continue even if you take your foot off which ever pedal your on. If it fails to start then you will have to put your foot back on again.

During cold weather the "Engine Start Pending" warning often occurs sometimes more than once, and quite often after the engine has actually started. It's just normal.

I don't think the manual Mk3 will start without the clutch pressed after the plugs finish warming.  But it was over 6 years ago when I owned one myself so I might be misremembering.

Though it would be a bit pointless requiring a clutch press first if it could then start itself in gear anyway.

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

Though it would be a bit pointless requiring a clutch press first if it could then start itself in gear anyway

They may have a Neutral Position Sensor like the Mk4, at least the 1.5 and Diesel variants do.

I always thought that the Clutch needed to be pressed in to make starting easier because you are not rotating the Gearbox internals against cold Oil as much as preventing the car lurching forward if in gear. That is something I always did before having a push button car. 

11 hours ago, Tizer said:

Clutch needed to be pressed in to make starting easier because you are not rotating the Gearbox internals against cold Oil

Yep, like turning off all the electrics before stopping the engine, so that the battery gets the maximum amount of charge.  (This was smart charging!)

Thank you all very much. You have put my mind at ease. And yes you do have to press the clutch down to start on a MK 3 FORD FOCUS.

 

Merry Xmas to you all