I have 2002 Ford Focus TDCI that is a real PITA to start in the mornings. There are no obvious solutions on the internet – I know glow-plugs could be the main culprit but can't find any info on how often to replace them. I don't want to spend £30 odd replacing them if its not going to sort the problem out. The cars due its MOT and a small service and rear tyres so would like it all done at once.

I've mentioned the problem to my normal garage but they didn't fill me with confidence. I'd like to take it to a garage where they will test things out rather than just sticking new glow-plugs in to advise that it 'may' fix the problem.

FWIW the battery appears to be ok and I guess its still on original plugs.

might be a daft q, but are you letting the glow plugs warm up enough first?

Yes – in fact I've been heating them up a few times before attempting to start. This doesn't appear to make any difference. It still tkaes a few goes to get it running mind.

I use tavern service station, crosspool.

They are OK if you are nearby and on the south side

Manchester Road
Sheffield, S10 5PL
0114 266 2408

Seem reasonable for service and MOTs but I did find that they got stuck with diagnosing some problems with warning lights on my skoda recently. They don't try and fix stuff that isn't broken though so I think relatively honest.

not a glowing reference but OK overall if you are near!

good point above from Pook, I had been moaning recently about my diesel and then actually read the manual to find I should have been letting the glowplug lights go out before ignition!

@Pieface Dinnington too far out for you?

Thanks, thats quite close to me.

I have been letting the lights go out – they don't seem to stay on very long, and then repeating this process 3 times. Doesn't result in any more success than doing it once. There are other potential reasons as identified in a thread on here.

I recommend Twigg Brothers in Crookes.

I've always uses Andrew Flower in Walkley – very friendly and helpful with no bull.

Usually pretty quick to and have a recovery truck.

@dogthomson

I would go as far as Dinnington If I knew that they would have a good chance of sorting the problem. Its a bit far from home so would need something to do whilst waiting.

Monksbridge Garage, Unit 7 Monksbridge Trading Estate, Outgang Lane, Sheffield, S25 3QY. 01909563348.

Took my car down today when windscreen wipers wouldn't work. Sorted in about 20 mins and didn't charge. Best off ringing first as he can get pretty busy. Greasy spoon 2 mins walk away too.

A Haynes manual would be a good port of call then you can replace the glow plugs yourself… and have a reference for the rest of the car. at least then you'll have done a job that will need doing at some point.

See if you can try a new battery on it, mine does the same and a new battery transformed it even though the old one seemed ok, also think I may have an issue with the alternator as the poor starting has returned so think it may be the alternator not charging properly. With the glow plugs they are still heating after the light goes out, turn key and slowly count to 5 while listening carefully, you will hear the solenoid click off as the glow plugs stop heating.

<<With the glow plugs they are still heating after the light goes out, turn key and slowly count to 5 while listening carefully, you will hear the solenoid click off as the glow plugs stop heating.>>

yep but the light still goes out if they are knackered…

probably need a new set of glowplugs

could also be water in the fuel system, I had a bleed some water out of my pug a few times

I would like the garage to try a new battery / glow plugs / water in fuel system and then charge me for the relevant bits that I do need. Replacing battery and plugs may well fix the problem, but will cost at least £100 and may not fix the problem.

Windscreen wipers are a problem too (nothing major)

hoggs on the manor are fantastic and diesel specialists

swifts
0114 272 1418