Ford Focus slight cold starting problem

Ghuraba · 23 Nov 2008 at 18:52

Hi there

When I have not driven my car for 8-12 hours, mostly overnight, the car might take up to 2 tries to start. Although my car starts most of the time on the first attempt it seems weaker, less powerful when it starts. Like it is struggling to pick up revs and get going. I had a new battery fitted few months back and had a full service in July, spark plugs etc.

Could this be something like the HT leads, ignition coil? I have no problems other than this, it might not really be a problem as the car does start and drives fine. It is not like it doesn't crank and I have to try multiple times to get it going. But it is not starting like I remember, just seems to take more to start and pick up revs. Is this the cold weather and is this normal for cars this time of year? My car is parked in the drive and is located in a place where the sun never shines so in winter or colder weather the ice and snow does not melt.

Thanks

Michael

Howard · 23 Nov 2008 at 19:00

Is it a mk2 focus by chance

Conscript · 23 Nov 2008 at 19:02

I have a Focus too and notice it can be a bit of a pig to drive for the first time each day now that the cold weather has set in. That said, it's never failed to start, in fact, it's always started on the button every time, even from cold. Can be a bit jerky and when accelerating hard, it can be a bit wheezy. Ive put it down to the car just being quite suspectable to the cold damp weather, as it's usually fine once warmed up. Does it show the same symptoms even after its up to temperature?

Ghuraba · 23 Nov 2008 at 19:11

I forgot to say it is 1999 1.8 Zetec Petrol.

When I say low revs or sluggish I don't mean when I drive from cold as it is fine as soon as I drive. I mean it just sounds weak when it starts, it does not fire up like it did before. A few times now on the first turn it does not start. But the second turn of the key is ok. But there is no problem when I drive it straight away. No problem once warmed at all.

Thanks

Michael

DanTheMan · 23 Nov 2008 at 21:18

My 2001 1.6 zetec does this aswell. Feels a lot more sluggish on cold starts, probably because the oil isn't upto temperature and is like glue.

Tesla · 23 Nov 2008 at 22:16

Ensure that a good quality 5W30 oil was used as this always helped my Mondeo when cold however if it struggles to start I would look at damp in the ignition system?