Why does it take my Ford Focus 1.8tdci 3 attempts to start?

Question

it cuts out after a few seconds the first 2 attempts then is fine on the third, this normally happens when i havent used the car for a few hours, if i try to start it again just after using the car it is fine.

Answer 1

The ect is at fault. The Engine Coolant Temperature sensor is located within a few inches of the thermostat housing. This sensor tells the computer at what temperature the engine coolant is. These sensors can lock and give a false hot or cold reading. Since it still sends a signal to the computer, be-it the wrong signal, the computer doesn't know the difference and it will not trip the "check engine light". If it is locked hot, it will be like trying to start an older car with no choke. The colder it gets, the harder and longer it takes to start. If locked cold, it starts easily cold, but nearly floods when attempted hot. Change your ECT.

Answer 2

Richard ,are you waiting 10-15 seconds before turning over the engine when ignition is on to prime the glow plugs ,C I stands for common rail injection it needs time to ready the fuel needed for compression ignition when the engine is cooler.

Answer 3

if ur allowing 10 to 15 seconds before starting to warm glow plugs then u [prob need new ones

Answer 4

It's because it has acheived self-realisation...Now Knowing that it is a reeeely boring vehicle it has lost the will to live and to start....kind of like a depressed person trying to get out of bed in the moring to go to the dole office... Thats the kind of ting...

Answer 5

you didnt get petrol from morrisons or tesco did you? if not could be anything. take it to a mechanic

Answer 6

the prob's simple m8....it's a ford!