Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems

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Wed 11 Oct 2017 13:46
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - Pedro Da Silva

My 2004 fiesta tdci fails to start after a heavy stop start traffic drive. Engine will not even crank over. Lights on dash come on but nothing happens. If i hold the key in start position for a few seconds or minutes (its random) it may sometimes start when it wants. Some days it wont start for hours, other times it will restart straight away.

Any ideas as its driving me crazy :-/

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Wed 11 Oct 2017 14:40
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - daveyjp

Plenty of ideas:

Battery problem

Immobiliser problem

Alternator problem

Fuel starvation problem

Air supply problem

Glow plug problem

Common rail system problem

Injector problem

First job would be a battery test.

Edited by daveyjp on 11/10/2017 at 14:41

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Wed 11 Oct 2017 15:15
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - hardway

I would start with the starter relay in the under bonet fuse box.

Edited by hardway on 11/10/2017 at 15:16

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Wed 11 Oct 2017 15:23
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - Pedro Da Silva

I haven't looked at the relay yet, ill give this a go.

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Wed 11 Oct 2017 15:23
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - Pedro Da Silva

Battery was tested - ok

Immobiliser is also not active during starting sequence

I dont think these models have a glow plug so im ruling that out

Alternator - it seems to charge the battery so not sure that could affect the engine not cranking?

Air supply - Mechanic reported a MAF problem on his troubleshoot.

Injectors not tested yet

Common rail not tested

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Thu 12 Oct 2017 18:07
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - RichardW

Probably the starter, seems a common problem on this family of 1.4 / 1.6 PSA/Ford units. My 1.6 307 is doing the same thing - you may well hear a clunk as you turn the key and the starter is pushed out, but then fails to turn. Usually get mine going after 2-5 tries on the key. New starters are not that dear, but they are a complete PITA to change, as it is on the back of the engine and one of the bolts is practically inaccessible. I've had 2 goes at mine and failed to get the bolt out so far.... have a different tool now which will hopefully allow me to get on it!!

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Thu 12 Oct 2017 17:20
Ford Fiesta TDCI 2004 - Starting Problems - Avant

I'd guess either dirty battery terminals or a loose connection in the ignition or starter switches.

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