Ford Focus starting problem

[jdwoodbury]

My wife had a 1998 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec with an odd starting problem.

Recently is has had difficult starting, the motor turns over on the key no problem, but it wont catch, sometimes it takes up to 20 seconds. The fault is intermittent but I would say it's more prevalent when the car has been left overnight. The car has been to the local garage but no fault codes are showing on the test equipment I have.

Before I admit defeat and hand it over to Ford has anyone on here got an suggestions?

[annodomini2]

Immobilser??

[jdwoodbury]

Just odd that sometimes it does not happen at all, not sure on a focus if the motor turns over at all if it's immobilised, I would imagine not

[Trooper2]

1st things to check with any no start issue are spark and fuel pressure.
Is the fuel pump running when you turn the key to position II when it won't start?

[jdwoodbury]

I will need to check the fuel pump, i would imagine it's in the tank on a focus?

[Trooper2]

....Have someone put their ear to the fuel filler door as you turn the key to position II, they should hear it come on for a few seconds. Don't unscrew the filler cap as that may set an emissions code.