I have had a 55 plate Mondeo TDCi (2l) Ghia for 5 weeks now and a couple of issues have appeared with it. I'm not hugely technically minded so will try to describe the issues best I can...

Firstly, when I accelerate, in any gear, a huge amount of black smoke blows out the exhaust, it calms down but there is still a noticeable amount of emissions at 70mph in 6th...

Secondly, in the last few days I've had trouble starting it. It sounds like the starter motor is going (loud electric motor noise) but doesn't catch. This can happen at least 15 times until finally it starts.

Thirdly, usually follows on from second issue, when it does start the glow plug light flashes and there is a noticeable drop in power. I believe this is to stop the engine being damaged but occasionally now it doesn't come on and I can drive normally.

My question is, are all three of these issues connected or are they separate and fixing one won't fix the other?

When it's going well it's a joy to drive but am beginning to wander if I should have just paid the £800 for my Zafira to get fixed to MOT standard! (Espousing Vauxhall on a ford forum, bad taste I know but still....)