Hi, my father in laws Ford Focus failed to start last night. On opening the car on the remote, the rear door locks make a clunking sound. When the key was put in the ignition and a start attempted a rapid clicking was heard and some panel lights flashed but no turning of the engine. I also noted the immobiliser control unit(?) clicking in the footwell. Several attemts made but no joy. Suggestions please? I am suspecting a latching relay of some type failing or sticking in the starter/central locking/immobiliser circuit preventing enough current being permitted to the starter solenoid/motor. I am guessing as I have no circuit diagram!

Col, December 2008

I have a focus 1.8 tdci (2002).

Sometimes it refuses to start - it'll turn over, but not fire. On these occasions, the solution is to get out, lock and unlock the doors, and try again.

So I presume the immobiliser system is not working properly on mine - yours may be similar. Or it could be a flat battery.

Howard, January 2009

I'd have gone for the flat baterry too, especially with the rapid knocking on trying to start it.

Gavin, December 2008

flat battery

mutley, December 2008