I have had the car since new, it has now done 40,000 miles. Ever since new but only occasionally, say 10% of starting attempts, I wait for the Glow Plug Indicator Light to go out then turn the key, the starter attempts to start the engine, no response. I release the key and see that the GPIL is flashing, the engine will not start if attempted. But turn the key to off, then start again, the GPIL is steady, goes out, turn key, engine starts. Is this a problem or just an irritation, please?
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A flashing glowplug light on these is the same as the engine management warning light on a petrol engine. It indicates a fault.
Someone with more experience of these cars may have some suggestions as to what commonly causes the problem you have, but your best bet is probably to get the codes read at a Ford main dealer, or a good local independent diesel specialist. The fact that the fault is so intermittent could suggest it's nothing more serious than a poor connection, but again someone who knows the cars better will be better placed to say.
Cheers
DP
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Thank you DP for your observations. Can anybody narrow the problem down please?
lilley
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Dear Kith,
I had no trouble finding the plug, but how does it disconnect without breaking something? On the top I can see two nibs from the 'socket' engaging with two slots in the 'plug', I think that it is the same beneath. I have tried nipping, pulling, teasing with a screwdriver but it does not move.
Help, please,
lilley
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Your best move is to get the fault-codes read and see what's been stored - that could be many things.
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One common connection problem used to be the cam sensor plug (or the sensor itself). IIRC Ford modified the connection plug on later models. The cam sensor is situated on the front of the cylinder head, near the middle, just under the Fuel rail. Cheap and easy to DIY fix.
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Thank you Screwloose and Kith. I will follow through and report back.
Thank-you,
lilley
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The flashing glowplug means that the engine management system has picked up an error code, and the car has gone into "limp" mode.
I've been doing a lot of research on this because my car has got the same problem, but mine does not have starting problems.
It seems as if it is a common thing to happen to the Ford TDCi engine.
Seems there is a multitude of reasons this happens out there, right from something very simple like the throttle position sensor (a few quid), the injectors needing recalibrating, the injectors needing replacing, right up to the whole fuel system needing replacing (thousands of quid).
After a lot of scratching of heads and investigations mine turned out to be the electonics on the turbo. The fault codes were a bit vague on mine, just kept coming out with "unspecified error".....very helpful!
I have heard horror stories about a problem with the engine bedding in, leading to a breakup of the fuel pump, leading to metal fragments in the fuel system that can't be got rid of, and screw up the injectors, the car needs everything from a new fuel tank, right up to new injectors. There is an internal Ford technical bulletin circulating out there on the web regarding it.
The starting point is to find out what codes yours is throwing out. There are many independents out there with the equipment and software to do this, so don't rush straight to the main dealer without doing a bit of research.
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my 03 model had intermittent starting problems.New cam position censor cured problem less than £20 for part.
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Dear Kith,
I found the plug but it is difficult to part from the socket, any ideas please? I have tried pulling, nipping, lightly levering with a screwdriver, and pushing down on the socket through the slots in the plug but it will not budge. There are two nibs on the top of the 'socket' with engage with two slots in the 'plug', probably the same on the underside.
Help please!
lilley
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I haven't had to remove mine as yet, but apparently there is a little tag underneath the plug that needs to be pushed up to release it and it is supposedly easier if you remove the sensor first (one 8 mm bolt I think) then take the plug off.
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Dear Kith & Screwloose,
While in France for a month with hot weather the starting problem was pronounced. Got as bad as every second start. Better when home during this winter called August. On Screwloose's recent advice elsewhere I bought the camshaft sensor and fitted it on Friday (8th), yes there is another and larger clip on the underside. It has been a revelation, better low speed pickup, no bogging down at low speeds and to date has started first time each time. I have not been able to check codes, my reader is elsewhere! A well invested £16-73. Thank you for your help.
lilley
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