2003 Focus 1.8 TDCi cold start problems

2003 Focus 1.8 TDCi cold start problems

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mekondelta

Original Poster:

703 posts

267 months

Tuesday 18th September 2007
quotequote all
Hi,

Had the Focus for just over a month. The starter motor was replaced last week but even before this the car would often not start when cold. It takes 3/4 starts before the engine catches. The engine cranks and then fires for 0.5s then dies. Then when it does start there is lots of blue/grey smoke from the exhaust.

Is this a common problem? There's some stuff on the 'net about it including this



Ford Mondeo 2001 - 2002 2.0 TDCi and Focus 1.8 TDCi

Problem: Engine does not run properly or fails to start.

Solution: A problem has been identified with the diesel pump and wear to the rollers and shoes. This is caused by insufficient bedding in when the car is new. This can also create small metal particles to contaminate the diesel and damage many components including the injectors. A sample of diesel should be inspected. A new diesel pump with revised rollers and shoes should be fitted along with new injectors and other parts if required.



from http://www.bba-reman.com/content.aspx?content=ford_focus_common_problems_and_solutions 

but no other solutions. Anyone had any experience? Interestingly when the dealer changed the starter motor it makes a higher pitched noise when starting and the engine is much smoother at idle. Coincidence!?

Cheers, Chris.