Hello!

Since purchasing my Focus, I've noticed an infrequent starting issue where the car will turn over but not want to start unless I either hit the accelerator or remove the key and try again. Whether the car is cold or warm makes no difference in this respect and no fault codes have been found. It's also had a recent service of spark plugs, oil and filters according to the previous owner.

The rest of the time, the car starts fine first time. So far I've replaced the camshaft sensor (recommended by a mechanically minded cousin- who says the car looks fine aside) and run some injector cleaner through the tank to no avail.

I get the impression that it's fuel related, due to a push of the throttle putting the car into life, any ideas of things I can try? I'm open to replacing parts as with the purchase of the car I did budget a little towards fixes and upgrades, but not excessively as I'd like to focus on the latter ideally!

Very appreciative of all suggestions, couldn't find anything overly conclusive in the common problems thread.

I will get a video of the starting as well, next time it occurs.

Thanks,

Michael

https://www.uniteddiesel.co.uk/diesel-engine-problems

There is a trouble shoot on this website that may help? Generic but may point you in right direction.

Possible fuel pump issue not priming on first turn over? 

Slightly dodgy pats system?

Clogged fuel filter?

Spark plug gap too wide? (But then it'd probably run lumpily)

normal, never found out why some did this, only the 1.8 and2.0 duratecs did this . mondeo did it as well with same engines.

Videos of starting

The perfect start

The "weak" start - low RPM idle which then wakes up when I give it some accelerator

The "non" start - doesn't ignite until I give it some accelerator

 

6 hours ago, Phil21185 said:

Slightly dodgy pats system?

Clogged fuel filter?

Spark plug gap too wide? (But then it'd probably run lumpily)

Tried the spare key and still got the issue which would go some distance towards ruling out PATS.

Can try replacing the fuel filter but it *should* only be about 2 months old

Same with spark plugs, could the gap be too wide as a result of the wrong plugs being used? And like you say, running is otherwise fine.

 

6 hours ago, Furio101 said:

https://www.uniteddiesel.co.uk/diesel-engine-problems

There is a trouble shoot on this website that may help? Generic but may point you in right direction.

Possible fuel pump issue not priming on first turn over? 

Can still hear the fuel pump starting (assuming that's what it is) even on the problematic starts

5 hours ago, iantt said:

normal, never found out why some did this, only the 1.8 and2.0 duratecs did this . mondeo did it as well with same engines.

welp

The fuel filter can be ruled out.

The Focus MK2/MK2.5 Petrol versions do not have a changeable fuel filter. There is only a strainer (with relative large mesh) mounted at the inlet side of the fuel pump inside the fuel tank. This strainer is part of the fuel pump assembly and not available as a spare part.

 

Personally I would start by checking if the car has the latest available PCM software. If not the PCM software should be updated to the latest version. Next to this I would reset all adaptations of the PCM using a suitible Ford specific diagnostic system. Afterwards the self learning procedure of the PCM must be performed. On this type of engine the engine must run at idle speed for at least 30 minutes. All electrical and mechanical power consumers (for example airconditioning) which affect the idle RPM must be switched of during this procedure. 

47 minutes ago, JW1982 said:

Personally I would start by checking if the car has the latest available PCM software. If not the PCM software should be updated to the latest version. Next to this I would reset all adaptations of the PCM using a suitible Ford specific diagnostic system. Afterwards the self learning procedure of the PCM must be performed. On this type of engine the engine must run at idle speed for at least 30 minutes. All electrical and mechanical power consumers (for example airconditioning) which affect the idle RPM must be switched of during this procedure. 

Sounds like a job for my local Ford dealer no? Or could an independent (non-specialist) do this?

Bit of a bump by now but getting the engine management software updated has completely fixed the problem! Done about 350 miles since having the work done and not had a single poor start! So happy!

 

Thanks for the recommendation JW1982!!!!

Where did u take it for the latest management software update? Did u go to your local dealer? If so how much did they charge you?

Only asking cause my MK2.5 2.0 hasn't had an update for a while. 

2 hours ago, Dave1981 said:

Where did u take it for the latest management software update? Did u go to your local dealer? If so how much did they charge you?

Only asking cause my MK2.5 2.0 hasn't had an update for a while. 

Took it to my local Ford dealer (though I did throw some other business their way in the process by getting a replacement badge fitted), mentioned that it was having issues starting when warm.

Got a call from the garage about an hour later from a tech there who said he's seen the issue on a mk2 2.0 before, said he'll update the PCM software but not much else he can do as it's not a regularly occurring issue. Got the car back that afternoon and now 2 weeks later I've not had a starting issue since! Only cost me the flat rate £50 "diagnostics" fee.

7 hours ago, mholt1995 said:

 

Thanks for the recommendation JW1982!!!!

Wilco knows his stuff, believe me, he's ONE of the best assets on this forum.