Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci

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Thu 3 Aug 2017 08:26
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - Marcus Bentley

I've had this car for about 4 years and it was a 2008 58 reg

Since I had it it starts every time pretty much first spin of the engine.

For about 2 months it hadn't started first time, it cranks but won't start on first try, but started next time without fail.

Now in the last 3-4 days it's been touch and go if it would start at all. Engine cranks with no firing, sometimes it fires but doesn't start, a few more goes without any firing then hear ot trying to fire for 3 or 4 revs of the engine and so far it just about manages to start.

It is generally OK if it's relatively warm, been running in the last hour, if left for a couple of hours it isn't great, but overnight it's terrible.

When running it runs great, nothing perceptible in performance, fuel consumption, etc.

I assume something must have been on its way out when it first failed to start first time. I didn't think anyone would seriously try and find a fault in a car that starts on second turn of ignition.

I'd like some Idea of possible probable causes before going to try and get it repaired so I don't get taken down an expensive road of pointless work that couldn't fix the problem.

Oh and I just live just outside London area, not somewhere excessively cold, etc. Not excessively hot either despite apparently being summer.

Thanks for any suggestions or advice

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Thu 3 Aug 2017 08:47
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - hardway

Last time the fuel filter was changed?

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Thu 3 Aug 2017 10:40
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - Peter.N.

Is it turning over as fast as it used to? How old is the battery?

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Thu 3 Aug 2017 12:37
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - S40 Man

Do you have a laptop? If so I suggest you invest in a Forscan code reader. They are available on popular intErneEt sitEs.

They are between £13-20. See what the car thinks is wrong with it, if anything.

Plugs into obd other end is USB. That is a cheap and reasonably easy place to start. I have Mondeo 2.0 tdci mine has always started on the button.

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Fri 4 Aug 2017 13:26
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - Cyd

If it's the original battery still, it is now 8 years old which is beyond an average life.

So test your battery, easy enough with a DMM and some basic tools.

https://youtu.be/AT_XmlwMVz4

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Wed 9 Aug 2017 18:12
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - Marcus Bentley

I have had the car checked for computer logs (haven't really had the time to get software and cables myself yet, think I'll try that for future issues before I get next issue)

They said it was showing low voltage on battery but tested with another battery and ot still failed to start effectively.

They claim to have found fault with the intercooler. I'm not sure how that should affect starting the car, but I don't know enough to know it wouldn't.

I assume an intercooler faukt may allow fuel and air to arrive at non optimal pressure to the cylinder it could make starting dificult, but would have thought I'd get more impact in fuel efficiency and/or engine power and consistency the rest of the time.

Hopefully they actually know what they're doing but I will post what happens next and if they hot the fault bang on the money, or are trying to lead me down a bottomless money pit :-(

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Wed 9 Aug 2017 18:55
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - hardway

About the only fault you could get with an intercooler that would affect starting would be if it was blocked so no air.

Turbo isn't boosting when starting.

And even then all you'd have to do is take the induction hose of so it's drawing to atmosphere and see if it'll start.

And at the risk of nagging HAS THE FUEL FILTER BEEN RENEWED??

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Wed 9 Aug 2017 19:06
Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci - Sudden starting issue mondeo MK 4 2.0 tdci - elekie&a/c doctor

Oh dear ,looks like they got the guess-o-meter out to check your car. As above,you could put the intercooler in the boot,and it would not cause any problems starting.

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