Hi folks,

Hope you can help me on this one

My girlfriend has not long got herself an 04 St170

Today she told me that it had issues starting this morning, and once before a few weeks ago

She said that the car wouldnt turn over at all, no electrics were on when the key was turned - no dash lights, nothing.

4 attempts failed - same no electrics issue, then on the 5th turn the car worked as expected, dash lights up and car starts!

Does anybody have any ideas where to start to try to find the problem before it dies properly and refuses to start?

Already spent about £1000 repairing this bloody thing in one way or another since she got it so really hoping this isnt going to be costly

Thanks

 

Check battery terminals are clean and tight.

 

Ok,

Had a quick look tonight after work, but the battery terminals are nice and clean and well connected

The issue seems to be intermittant as it hasnt happned since and only happened once before she says.

I am leaning toward it being something to do with the PATS system to be fair - just not sure how best to go about preventing a total failure?

I am planning on taking it to ford to get an ECU update done to the latest version software - cant hurt can it?

 

There's some earth terminals under the airbox on mk1 Focus and they can corrode and go green, have a look at those.

ECU update won't help this kind of fault.

If PATS fault you'd have the PATS light flashing rapidly when you're trying to crank it.

 

I have told her to look at the PATS LED if it happens again and note the code it flashes out.

She didnt know to look at it before, but from the description she gave me it sounds right from what I have read online.

Not sure why it would be so intermittent though?

As for the earth terminals, I did have a quick look today without taking the airbox out etc, and could see one at least, and one mounted to the side of the battery box - both did look a bit green or corroded - I did a quick spray of WD40 until i can get to them properly to have a go at cleaning them

What would you say is the best way to clean them?

 

From memory there are 2 or 3 terminals with 8mm bolts, remove them and clean the terminals with sandpaper/dremel whatever you've got. I've had the bolts snap off before though, so I drilled new holes alongside, and used those 10mm headed self-tapping bolts to secure the terminals. If the terminals are really bad you'll need to replace them.

You're on the right track wIth the PATS light.

 

Would a dodgy ground connection cause this issue do you think?

The missus has now told me it has happened more than just twice, so it seems it is a more common issue than I thought

I have read on another forum that somebody had a similar issue and managed to stop it happening by taking the shroud off the steering column, and finding the connection for the PATS sensor ring around the barrel, cleaning the connectors with IPA (rubbing alcohol) and re connecting - so that will be on my agenda also.

I am thinking it must be a dodgy connection, otherwise it would happen all the time?

Or is my thinking off with that?

Thanks for the help so far!

 

It's possible.... If it's anything to do with the PATS you'll get a flash code from the light when the fault occurs.

Haven't seen it happen on Focus but mk3 Golfs have a similar sensor ring and they sometimes get problems with the connection from the ring to the immobiliser module (seperate module on those rather than PATS integral in the ECU on later Fords)

 

Only thing I will suggest is that if it is a PATS issue then you should still get the ignition lights on, it will just not crank over and the fuel pump won't prime.

 

I agree, thinking about it, I don't think the OPs fault is PATS related tbh.

 

Hmmm

Well that kind of throws things then if there should still be ignition lights

I take by that you are referring to the engine/brake/oil lights that illuminate while turning the key to position 2 (or is it 3) where the pump primes?

Problem is that it hasnt happened when i am with her, and it is all second hand information i am getting and trying to figure what it could be.

If i could experience it, then it would be better but will just have to see what I can do in meantime to reduce chacnes of whatever it is from happening again....

 

When you turn the key to the 2nd click, the dash lights will come on, you will hear the pump buzz for about a second.

If the PATS has not recognised the key or it has a fault, the dash lights will still come on on the 2nd click, but the pump will not prime, the LED above the clock will flash a fault code, and it will not crank over when turning the key all the way.

I'd be checking and cleaning the earths under the air box next. It could even be a dead cell in the battery.

 

Those ground points will be getting some attention just as soon as I can get time with it.

Problem is she works weekends, so when I am available with time to do it, she is at work....

As she is pretty sure there was no lights on the dash at all, it could well not be PATS then.

I will also go through all the fuses while i am at the grounds.

Looks like I will need some annual leave for this!

 

not sure if this is a problem,but on my st when you switch engine of the fuel gauge and temperature gauge needle points half way,just wondering if this is normal,when engine is on both gauges are fine showing normal amounts.