2003 Ford Focus Logo
Posted on Dec 03, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Ford Focus occasional starting problems.

I have a Ford Focus 1.6 Automatic (2003) and have occasional starting problems usually first start in the morning. All dashboard lights come on but the starter only clicks. It does not turn the engine over. After 6 or so attempts it catches and the car starts perfectly and usually runs and starts perfectly for the rest of the day. I'm worried that one cold morning it wont start at all! Garages don't seem to be able to help as it is an infrequent fault. Thanks, Mike

  • 2 more comments 
  • Anonymous Dec 05, 2008

    starter

  • Anonymous Jan 01, 2009

    my 2007 focus doesnt want to start most of the times in the mornings. i ended up taking it to the dealer where i bought it, they hooked it up to their computer and told me that they couldnt find anything wrong with it. i just dont get it. can it already have starter problems and a wore out battery being that it is only a year old?

  • Anonymous Jan 02, 2009

    i have a 53 reg ford focus with a cold start problem when i turn on the ignition on cold mornings there is a two or three second delay before the starter motor kicks in and the engine starts normally this does not happen on all cold mornings just some

  • Anonymous Mar 24, 2014

    My Focus will start fine in the morning, but occasionally when started in the afternoon (or after multiple starts, such as when running errands) it will crank, catch, and then immediately idle down and shut off. Keeping your foot on the gas will keep it running, but it stops running immediately when not given gas. The check engine light only comes on briefly (along with the oil light and battery light) when the car idles down. After approx 45 minutes, it'll start right up and run like a champ. My mechanic has checked for codes (none) and we're both grasping at straws now. It seems to happen in warmer weather, which leads me to think the starter may be overheating? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

×

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Novelist:

An expert who has written 50 answers of more than 400 characters.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

  • Expert 98 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 03, 2008
Anonymous
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Novelist:

An expert who has written 50 answers of more than 400 characters.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

Joined: Nov 22, 2008
Answers
98
Questions
1
Helped
55523
Points
348

Hey there...

Although I'm questioning why it would be doing this mostly on cold mornings, I would suggest that you check your battery connections. 99 times out of 100, the reason that this happens is because one of the battery cables does not have a good connection (Many times it's the ground wire). If you check to make sure that the connections on both ends of both cables are tight, then try taking your vehicle to your local parts store to have them do a load test on your battery. It's possible that the c.c.a. (cold cranking amps) are no longer sufficient to start your car. After awhile, batteries tend to lose their charge due to age, how many times it has been discharged completely, and also frequent cold weather. I believe that this should solve things, but feel free to contact me to ask about any other possibilities that may be causing this, as I'll look into any other similar common issues on your particular make and model. Should be battery cables or battery itself, though. Hope this helps and have a great day!

James

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Why 2003 ford focus doesnt stay in 4th gear it shifts back into neutral?

Automatic or manual?
If automatic, the problem can be caused by several things and electronic diagnosis may be required. Often , the gear selector switch/connection is faulty. Of it could be caused by the solenoid valve pack in the transmission.

If a manual, gear selector linkage mis-adjusted, OR defective gear set kicking it out of gear.
0helpful
1answer

2003 Ford Focus PATS light not blinking and car won't start

I don't believe there is a problem either.
Under normal conditions the security light should come on then go off if the correct key is being used.
The problem could be the key switch or the neutral safety switch if it is an automatic trans. There are other possible causes.
1helpful
1answer

2006 ford focus automatic transmission doesn't engage its stuck in reverse and is not able to start

look on side of shifter see if there is an emergency release button on it some where
0helpful
1answer

New alternator / Car won't start

need to find out if your battery is charged charge your battery and try again
0helpful
1answer

During cold weather my 2003 ford focus TDCi is

needs new glow plugs not hard to do
0helpful
1answer

03 ford focus jerking tranny

Possibl eclogged cat converter,will cause miss and sluggish trans responce.
0helpful
2answers

Steering Wheel shakes on my 2003 Ford Focus

out of balance tires or a seperated cord inside the tire, have it checked ASAP, if the tire is starting to come undone it could blow out, any tire shop will check it for free.
0helpful
1answer

Clutch vibrating

Two reasons for this. Rattling is usually faulty pressure plate which means clutch overhaul. Depending on which Focus some have a rubber mounted flywheel which dies and must be replaced. Either way its gearbox out and check. First check all gearbox and engine mounts, but it sounds more serious.
0helpful
1answer

Ford Focus 2003 TDCi Not Starting!

check the diesel filter.it will be clogged,i am sure.Replace it.
Not finding what you are looking for?

675 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

xxxxxx xxx

Level 3 Expert

5117 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...