McG

Hi there.
i have a ford focus 2004 tdci edge. It has 128000 miles and was fine for the first month or so of me having it. It has an immaculate service history and no expense has been spared with changing of parts.
My problem first started about 20 minutes into a journey to work, the glow plug light started flashing at me but didn't stop the car from working. I stopped anyway and turned the car on an then off again and it went fine with no further problems unitl about a week later again the glowplug light started flashing at me this time only 5 mins into my journey this time the engine stopped and put me into limp home mode. I made it to my destination and left the car for an hour, on return it worked fine and again i had no problems for a while. The next time the problem occured i was trying to cross a dangerous road when the engine cut out and the glow plug light came on. This time the car wouldn't start again. I left it for 10 mins and it worked fine. It was quite dangerous so i decided to take it in to be checked. My primary mechanic plugged it into his computer and it came up reading a fault # P0251. He then referred me to a specialist diagnostic team. I took it to them and they plugged it into there computers and this is what it told them and the work they carried out.
Carry out diagnostic check into light on dash
Fault codes stored: P1000, P0251 and P0340
Check out live data rail pressure is unstable - suspect inlet metering valve, further diagnosis required
Possible cam sender issue clear code to see if fault returned
Camshaft sensor fault did not return
Supply and fit new inlet metering valve clear codes and check live data-ok
Air ingress into system
Supply and fit new fuel filter and 'o' rings
Total cost £420.68
Now after spending that sort of money i really hoped it would have fixed the problem but on the way to the station two days ago on came my glow plug light flashing at me and the car stopped, again it wouldn't start till about ten minutes later. I have contacted the guys that did the work and they said that unless the parts that they installed are faulty then they will continue charging me for diagnostics and further work. Being a lowly self employed fellar on little pay i can't afford to this again. Please can someone help.

GVK.

I would expect the cam sensor code (P0340) to be cause of cutting out completely, especially if it's an original 'black' coloured sensor. Modified sensors are grey and it's advisable to add 12v feed to sensor instead of 5v reference to give a more stable signal.

P0251 is set when fuel rail pressure actual is different from fuel pressure desired, it can be an IMV fault (inlet metering valve) but also can be fuel pump fault, or excess leak back from injectors reducing fuel pressure.

If you do a search on this forum for p0251 there are many threads with info about this code and possible remedies.

McG

Thats great thanks for your help. Ive just changed that sensor and yes it was an original black one and the replacement is a newer grey one (so far so good). The car is still rough idling which makes me think it probably is to do with the injectors and thats a long and expensive route to start investigating so i think i might be selling the car.

damamaka

hi mate,my 53 plate focus 1.8tdci doing similar thing. mine starts first kick and for no reason that i can find won't start,just turning over with glowplug light flashing. it has also cut out while driving,glowplug light flashes and comes to a stop. i have a feeling although there could be a lot of things to blame(at an expense) that it is the maf sensor. any ideas ladies n gents and solutions? thanks.

escortmk3rwd

mine in my 2001 transit was egr valve

damamaka

seems like an endless list of things to check lol. fuel rail,fuel pump,fuel filter,maf sensor,cam sensor,egr valve although my neighbours contribution of get sparkplugs,sounds like a bad spark. yeah diesel spark plugs. oh dear.