Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing

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Sat 20 Feb 2016 07:55
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - Samwell

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

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Sat 20 Feb 2016 09:46
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - elekie&a/c doctor
Looks like you have had the old guess-o-meter on this.At this age and mileage the injectors would be suspect.As you say,take it to a diesel specialist.
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Sat 20 Feb 2016 12:42
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - Samwell

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!

Hopefully it is the injectors as you say, then should be a cheap fix. (??) Otherwise it's looking increasingly likely it's time to get rid. £1000 can buy the same model with similar miles...

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Mon 22 Feb 2016 18:39
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - Samwell

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...

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Mon 22 Feb 2016 22:04
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - phil_z70

Hi Sam,

Could it be possible that the initial code P2261 was created when the fuel filter was change, there would have been a drop of pressure then it was restarted due to a bit of air in the system,

Also have all the glowplugs been checked/changed and the glowplug relay been changed recently

The diesel fiesta i had (08) had a few problems, the old 1.4 engine,

Struggling to start, air leaking back into fuel system (new injector copper washers & leakoff pipes fitted)

Glowplug coil flashing on dash (not sure if it went into limp mode though) faulty glowplug relay

Regards Phil

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Sat 27 Feb 2016 09:09
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - Samwell

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?

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Sat 27 Feb 2016 09:37
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - elekie&a/c doctor

Focus models of this age run forever.As you have found out,the only major issue with the diesel models is injector problems.I would get it fixed and run it to death.New units may be a better option for a long term fix.

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Sat 27 Feb 2016 13:51
Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi Mk1 2003 - Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Glow Plug Light Flashing - Samwell

Thanks for your comment.

There seem to be some mixed opinions floating around on this website about the Ford 1.8TDCi engines. There are quite a few people saying avoid these common rail diesel engines like the plague.

This paragraph on HJ has made me a little worried:

TSB No.63/2002 31.10.2002 Model: Mondeo 2001 with 2.0L DuraTorq-TDCi engine built from 10.2001 (build code 1K), Focus with 1.8L DuraTorq-TDCi engine built from 05.2001 (build code 1B. Engine running erratically or does not start. Common cause is that the fuel pump is unable to deliver the required fuel rail pressure due to wear of the cam, rollers and shoes. The damage is caused by insufficient bedding of the rollers during early life. This also creates metallic particles which can enter the high pressure fuel system and lead to injector failure. To rectify this concern, a revised fuel pump, new injectors and associated parts should be installed. If this concern is present, it will generally be indicated by a flashing glow plug indicator showing that a fault has been detected. This bulletin supersedes TSB 63/2002 dated 08.08.2002, which should either be destroyed or clearly marked to show it is no longer valid (e.g. with a line across the page). Additions have been made to the Parts Required and Labour Times. The Service Instruction has been ammended.

This came from here:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/focus-1998/?section=good

Sam

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