Focus Starting problems

[CrisCronin]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post so here goes!

I've got a MK1 Focus 1.8 TDi and when I start her from cold in the mornings or when i leave work ect she struggles to start. On a petrol motor I could probably hazard a guess but this is my first diesel, and I'm not sure the ins and outs of the setup!

I don't know if it's worth mentioning that if the engine is warm it starts straight away i.e

If I'm on a long journey and i pull over to fill up, it has no problems but to startup in the morning it takes 4 - 5 seconds to ignite?!

any help is appreciated guys,
Thanks,

Chris.

[A.rob]

Hi Chris,
Im fairly new to all this forum business as well. It sounds to me that you have a heater plug problem. Your car will have 4 heater plugs and it may just be 1 thats not working and that would cause it to be slow to start first thing in the morning.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
Ashley

[Richie_k83]

Failing that, most modern diesel cars require the ECU software to be updated at the dealership, usually a warranty issue. I had a similar running problem on my Fiesta ST where upon starting after a short journey it would struggle to start or start with a misfire, this was allsorted under warranty with an ECU update. Give Ford a shout, may be able to sort it...

[Jamie@FastFord]

sounds like glow plugs to me. Replace all four- they're not too dear iirc and that way you can guarantee replacing the dodgy one.

[martin xr2L]

exactly what Jamie said when i worked in the garage we were replacing glow plugs all the time well common!

[lindaT3267]

Ford may be a little complicated and one should look at it first to see why such happens, why don't you show it where you bought it, I think that would be best.