Focus 1.8TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing / Fuel Pump

[Bovril]

Hello all,

Recently my Focus (done 75,000 miles) has been playing up. It's taken a long time to start, and twice has gone in to limp mode with the glow plug light flashing, and once has completely conked out with the light flashing again.

After reading a few things online I tried a few easy fixes changing the Fuel Filter, Camshaft Sensor and Crankshaft Senson. None worked so I had it hooked up to a diagnostic machine and got code P2291 "Injectors down on pressure". This could mean either fuel pump or injectors are nackered. I checked the injectors by turning the engine over and seeing whether fuel dribbles out of them, and they seem fine, leading me to believe the Fuel Pump is the cause of the issue. I'll be taking it to a diesel specialist today to get an idea of price.

So, what do you think of my diagnosis, and has anyone got any idea how much it will be to have the fuel pump replaced? I've heard it involves changing water pump, cambelt & tensioner and so is expensive! It may not be a job worth doing as the car is probably only worth £2k, especially if it's not 100% certain this will fix the issues.

 

Thanks in advance for any replies,

Sam

[ippy]

if it is the fuel rail it could be ££££££££££££££££ I had exactly the same on a 2004 ghia it was gonna cost me about 1200+ to get it done properly so I got rid, 

[Bovril]

Taken it to a diesel specialist this morning (and got a puncture on the way, not a good omen!). He didn't seem impressed with the already done diagnostics so is gonna run more at a cost of £60+VAT, that's another £72 gone!

It's looking increasingly likely it's time to get rid. No point spending £1200 on a fuel rail when £1000 can buy the same model with similar miles...

[TomsFocus]

That's an expensive fuel rail...  There's nothing to it, literally a rod with a hole through it and a few pipes.  Access isn't usually that bad either although I've not seen it on this engine.

HP pump is more of a job, requires cambelt off as you say.

I would say your problem is injectors myself though, will be interesting to know what the pro diags say.

[james1089]

Yes me too 1.8s don't do pumps just the 1.6.

[iantt]

Sometimes it's the fuel pressure sensor connector pins open up and give poor connection and erratic fuel pressure readings

[Bovril]

The car is now having to stay in until Wednesday as their "technical specialist" is on holiday at the moment, and they are struggling to diagnose without him.

However, the fuel pump is apparantly OK, leading him to believe it is either injectors or fuel rail...

[ippy]

keep your fingers crossed and hope that its a sensor or something a lot cheaper than pump and rail, but! if its the injectors that are knackered that could be expensive, I had 4 new injectors (brand new not refurbs) that cost me £1100+ , and now my old girl runs as sweet as a nut  

[Bovril]

Finally a diagnosis!

The fault lies with the injectors. £700 for a new set, or he may be able to repair the current ones for £250.

I think the car is probably worth about £1200, so my first reaction was to try and repair the current ones for £250, but I'm not sure what the chances are of this being a long term fix. So maybe it's worth splashing out if this is going to give me a long lasting car.

Anybody any views on the potential longevity of this particular car?

[ippy]

get a new set if your gonna keep it for a while