I have a 2009 Mk 2.5 Focus 1.6 Zetec Tdci. I've had an issue with it starting pretty much since I got it however the problem was very intermittent and occurrences few and far between. Recently it's started happening more often and it's about time I got to the root of the cause.

Basically, the car does not start. This usually happens after a long journey when I stop in a service station or restaurant. When I get back in the car it simply will not start and I have to wait anything from 30 mins-1 hour for it to 'reset' after which time it starts first time. It will then start first time every time until it happens again which could be weeks. I want to take it to get looked at but I know because it's intermittent I will be presented with many reasons for the fault and don't want to be throwing away cash paying to fix perfectly good parts which are not causing the problem so thought I'd ask on here. I know very little about cars btw so please explain things in 'idiots' terms.

when it doesnt start, does it "click"? or does it try to start but doesnt? or is there nothing at all when you turn the key?

Should have mentioned that the engine turns over it just doesn't fire. It's not the battery and glow plugs as I've recently had both of these changed.

When was the fuel filter changed last ?

When was the fuel filter changed last ?

No idea! Got it serviced last October not sure if they changed it then. Probably not though as I suspect they didn't do very much.

Change it & see what happens