Ford Focus starting problems

HotblackDesiato

Me neither.

You can get an OBD-II bluetooth adapter for a few bucks which would likely tell you a whole lot more.

Bl4ckGryph0n

PCM is the main computer, the bit that regulates everything. Get it to a main dealer or ford specialist to get it properly diagnosed.

Bl4ckGryph0n

Just a though, as it says security data. Could it be that the battery in your transponder key is on its way out? When was the last time it was changed? Have you tried it with you spare key?

961

The last few posts indicate exactly why it's a good idea to try a Ford dealer on this occasion. They'll have the equipment and also a set of bulletin books from Ford which should enable them to identify the fault and quote for rectifying that fault rather than trying a list of things at ever increasing cost.

Many Ford dealers operate a £99 service for cars over 4 years old which will include updating car software. That might be worth considering as a one off at the same time. But ensure you ask for a quote for fixing the fault and arrange them to contact you before any extra work is undertaken

Remember you do have the option of getting them to identify the fault and paying them for that work and then getting your local trusted guy to fix it. Bit messy I know but its always your choice to shop around if they come across with a silly price

7ofnine

Update on this one. I got the AA out today, as car was going nowhere. He immediately suspected air in the fuel line, and after inspection, pointed out to me that there was visibly no fuel in the main fuel pipe going into the injector pump. So after connecting a manual pump and drawing fuel up to the engine, it started ok.
He also noticed a slight loose component on the fuel filter housing, which may or may not be the cause of the air leak, I'll see how it goes.

Just relieved that this has saved me a potentially expensive trip to the dealers for now, has narrowed down the problem cause, and I also know how to get the car started if this happens again. Really impressed with the AA service!

7ofnine

Great idea, I know the importance of firmware upgrades. I'll look into getting this done.

7ofnine

It was changed fairly recently after dying. That code could be old, and hasn't been cleared since then.

961

Valuable morning's work calling the AA! Shows the original garage may have identified the fault but failed to sort the permanent fix. Worth asking them to have another go under warranty for work already done?

7ofnine

Definitely, the AA man knew his stuff.
It's worth a try, I'll see how reasonable the garage is.
In the meantime I've ordered this primer pump to get me out of trouble if it happens again.

car-man

I thought it might be an air leak, I've had fuel filter housing leaks on these before!