Car fires up for a few seconds and then stops

2004 FORD FIESTA
78,000 MILES • 1.4L • MANUAL
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MISSLORB
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  • 2 POSTS
After a bit of perseverance and a bit of revs it starts. It’s then fine all day if I only leave it a couple of hours. It then goes back to this when I go to my car in a morning.
Nov 12, 2019 at 5:52 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
This sounds very much like an idle air control valve. We don't have a manual on your specific engine but from what I can see your engine is very similar to the US version which is the 2.0L.

This is info on the 2.0L but the theory is the same and procedure is very close from what I can tell. Let me know if there are questions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac
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Nov 13, 2019 at 8:32 AM
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MISSLORB
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Thank you so much..should I continue to drive it or should I not? And is it easy to change or should I book her in to a garage?
Nov 13, 2019 at 5:02 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
If this is your issue then it is not a problem to drive it once it keeps running it is not hurting anything. The IAC just allows the proper amount of air in so again, once it starts running, it is fine to drive. It is not terrible to repair but if you are not sure, I would take it in and have it looked at.
Nov 14, 2019 at 10:52 AM
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