Hi, new to the forum so apologies if this isnt the place to find the advice i need! I have a Ford Focus 1.8 Tdci zetec (2008) and recently ive been having a bit of trouble with it. Firstly when starting up it takes a while to turn over, sometimes it wont start at all and i have to give a bit of gas to make it start. Secondly its letting out a lot of black smoke when accelerating, to the point a message comes on the dash displaying 'Engine Malfunction'. Ive had the car 3 years now and theres 112,000 on the clock as i drive a lot due to work. Was wondering whether something may need replaced due to the large mileage and its become worn however i have no knowledge when it comes to fixing cars. Any advice would be greatfully recieved. Cheers.

Sounds like it's over fuelling as a result of a fuel / air imbalance - black smoke is in effect soot - which is incorrectly / incompletely combusted fuel caused by a lack of air

When was the fuel filter last changed ?

The pipe that connects the EGRV to the intercooler may be damaged / leaking air

Is the EGRV blanked ?

I dont think the fuel filter has ever been changed, i havent had it changed and looking at its previous services there's nothing indicating that its been done before. Sorry what do you mean by is the EGRV blanked? Is that the exhaust gad recieculation valve?

Change the fuel filter asap & microscopically check the pipe for cracks / splits / leaks

Yes, EGRV is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve

Okay will do, thanks for the help!

OK - do that & see if there's any difference, then let us know :)