Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 01 1.6 petrol - starting problem

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Fri 12 Dec 2008 19:44
01 1.6 petrol - starting problem - Skandia
Hi,

My first post on here.........

My 2001 Focus 1.6 petrol has had a starting problem for a while.

Engine requires 4 to 5 seconds of cranking to start.
Engine cranks over very well but no sign of trying to start.
I assume that fuel, spark or both are not being commanded by the ECU.
After 4 to 5 seconds engine actually begins to 'fire' and will then run but runs a bit hesitantly / varying idle speed for a couple of seconds as though something is being adjusted. After this engine runs OK and drives well. Occasionally the engine will start on the first turn of the key!

I have changed the plugs & leads (all genuine Ford replacements) - no improvement.
It has been to an independent and a Ford agent - no stored faults.
Independent Garage suggested the camshaft sensor - changed it but no improvement
Ford agent updated ECU software with no improvement.

Any advice appreciated.


slt

Edited by Pugugly on 12/12/2008 at 19:58

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Fri 12 Dec 2008 23:14
01 1.6 petrol - starting problem - MikeTorque
Did the garage test that fuel is flowing through the injectors and a spark is being generated at each of the plugs during the starting phase ?
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Fri 12 Dec 2008 23:45
01 1.6 petrol - starting problem - MikeTorque
It's worth reading the comments by Screwloose concerning the ECU via the link below :

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=59559
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Sat 13 Dec 2008 20:08
01 1.6 petrol - starting problem - Skandia
I doubt they checked that fuel is flowing through the injectors and a spark is being generated during the starting phase. The only feedback I got from the polite / efficient front desk woman was that the car was ready and the ECU software had been updated. It was suggested that I try the car for few days to see if the starting had improved.

The lack of any obvious brain power being applied, or if it was it was not communicated, to diagnosing the problem did not inspire me to take the car back again. When expensive labour and parts are required I want a technician that is knows their subject and not have to pay for an expensive trial & error exercise.
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Sat 13 Dec 2008 23:49
01 1.6 petrol - starting problem - MikeTorque
I agree with you. It's off putting when the garage effectively asks you the paying customer to do the testing on their behalf, oh and if their fix hasn't worked then come back and they'll try again, oh and we'll charge you as well for whatever work needs doing. Well actually the last one that tried that tactic with me got nuked from very high up, never had a problem since.
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Fri 15 Nov 2013 22:03
01 1.6 petrol - starting problem - Mariaanna

Did you ever get your car sorted out? I am having the exact same problem with my Ford Focus. Now stuck not knowing what to do with a car stuck at the garage and no one seems to know what is wrong with it.

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