2008 Ford Focus Cold start problems and stalling

Tiny
DEBBIEVIEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
Hi, my husband bought a used 2008 Ford Focus in 2012 (I believe) that was in great condition. We started having problems in January 2015 when it was exceptionally cold (below zero, we live in NH). My husband couldn't get the engine to turn over when trying to start it first thing in the morning. The battery was fine and it cranked ok, it just wouldn't turn over. Hours later once the temperature was higher (around 10 degrees) the car turned over on the first attempt without any other issues. This happened several times over the next couple of months but only when it was below zero. In February, there were times when the car started without any issues but then stalled after my husband was driving it for just a couple of minutes. He was not able to get it going again until later that day. We took it to the Ford Dealer and they were not able to see any code issues. They cleaned the fuel injectors and replaced the fuel and air filters. My husband also added dry gas a couple of times previously and even switched to a higher grade fuel. The problem still exists even though are outside temperature is warming up. Yesterday the car started on but stalled down the road even though it was 21 degrees. We couldn't get it going again and had it towed to the Ford dealer. They called us later that afternoon stating they couldn't find the problem. They kept it overnight to supposedly check the fuel pump but today they are still saying they couldn't find anything wrong. It cost us over $400 the first time and no charge this time but the problem isn't resolved.
If you have any suggestions that would help us we really would appreciate it. Thank you so much!

Debbie and John
Thursday, March 26th, 2015 AT 10:46 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Have the battery checked for condition including load test most places do for free like auto parts/tires stores. Then clean throttle plate on both sides and iac hole with choke cleaner. If it continues check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it.
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Thursday, March 26th, 2015 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
DEBBIEVIEN
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  • 4 POSTS
Thank you! We will definitely try what you suggested. My husband has already checked the battery for voltage but not with a load. I'll let you know how we made out. Thank you again!
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Thursday, March 26th, 2015 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
DEBBIEVIEN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
OK Carpros, throttle plate was cleaned, battery was checked and fuel pressure checked by dealer with no problem found. This car is dead in my driveway but will start up no problem by this afternoon. It did the same thing yesterday. Do you have any other suggestions? We have given up on the dealer.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 AT 5:09 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
I am assuming this won't turn over to start so check the fuses in pic as well as start relay for corrosion. If it has corrosion get some dielectric compound and put on prongs also check diode to see if power goes through it. Do the same for the pcm power relay and make sure ground is clean at lhfront of engine compartment. It's blk/yellow then do a wiggle test on crank sensor see pic for that although it may be hard to reach. If all else fails have a local pro check into it. One other thing check fuel pump fuse for being melted. Seems that cinese fuses bought from harbor freight do not do what they are supposed to. All this should be marked on cover on fuse box under hood or manual if you have one.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for all the information. We'll check it out and get back to you!
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 AT 4:21 PM

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