kasfig

Please can someone advise.
My "T" reg Ford Focus TDDI 1.8 diesel; it has started a problem just recently.
I will be driving along and occasionally the glow plug light starts flashing.
When this happens the engine loses power. I find that if I switch the ignition on and off again, the car immediately starts again.
Sometime later the the glow plug light will flash once more and the same thing happens. So far I havent failed to get home.
I am also finding that simultaneous with this problem arising the start up in the morning is difficult. I have to turn the starter motor over for quite some time before the engine starts. So far it hasnt failed to start eventually.

Please can someone advise. Do they know what the problem is ?
Best wishes
Ian

GVK.

Ideally needs fault codes checking to see what the fault is, but before you spend money on anything major, replace the fuel filter.

kasfig

Dear si
thanks for the kind advice
ian

Riaanvs

My Focus is doing the EXACT same thing. I had it diagnostically tested and I got the code P0200 - injector circuit malfunction. The mechanic checked the wiring and found that the plug on injector no 4 is totally smashed and hanging by n wire. Can this be the root of the problem? He also fixed all the contact points inside the plugs. Will check if it is better and let you know.

Good luck!

kasfig

Dear Riaanvs
Thank you for sharing your experience. Does the diagnosis you have indicate major expensive work needed on your car?
If you could please be good enough to let me know how you get on this would be most appreciated
With kind regards
Ian

Riaanvs

Hi Kasfig.

It took me a while, and luckily not an arm and a leg in finances.

I was quoted for a new high pressure diesel pump - ZAR 9 900. That is a hell of a lot of money in SA. And mechanics told me that, if that baby broke down, it meant immediate and permanent deadness. Not an on-and-off problem.

I pondered the engine wiring harnass. But it didn't make sense to me.

I spoke to a "backyard" mechanic. One who does not immediately plugs in the computer and does nothing else. He asked me what the rev-counter was doing whenever the car sputtered and died. When I told him that it usually jump up and down, about 250 RPM, he immediately told me that I must replace the CAM POSITIONING SENSOR. The part number is 5M5112K073AB. I did, and the problem was 99% fixed. I also heard about the EGR valve. The symptoms of a blocked valve was exactly what I was experiencing. I had it disconnected and, WHOALA! 100% better.

And it didn't set me back too much. The sensor costed ZAR 520. I replaced it myself. The mechanic didn't charge me for the disconnecting of the valve.

I hope it can help you somehow.

I LOVE MY FORD!!

kasfig

Hi Rianvs
Thank you for kindly taking the trouble to describe in detail your experience with flashing glow plug lights.

My problems are ongoing. After a previous problem in which the car stopped altogether I was told it was the diesel pump. I got one second hand and it was expensive to fix.
Even then things werent right. The flashing glow plug symptom soon became apparent, and then the car one day wouldnt restart after the flashing gp light.
Even now the car is with the mechanic. I may print out your kind posting and show it to him. He has had the car 2 weeks.
Please may I enquire is the positioning sensor of the cam difficult to do?
Yours with thanks
Ian

Riaanvs

Hi Ian.

You are more than welcome to print it out and show it to the mechanic.

The sensor sits right on top of the engine, on the tappet cover, right in the middle of the cover. It has a electrical wire with 3 wires connected to it. Just remove the plug, loosen the nut with a 8 spanner, remove the sensor and place the new one in its place. Shouldn't take more than 2 - 3 minutes.

Hope it helps

Riaan

kasfig

Hi Riaan
Thanks ever so much. Perhaps my problem is as simple as that.

How much did you say the sensor cost you?
Best wishes
Ian

Riaanvs

Hi Ian.

Here in SA it was R520. On another site I saw the guys said something in the order of Ł120. You can also do a search on ebay. You will get a good idea over there.

Good luck

Riaan

kasfig

Hi Riaan
Thanks for that tip.
I might consider a salvage yard. It only looks a tiny part
Much appreciated
Ian

Riaanvs

I hate to tell you, Ian, but that wasn't the problem. And I still don't know what the problem is. My car reached the point where it wouldn't even start any more. at a mechaninc now. I hope he will be able to find the problem.

Is your car fixed yet?

kasfig

Hi Riaan
Thanks for the update.
I am still awaiting news from the mechanic. He has had the car for two and a half weeks now. No news yet.
It looks like my problem is similar as yours.
I hope you get yours fixed. If I gain any insight into the problem I will let you know
Best wishes
Ian