I have a 1999 ford transit 2.5 di turbo diesel with 170000 on the clock. as soon as the weather turns cold it will not start on the key only turning sluggishly with no attempt to fire. New 680 cranking amp battery fitted, new lift pump and serviced in last 100 miles - still no joy. Only solution is turn engine a couple of times on the key and then get out the jump leads. So far this does the trick then the engine is ok for the rest of the day. Any ideas please?

Alan H, December 2010

Have exactly the same problem with my transit at the moment and have a new battery fitted, fuel head etc has all been checked and still not starting when cold though will start fine when warm in the afternoon.

Did you get this fixed yet?

DanB, January 2011

put some heat inside the inlet manifold

brian, December 2010

make sure that the crimped lug on starter cableis making good connection,also check engine earth by putting jump lead from battery negative to good earth on engine,if now turns ok then engine to chassis earth faulty.what grade of engine oil are you using if too thick will be even thicker this weather causing too much drag when turning.is the new battery a high cca rating [this is cold cranking amperage]the higher the better-this really does make a difference.if all ok maybe starter itself at fault.

k, December 2010

had a few problems with the battery cables down to the starter on these,intermittent starting problems,would check your earths and connections,if no better try replacing the battery leads

cdc, December 2010