Hi all,

I bought a 2009 fiesta Zetec S for my daughters first car. First few weeks were fine but now has a an issue starting.

It wont start most of the time, occasionally it does, but it wont even turn over. The immobiliser light is flashing, obviously has something to do with that. 

I've replaced the starter motor, replaced the battery and still nothing. Key has plenty of battery. 

Went out tonight and it started, switched it off, started it again and as soon is it started it cut out. Wouldn't start again. 

Anybody have any ideas as im at a loss. Many thanks

Joe, you have spent time and money on guesswork when the right thing to do is to take it to an auto electrician who would, in all probability have fixed it by now for no more than what you have already spent. Take this as a friendly hint.

New 'Parts Cannon' on order !!

You could always use FORScan and see what DTC's are recorded.

2 hours ago, anon said:

Joe, you have spent time and money on guesswork when the right thing to do is to take it to an auto electrician who would, in all probability have fixed it by now for no more than what you have already spent. Take this as a friendly hint.

Yeah I know what you are saying, I took it to a garage to get it fixed, they said it was the starter motor. Took it to another they said it was the battery.

Figured I can't trust them so thought I would try and fix it myself which is why I came here for advice.

37 minutes ago, kurgans said:

so thought I would try and fix it myself which is why I came here for advice.

You need FORScan (windows laptop or mobile phone version) and also a multimeter and the you can do some proper fault finding.

Unfortunately as you have already found, when it comes to car electrics most garage mechanics just 'guess'. It's like asking a plumber to call round to your house to fix the lights. You need a proper Auto Electrician, who can do diagnostics.

On 4/7/2024 at 8:59 PM, unofix said:

FORScan (for use with Windows Laptop) : https://forscan.org/download.html

It's what many Ford owners use including some Ford technicians.

• vLinker FS, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

OR

• OBDLINK EX, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBDLINK-EX-FORScan-OBD-Adapter/dp/B081VQVD3F/ref=sr_1_5

For diagnostic use only:

• vLinker FD, for android phone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H82WC8L
• vLinker FD+, for iPhone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H8JHWP2

 

On 12/12/2025 at 11:23 PM, unofix said:

You need FORScan (windows laptop or mobile phone version) and also a multimeter and the you can do some proper fault finding.

Unfortunately as you have already found, when it comes to car electrics most garage mechanics just 'guess'. It's like asking a plumber to call round to your house to fix the lights. You need a proper Auto Electrician, who can do diagnostics.

 

Thank you very much