Engine won't turn over - Extreme cold?

Tiny
VALEY_K
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FIESTA
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 58,000 MILES
I have a 1.4 l petrol 2003 Ford Fiesta Zetec with only 58000 on the clock. It had been working perfectly fine until Monday when suddenly it didn't! We have had 2 bouts of extreme cold wetaher where I live (was -19.6 deg C) but this didn't seem to affect it at first. Anyway, the engine wouldn't turn over, the ignition would make all the normal dash lights appear and switch off as normal, the headlights all seemed normal so didn't think it was the battery. We tried jump starting anyway and that did nothing, so we bump started it which worked immediately. The engine was then switched off and I could get the engine to turn over straight away. Which makes me think it can't possibly be the starter. The alternator is obviously charging the battery as the lights still worked. I took it to a mechanic who thought as it was the car's original battery, should replace the battery as the volt meter was kind of in between a normal reading on a test, but this has not resolved the problem. I have put blankets on the engine whilst still warm tonight, hoping that this will let the engine turn over in the morning without a need to bump start. However, there is clearly an underlying issue here and I'm wondering what it probably is and if anyone can help me out! Thanks
Friday, December 24th, 2010 AT 9:38 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
I just looked up your vehicle at 2 Auto parts stores--it was not found with the info you provided.

I was going to show you a SOLENOID for your car

Anyway this was a post of mine, before they recommended that I change my User-name....Try to do what it says, at the beginning.....Follow the POS BATT cable from the BATT to the Solenoid to locate the Solenoid.....Yours will look different from these older type that I show.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/jeep-cherokee-2001-jeep-cherokee-wont-start--4

Tell me what your results are!

The Medic

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Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 4:10 AM
Tiny
VALEY_K
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Right, I'll probably get my Dad to help me out! I'm a bit bad with electricity (always shocking myself!) Yet seem to understand it! Did the self test on the LCD display (pressing odo stalk in and turning ignition)

I got the following codes.
If you understand it and can point out anything obvious, I would be very grateful!

Test
gage
bulb
A000
nr0810
EE81
CF1 00
CF2 00
CF3 00
(Flashing) E510/dtC
(Flashing) d262/dtC
(Flashing) NONE-dtC
EOOOO
560003
toooo
t60050
F1 039
FP 1254
FPC 254
F60009
153C
C6001
odo000
tm --
1Ud --
bAt121
bF -0
hb -0
SLP -0
LC0010
Cr -0
AC -0
PO -00
P2 -18
P6 -29
Ad 0155
Ad 1024
Ad 2128
Ad 4255

Thanks

Val
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Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
VALEY_K
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I also need to add, once she's started up (using a couple of us showing her in 3rd gear and raising the clutch) I leave her running for about 30 mins, switch her off and she starts up again, in fact, I stalled her in the snow straight after bump starting her and she started up again, with no obvious issues. Its left me perplexed, if its something me and pops can fix on our own I'd rather know before taking her in for a full diagnostic and look over by a mechanic! I could afford to take her in, but I'd rather not spend money in the garage as its petrol money for getting home!
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Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 12:58 PM

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