My '03 TDCI Focus fails to start, got harder to start over a 3 month period and was easier when the car was warm. Had it serviced and cam belt changed but no improvement, then took about 15 mins to start and managed about a mile before completely died. No joy restarting on jump leads. Glow plugs seem good when checked. Also had fluctuating RPM between 600 & 900 when idling just prior to it cutting out.

Anyone have any ideas????

Thought it might be the fuel filter as had been running the tank pretty low for a long time and the fault seemed to be progressive.

Thanks alot,

Ian, April 2009

if you had it serviced and it only went a mile why havent you told garage ? IF THE CAR STOPPED SUDENLY BELT FAILED IF IT DIED SLOWLY IT SOUNDS LIKE FUEL STARVATION TRY A FUEL CLEANER DIRECTLY INTO FUEL FILTER ALSO HAVE COMPRESSON TESTED A LOT OF FLY BY WIRE PUMPS FAIL TO DELIVER FUEL THE ACCELERATOR THROTTLE SWITCH IS A COMMON PROB

LESMOT53, April 2009

What mileage? how do you know glow plugs are ok?when were they last changed?i only got 18000miles on mine before glow plugs failed.you say you had cambelt changed before it failed,have you checked its still ok and hasnt failed,does the engine sound different when turning over?

mikec, April 2009