Mk 1 Ford Focus Won't Start

[D J Hilton]

I have a X-reg Ford Focus 1.8 LX Mk1, which I have had for 4 years now and has never failed to start.

One morning couple of weeks before Christmas, I found that it wouldn't start.

I put some distilled water in the battery and charged it up and it then was working as normal.

However, earlier this week it has failed to start again. I charged the battery but still wouldn't work so my Dad had a look at the car (he is also a Focus owner), and found that the fuse to the fuel line had blown. He put a new fuse in today and managed to take it for a short drive, although it was sounding rough.

When I came to try it myself this evening I found that it just won't start again.

Anyone out there know what is the likely cause?

[jeebowhite]

might need a new battery, depending on the age (which may explain why it died first time round), however if your blowing fuses to the fuel line, my suspicion is a problem with either the earthing to or is the fuel pump that is at fault...

[D J Hilton]

Any idea how much a new pump would cost?

[stef123]

Any idea how much a new pump would cost?

has it blown the fuel pump fuse again?

[artscot79]

has it blown the fuel pump fuse again?

ide say this is one of those times when its better and will be cheaper in the long run to get it diagnosed by a mobile mechanic rather than shelling out on parts which may or may not be at fault

[D J Hilton]

My Dad put a new fuse in today and it blew again.

I wonder if it's the earthing/wiring to the fuel pump?

[stef123]

My Dad put a new fuse in today and it blew again.

I wonder if it's the earthing/wiring to the fuel pump?

Check the wiring/fuse box/fuel pump for any damage or water ingress, it could be a fault with the pump its self but i would go for wiring related