FOCUS 1.9 TDCI HOT START PROBLEM

[Kentish]

Hi Folks;

I wonder whether you can help?

My work colleague has a problem with his Focus TDCi not startimg when hot, it turns over fine and the engine makes a louder knocking whilst being turned over which is similar to a diesel with low/no fuel but it won't start at all until the engine has cooled down.

I think it must be a fuel system problem but the main dealer has looked at his car several times and changed the battery, key fob, cam belt and tensioner and several other expensive components and the problem is just the same. His last bill alone was almost £300 and the problem persists.

Anyone had this problem with their Focus or Mondeo TDCi 1.9?

It's a 2003 car BTW.

Thanks,
K

[nighthawk]

there isn't a 1.9 diesel fitted to either focus or mondeo.

If it's a 03 car, it'll be the 1.8 lynx engine.

If it's hard starting from hot,and the glow plug light is flashing to indicate a fault, i'd be looking towards the Camshaft position sensor.

There was a rework to increase reliability of the sensor by switching it to a 12v item instead of the original 5v design to gain a better signal on some affected cars of a set build period.

Sometimes, it's just a sensor fault though

[Mark Bailey]

My TDCi focus has been cutting out whilst on the move, this has been an intermittent problem so far. Once stopped and normally when the engine is warm it refuses to start for about 10 minutes.

I took it to a independent diesel injector company and they replaced the Crankshaft Position sensor. Hopefully this has resolved the cutting out and the refusal to restart.

[Kentish]

Thanks chaps, I'll pass this info on.