Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected

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Mon 19 Sep 2011 14:14
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - chairmanmatt

Hi,

Grateful if anyone had any ideas.

Although my car is only 4 years old I've noticed it doesn't always turn over on its first go, especially on damp days. I've had the car since February and this has been the case even after services. However I usually give it a bit of gas or turn off and turn back on and it works. However, on Saturday night, I was about to leave for work - had the initiall problem of it chugging but not turning over. Turned engine off and tried to turn it over again and there was nothing. There was no turn over from the engine at all. The lights, radio and other electrics were all working.

Called out my break down company. Mechanic checked the battery - Nil problems. He disconnected the battery and plugged back in and it worked. I phoned an auto electricians today to look at it, but they felt it is more of a mechanical issue.

Someone at work had a similar problem with an immobiliser.

If any one has any ideas then let me know,

Thanks,

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Tue 20 Sep 2011 16:09
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - chairmanmatt
The garage have been unsuccessful in diagnosing any problem. He's suggested just disconnecting the battery every time it happens. I'm going to search for an auto electrician as this isn't a viable long term option.
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Tue 20 Sep 2011 16:14
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - bathtub tom

>>chugging but not turning over.

I don't understand what you mean.

When you turn the key to operate the starter motor, what happens?

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Tue 20 Sep 2011 16:33
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - chairmanmatt

Initially the starter motor was turning over, (making a chugging noise) but it didn't start the engine, so I turned the key to the off position. When I turned the key back on there was no connection to the starter motor. Nothing turning over at all.

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Tue 20 Sep 2011 17:34
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - chairmanmatt

The more I think and research it I'm hoping it;s not the ECU - Could be pretty pricey.... maybe the battery diconnection thing isn't such a bad idea.

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Tue 20 Sep 2011 18:52
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - chairmanmatt
I found this on an old feed. Thinking about the possibility of it being an immobiliser issue, which I doubt, I gave this a go. Hasn't done any harm. Actually started without the poor turn over from the starter motor. Maybe coincidence?

www.mirez.co.uk/KeyProg.htm
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Sat 24 Sep 2011 11:03
Ford Focus Estate - Auto '07' - Cut out - Worked when battery disconnected - chairmanmatt

Just an update for those who may find this thread in the future - It's had another diagnostic and it turns out it is probably the GEM Module.

If this is the case and your car loses power then it should reset itself in 4 mins after double locking the car via the key lock. It will still need sorting, but will get you out of your problem in an emergency.

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