My ford Focus 02 1.8 tdi won't start. I turn the ignition as usual however im getting nothing but a flashing glow plug light....ive only had it 3 measley days so i only have limited knowledge of its usual running habits. Have tried starting it over the past two days with no luck when today the glow started flashing, I am so annoyed! I have no clue what to do, i can only assume it could be the battery, alternator or ecu....but again this a guess..........thank you to anyone who replys :)

Beverley, October 2010

Problem solved for now anyways........new battery has been fitted :) Just gotta hope thats all that was wrong. Thanks again for your help, greatly appreciated x

beverley, October 2010

The previous owners didn't say of it......how do i do or get a code reader? thanks

beverley, October 2010

Thanks guys, at the mo im getting nothing from it, it doesn't start and now the warning lights barely come on. Theres no engine start up noise just a faint tapping noise....had a look under bonnet but wasn't sure on what i was looking at....i did see on the top bit of the battery the two metal bits had a gluey sticky residue on them....normal i don't know? A friend of a friend was meant to come check the battery this morning, hopefully they'll turn up soon. I'm afraid thats about as extensive as my car knowledge gets....thanks again for your posts, really appreciate the advice x

Beverley, October 2010

My 2.0 mondeo is just the same. I turn off ignition, wait a few seconds then turn ign. back on and nearly always glow plug indicator is then OK. This maybe happens about once a month. If it comes on after starting, engine knocks like hell, so I stop car, wait, and then restart, this has only happened VERY occasionly. Couple of years ago light came on whilst driving, lost power, light would not go out and couldn't restart engine. That cost me about £700 for a diesel pump overhaul. Light still sometimes gives problems though. Cars eh!

Terry Western, October 2010

the flashing glow plug means you have a fault in your system and will have to go onto a code reader to look at faults stored,did previous owner know about the bad starting?If you could be more specific in your description,is the motor turning over ok?fully charged battery?glow plugs working ok?check if you are getting fuel up to the injectors.

neil, October 2010