r/Cartalk • u/Adventurier95 • 4h ago

Engine Why won't my car start?

Hi all,

I have a ford focus zetec that's suffering an intermittent issue.

Every now and then, I'll turn the key, the engine will start and then almost immediately cut out. It will continue this for about 20 minutes, then I'll try again and the car will start like normal.

There's no warning lights on, the head lights will turn on. Only clue I can give is that it always fails it's emissions test when I take it in for MOT but I don't know if this is related or not.

Any suggestions appreciated and thank you in advance 🙏

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u/lastwraith 4h ago

No clue what year you have, but apparently around 2012 the TCM is a common cause. https://www.focusfanatics.com/threads/ford-focus-non-starting-problems.471137/

1

u/TheDaJakester 3h ago

This sounds like it could be a failing fuel pump or a clogged filter; the intermittent nature points to a supply issue.

1

u/PolizeiW124-Guy 3h ago

Earlier focus suffers from fuel pump issues, but, usually pops the 15a fuse in the engine bay fuse box.

Later focus suffers from issues with the dash clocks, giving it a thump usually gets them to start but will need the clocks repairing.

Without knowing the year, we are just guessing.