Hi folks,

My wife has owned a 2006 1.6l petrol Firsta Ghia for 3 years without engine or electrical faults. Although my major bugbear is that bit of trim fall off endlessly on the inside and outside. However, for the last 4 months we have a consistent starting fault. Its been in the garage for diagnostics (which was clear) and the crank sensor and temp sensor both replaced in an attempt to fix it. It hasn't.

I really need help to find the problem as otherwise we will have to get rid of the car. Symptoms are: cold or warm it will not start properly. It fires but immediately cuts out and does this repeatedly 4-10 times. There is no 'recognition' by the engine of pressing the accelerator as it stays at idle regardless before cutting out. Eventually it starts and will rev.

In the last few days it is now locking and unlocking the doors while starting too which is a major concern so Im beginning to think it may be a terminal electrical problem ?ECU etc.

Has anyone had this experience or point me in the right direction. I have a good deal of mechanical skill and am willing to replace parts as required but with electrics it could be a never ending minefield unless I know what is the problem first.

All help greatly appreciated as we would like to keep the car for a few years if possible.

My first port of call would be the battery

Moved to correct Forum.

Have all the connections around the ecu been checked to make sure they are seated correctly/tight and also dry?

I ask because on the focus it is common the the locks and indicators play up if one of the multiplugs is disturbed.

I will try both. Thanks to Pink Panther and stef. Also apologies for not posting correctly the first time.