100,000 mile diesel Focus won't crank (sometimes).

[Avocet]

It belongs to a mate, who has just e-mailed me, asking for thoughts. On one occasion, they had stopped during a long run. All dash lights normal, but no cranking. No messages or warning lights. It went with a bump start.
Also sometimes won't start cold, either - even with a push. He's replaced the battery, but no different.
Sometimes, the dash puts up a message "engine start pending.

Does anyone have any thoughts, please?

 

[sxturbo]

Starter motor intermittent fault, is most likely at fault here.

Though my brother had a focus that would randomly cut out when on long journeys. Turned out the keyless entry was playing up so they replaced the modules and recorded and all was ok

 

[Burnerman]

Living in the past - as per usual - I think I’d pay pretty close attention to the ignition switch......if the car has a key operated one, that is.
It reminds me of VW’s of old - no cranking and no push start, predictly enough.
John

 

[cdbe]

Potentially a list - on one of my cars the no crank was corroded earth strap to starter (went fine with a bump start) - cold start issues could be unrelated.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Connect a 12v lamp, between the small terminal on the starter and the starter motor's earth - it should light up, when the key is turned to the crank position. That will tell you whether the problem is with the car's systems/wiring or the starter motor itself, and you can then progress from there.

 

[Wayners]

Starter motor
It's easy diy job to swap

 

[RandomGrinch]

Sometimes, the dash puts up a message "engine start pending.

Probably not related to the non-starting issues, but there are plenty of posts on Ford forums relating to this message.
They suggest it only occurs in the cold, when the vehicle is started straight away, without a chance for the glow plugs to warm up fully.

 

[baldykev]

Could be your starter motor relay, look in handbook for location usually in engine fuse compartment .
Its normally a 4 pin relay so could be swopped with another 4 pin relay in fuse box to confirm fault

 

[Avocet]

Hi All,
I saw the car today, briefly. It's a 2014 car and it's the 1.5 litre Duratorq diesel, if that gives any more clues? It was raining and I'm going down with a cold, so I didn't hang around, but when you try to start it, there is a healthy "click!" from under the bonnet, but no cranking. It's way too loud to be a relay. It sounds like a starter solenoid. I had a quick look under the bonnet and can't even see the starter. Does anyone know where they are on those engines, and how much of a fun job they are to change, please?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I saw the car today, briefly. It's a 2014 car and it's the 1.5 litre Duratorq diesel, if that gives any more clues? It was raining and I'm going down with a cold, so I didn't hang around, but when you try to start it, there is a healthy "click!" from under the bonnet, but no cranking.

That suggests a failing starter motor, if it's not repeatedly clicking whilst the key is held in the crank position. Could be commutator or brushes. If it is repeatedly clicking, then it suggests battery or a high resistance connection somewhere.

 

[Avocet]

That suggests a failing starter motor, if it's not repeatedly clicking whilst the key is held in the crank position. Could be commutator or brushes. If it is repeatedly clicking, then it suggests battery or a high resistance connection somewhere.

No, just one, good, solid click. The guy has had the battery on charge too.

 

[Mottie]

I'be had a couple of starters pack up on Focus's and Mondeo's. Both times is been down to them being clogged with metal particles which turned out to be the beginning of the DMF breaking up.

 

[Avocet]

I'be had a couple of starters pack up on Focus's and Mondeo's. Both times is been down to them being clogged with metal particles which turned out to be the beginning of the DMF breaking up.

Oh thanks. That's worth bearing in mind. He's thinking of dealing it on anyway. This might just help make up his mind...

 

[nathan171192]

It belongs to a mate, who has just e-mailed me, asking for thoughts. On one occasion, they had stopped during a long run. All dash lights normal, but no cranking. No messages or warning lights. It went with a bump start.
Also sometimes won't start cold, either - even with a push. He's replaced the battery, but no different.
Sometimes, the dash puts up a message "engine start pending.

Does anyone have any thoughts, please?

Starter motor easy DIY job you could try one of these companies to see if they have a spare as I know they scrap vehicles and may have one . Worth a try ... https://www.removemycar.co.uk/

Scrap Car Prices - Worcester & Surrounding

We offer the best Scrap Car Prices, get in touch for an instant quote from our professional & very experienced team.

scrap-car-price.co.uk

Scrap My Car | Sell Your Scrap Car With CarTakeBack

Sell your scrap car quickly. Get the best price for your scrap car with an instant quote. Free collection. Local scrap car recycling. See how much your car is worth.

www.cartakeback.com

If not try your look on ebay to see if there is one on there maybe ? .

 

[Avocet]

Just an update, we changed the starter last weekend, and it all works fine now. Thanks to everyone who chipped-in with suggestions! He's bought another car anyway, so he's going to clean it up and stick it on Autotrader.