I bought my R reg Fiesta 1.25 in 2006 and I had no real problems with it until last summer. I usually drove it at least every other day, and for long distances about once a month, and then all of a sudden it wouldn't start at all after being left alone for just 4 days. A kindly RAC man charged the battery for me and then it seemed to be back to normal. I had it serviced in November and the MOT is due in a couple of weeks.

For the last couple of weeks it has been sluggish to start for some reason, then today it was very hard to start but eventually kicked it. The engine tries to turn over and does eventually, but it's worrying. Always have to depress the clutch and pump the accelerator before I turn the ignition, which I never used to and surely shouldn't have to for a car this age. Then today I got into my car after work to a very strong petrol smell inside the car, not outside at all, just inside. My dad tells me the carburettor is probably at fault.

Also, from May last year I have noticed quite a loud 'knock' noise when I apply the brakes, happens at least 50% of the time. I took it to Kwik Fit for a free brakes check and it's had a service since then, and no one has mentioned it or offered a solution!

Any thoughts would be appreciated! Cheers.

Katnoodle, April 2008

I have a 1999 Ford Fiesta when i drive on the motorway theres a strong smell of petrol! I have recently had a new back box fitted thinking that was the cause, any ideas??

izzie, May 2009

you need to get a new carb or get is seen to as there will be something blocking the main jet because it should start first time if there is nothing up with it once it is started and warm so get the carb looked at ;)

keir, April 2008

Thanks for your suggestions. I've had my garage replace the battery and look at the brakes. Touchwood, everything seems sorted!

Katnoodle, April 2008

Hi Katnoodle, the loud "knock" you hear when you apply the brakes is the linkage from the brake pedal that connects to the cross rod that connects to the brake servo unit, my car makes the same noise its nothing to worry about as long as the brakes work normally (my car passed its MOT yesterday with exactly the same noise!!) as John said the battery is definately suspect, but with this type of engine's fuel injection, pumping the acclerator pedal only confuses the injection computer and makes it deliver more fuel to the injectors than is required and so causing the petrol smell, get a new battery fitted (find your radio code before its fitted) after a new battery is fitted the car will not behave as it did untill you have driven the car for about 20 miles while the engine computer re-learns the engine's settings if you need any further info nige110162@hotmail.co.uk

nigel, April 2008

Hello Katnoodle - the first thing I would do is no replace the battery - if its the original its well past its sell by date. Any battery supplier worth its salt would check the alternator too, and they should look for around 14 volts with the engine running and lights on.
These cars are actually fuel injection rather than carburettor but its still worth while lifting the bonnet and looking for any fuel leaks when the engine is running - they should be fairly obvious really.
Regarding the brake noise, the clatter is due to the brake pads actually moving in their housing - this isn't necessarily a fault but it can happen if spring shims are left out or the incorrect pads are fitted. No disrespect meant to Kwikfit, but they are best fitting tyres only.

John, April 2008