Ford Focus MK2 1.8TDCi Stalling After Starting

[fiatpower]

I’ve been having trouble lately with my car stalling about 5-10 seconds after starting. The car doesn’t have trouble starting but stalls almost immediately. I can generally get it going using the key after about 3-4 attempts and if not it does start up with some easy start sprayed in the intake and the MAF sensor disconnected.

I have been turning the ignition on, waiting for the glowplug light to turn off plus a few more seconds and then starting the engine. If the engine starts and runs for longer than 10 seconds then it keeps going and doesn’t stall. Generally, the car has trouble starting but is then fine for a week or so before it stalls again. It does come up with an “Engine Systems Fault” warning on the dash if I turn the engine over about 5 times. Strangely there doesn’t appear to be any error codes when I plug a code reader in. I have used a couple of code readers just in case mine wasn’t working properly but still can’t find a code.

So far I have changed the mass air flow sensor and air filter which appeared to help as it took 2 weeks before it stalled again. The glow plugs will be getting changed this week as I don’t think they are working properly if at all. It doesn’t appear to be battery related as I have tried to jump start the car when it has stalled in the past with no luck. I have a multimeter on the way to check the voltage as I can’t find mine but not expecting an issue. If the issue continues after these have been changed I am a bit stuck on where to go next. Any ideas?

The car is a 2007 Ford Focus MK2 1.8 TDCi.

[stevemcs]

If it runs on easy start then surely it’s a fuel or timing issue. When was the fuel filter last changed ?

[fiatpower]

Well sometimes it starts without easy start but sometimes needs the easy start to help. Honestly I don't know, it has been serviced yearly but not sure when exactly the fuel filter was done. I can get that changed if glow plugs don't help.

[stevemcs]

If it hasn't had a fuel filter in ages then start with that first - well i would.

[fiatpower]

Ok, I’ve booked that in for tomorrow along with the glow plugs. Checked the average MPG which I reset a couple days ago and it is down at 20MPG! Usually around 45 to 50!

[E-bmw]

fiatpower said:

Checked the average MPG which I reset a couple days ago and it is down at 20MPG! Usually around 45 to 50!

Bear in mind cold weather & particularly short journeys in cold weather will hugely affect you mpg.