I have a 2002 Focus 1.8 TDCI estate that just won't start without a fight.

The glow light comes on for about a second when i turn the key, the glowplugs will have 12v a few seconds after the light goes out. It doesn't matter if it's +5 or -20 outside.

I tried removing the fuse and relay for the glowing, and the light still lit up for about a second. (obviously the glow plugs didn't get any current)

The glow plugs was replaced about 2 weeks ago due to one of them was broken.. not only defective.. BROKEN so that it shorted out and took the fuse (60amp) with it when it died.
I also tried to replace the glow relay, still a no-go

If i use the heater for a few hours it's easy to start..

Any suggestions is appriciated, the whole ordeal is driving me sane ...

 

Could possibly be the coolant temperature sesnor, when the engine is cold the glow plug module cycles the plugs for longer. Or the module itself could be faulty.

What I would do is disconnect the power feed to the glow rail, run a capable wire direct from the battery to the rail and let the plugs get nice and hot, then see if it starts better.

 

Do i need to disconnect the plugs first, some are kinda hard to get to, or can i just set a wire on one of the plugs for a few seconds and see if it starts easier?

 

Disconnect the live wire that connects to the glow plug rail. Then connect a wire from the battery to the terminal on the rail to provide permanent power to the plugs!

 

I can do that... :-P
going to try that tomorrow if it's not snowing or raining too badly..
Is that wire easily available when you remove the plastic cover?

 

I'm not too sure I'm not too familiar with the 1.8 diesel engine, have done it occasionally on some of our plant equipment at work though to diagnose starting faults.

 

OK.. i'll figure it out.. the glow plugs on my Chevy Suburban is easily accessible.. the Ford Focus.. not so much...

Thanks for the tip tho...