Hi, focus 1.6, 2000, Engine turns over but wont fire. Checked usual, fuses, relays, clean connections, fuel cut off switch. So called out recovery and guess what? it started! Ran fine for about 3 weeks but now same problem. I just used a fault code reader and it says "no stored codes". Any suggestions to this newbie would be appreciated, please?

Crank sensor I'd go for.

Thanks, but would that show up as a fault code? And is there any way to get car started bypassing??

coil pack bust?

No way of bypassing it, it's the main sensor and as you say EML would illuminate. I would check you have fuel and spark first, does the fuel pump prime when ignition switched on?

Could be the imfamous coilpack was slowly breaking down now given up all together.

Martin

I highly doubt it is the coil pack as a failing coil pack would show consistent symptoms not sporadic. A failing or temperamental crank sensor however will NOT show an EML light. A total failure of the crank sensor will but one that doesn't send a signal from time to time will not and I would go with this rather than the coil pack. Since there are no other issues with driving the car then I would assume crank sensor. Has it had a clutch change recently or done any work to the gearbox?

What colour is the coil pack gray or black as one 99% working other has a high fail rate !

the 2000 plate focus uses the one with small leads and does have a tendancy to fail! and its a cheap item to replace!

maybe not the case here but definatly work a look in my opinion

the early type fits but you will need the leads too!

As I mentioned above, a failing coil pack or ignition system will display symptoms whilst driving. It won't just refuse to work then work all of a sudden then not work again. It will display misfires intermittently then worse as it gets more and more damaged. This is all pointing to the crank sensor as it can go for weeks without playing up then start playing up again. I've seen this many times before and had it on my car too. Change the coil pack if you wish but I would guess that it will solve nothing.

Thanks very much guys. I'll go get a new crank sensor in the morning and I'll let you know. Appreciate all your comments, great site

Another thing that has just sprung to mind before you go and buy a crank sensor, does the PATS light above the clock stay illuminated or flash during cranking at all?

The red light above the clock goes out after turning ignition on.

Does it come on or flash whilst cranking?

My old 1.6 focus did that, wouldnt start for a couple of days, then would be ok, then would refuse to start again. Was a knackered fuel pump! When you turn the ignition on, listen from under the back seats for a whirr for a second or two. Lift the seats up to hear it better. If there's no whirring, then its new fuel pump time!

Well I just put the new crankshaft sensor on and it still wont start. As for the light above the clock, that comes on for 3 seconds as normal when ignition turned on, then goes off. On cranking it comes on for about 3 seconds then goes off.
I'll now go listen for the fuel pump.

No sound from under the back seat so lifted it to make sure. Guess I'll need a fuel pump. Does it have to be original from Ford ? Cos their price is £196.

could put power to it first to check it is dead!

but you dont need gen ford if you can find one that fits walbro high pressure ones come up fo 60-70 quid on the bay!

Afraid you will need a ford one, as they are all one unit with the fuel gauge sender, and they tie into the management system as well, so an aftermarket pump will not work. To change them you need to drop the tank too, almost impossible on the ground so will need a ramp to do it.

oh sorry pal! i htought you could change the pump in the cradle like you can on mine my bad!

I just checked for a feed to the pump. At the first terminal there is 12v when turning the ignition on but that drops to 6.5v after that. I presume this means that the pump is faulty?

Yeah i would have thought so, the symptoms are certainly pointing at that!

PATS light shouldn't come on at all whilst cranking... The PATS system is designed to kill the feed to the fuel pump in the case of somebody trying to start it without it seeing the correct code.

Another thing to check to verify the fuel pump is knackered is turn the ignition to position II but when you do make sure you are standing outside of the car and have your head near the bonnet. You should hear quite a distinct hiss as this is the fuel rail pressurizing. If it doesn't do this then there is no fuel getting through. Also whilst cranking get someone or yourself to whack the fuel pump connections with a screwdriver continously. If it starts spluttering or suddenly fires into life...100% dead fuel pump

The PATS system on the focus won't even let it turn over if the key isn't recognised, so I don't think its an immobiliser fault.

My money's on the fuel pump!

Is looking like the fuel pump now but I always get confused with the PATS system since I have an additional Toad immobilizer and that works slightly differently.

As I said earlier if the pump does not prime when ignition switched on you have a problem. You have power to it and still not working so will be pump.

Martin

Thanks guys. My local ford dealer will have to order the pump in, but when I've changed it I'll let you know.