Sorry, originally posted on wrong forum.

Recently aquired vehicle. Lovely condition, inside and out. However, 123k miles.

Totally fully up to date service history with cambelt etc done at 89k.

However, needs to be cranked 2 or 3 times (with starter engaged longer than usual) to start car in this cold weather. Never failed to start yet however.

Seems to be firing on 2 only on these first attempts, so I suspect glow plugs.

I've changed glows on Astra 1.7Cdti and also my old (non-common rail) diesel Escort, but never on a Focus.

Can anyone tell me if it's a fairly straight forward job ?

Many thanks........................ebt

Do turn the starter straight away or do you wait 30 secs for the glow plugs to warm up before starting.

They are easy to change providing they are not ceased take them out leave them connected and see if they glow red

Edited by Collos25 on 23/02/2013 at 15:22

No, I never crank straight away.

I ALWAYS, wait until glow light has gone out and then for 5 seconds more, as most cars keep them on even after light is turned off.

Sometimes I will even cycle them off and back on again (with ignition key) to ensure they're nice and hot.

I normally test them straight across a battery.

Thanks...........ebt