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Focus 1.8 TDCI Glow plug light flashing P1211 fault code

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Old 06-03-2013, 10:19 AM
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Pid
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Default Focus 1.8 TDCI Glow plug light flashing P1211 fault code

Hi all,

I'm at my wits end. My car has been everywhere and is now sat at a diesel specialist who is totally miffed about the problem. Any issue I have had in the past with my focus I have always found the solution in this forum, but even now I can find no solution to what is wrong with my car.

I have a 52 plate Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCI 5dr 80k. One day while I was driving I stepped on the acc pedal and was met with loss of power followed by the flashing glow plug light. I would switch off the car, turn it on and it would drive normally (no flashing light) so long as I didn't accelerate fast. If I did that the glow plug light would flash and I would have to switch it off again and so on. I figured it was a fuel flowing issue so had the fuel filter replaced. (genuine ford part). Ever since then the problems have really started. When the car is cold the car will start but it idles rough and chugs out white smoke (un-burnt diesel). The car will rev but when I switch it off and on again then it will not start for love nor money.. It tries to start but just doesn't (until the next morning anyway). The diagnostic brings up the "it could be anything" P1211 code. I tried the old fuel filter back (thinking it may have been a faulty new filter) but no joy. Checked the fuel filter seal which is solid. I have changed numerous sensors including the camshaft sensor, Pump pressure regulator valve, oxygen sensors all to no joy. I then had the car towed to a diesel specialist who has confirmed the fuel pump is definitely sending fuel to the injectors, has checked the injectors, done the leak off tests, completely removed egr valve and manifold to make sure its not any kind of air issue all to know avail. It still starts, chugs out white smoke and idles rough. turn the car off and then back on again and nothing. It will not start.

I have no idea how a diesel engine works but the closest I can describe it is by saying that if this was a petrol engine I would say it is flooded. Its like the injectors are forcing too much diesel into the engine and the tempreture is not hot enough to burn the diesel hence what is causing the white smoke. It would also make sense as to why it won't start again after and you have to wait several hours before the engine will start again. Again I am no mechanic but just trying to explain as best as I know how to describe the problem which I have got.

So to sum up, injectors are fine, lots of sensors have been replaced, it is definitely not a fuel pressure issue as all the checks have been done by the diesel specialist including fuel pump, fuel rail etc.

Any idea's anyone? I'm confident that if anywhere has the answer to the above then it will be those on this site as every time I have had a problem in the past I've always found the solution in this forum.

Thanks and please help!!
Old 21-03-2013, 09:07 AM
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shaunboy46
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I wish i knew as i also have the same problem with my 53 plate 18 tdci focus zetec.
Old 21-03-2013, 09:26 AM
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Good luck mate and ill definitely post the answer back here if I ever get to the bottom if it. Right now mine is still sitting at my mechanics.....

Anyone out there with any suggestions??
Old 21-03-2013, 09:37 AM
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thanks pid
Old 21-03-2013, 10:18 AM
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m@tt100
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I had this exact problem with my 2.0 TDCI (which I know is a different engine) took it to a mechanic and told him it was the injectors, they did a leak off test and said it wasnt, charged me new filter etc and off I went. Same thing happened, to it to a different garage, said I thought it was the injectors, explained about the last place, and they checked the injectors again and BINGO dodgy injector! But because I had been driving it with a dodgy injector for so long, the fuel pump was also knackered.

So I'd say 99% sure it is 1, if not more, of your injectors.
Old 21-03-2013, 10:31 AM
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pani_k
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Nothing more constructive to add other than at least the diesel specialist isn't a robbing conning prick that's gone down the "new pump and injectors needed mate" route straight away without any sort of evidence or reasoning.
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