Ford Focus 1.6 116HP VCT, 2004, poor starting performance

I'm having a small problem with my parents' car.
"I have a Ford Focus, manufactured in 2004. When I try to start it, it doesn't turn over at all on the first attempt, but usually starts immediately on the second attempt."
Whether it's warm or cold weather, sometimes it just doesn't start at all.
Today, I had to try about 10 times before he finally agreed.
What I've also noticed is that the engine sometimes only runs on 3 cylinders immediately after starting, but then it catches and runs on all cylinders after about 5 seconds.
I was at an independent workshop, but the error memory from the MSTG is empty .
Does anyone have any ideas about that?
Greetings.

Hi.

Candles, oil change interval, which oil, mileage.

Rarely does anything get fixed just by looking at the error logs.

Best regards, Lorenz.

New candles, no improvement.
After interval display, 5W30.
80,000 km

It all started after the last inspection at the Ford workshop.

How about consumption, performance, stuttering, or other issues?
Or is it really just the starting behavior?

Well, consumption is kind of a tricky thing .
"When I drive, I get around 8 liters per 100 kilometers. My father needs about 10-11 liters. (On the highway, it's 7-8 liters)."
He also complains about the lack of power, but I can't really complain about that. (It's normal for a 1.6 station wagon.) It also reaches its top speed.
The LMM (likely referring to a Lambda sensor or similar component) was also replaced six months ago because it wasn't providing any readings at that time.
He doesn't experience any stuttering, and the throttle response is very good.

Hi!

Ford engines often require a very specific type of motor oil.
If it's a Zetec engine (as indicated), then you should use the appropriate engine oil for that type of engine.
It's also not more expensive than regular 5W-30.
It is a special oil for Ford and Jaguar vehicles.

It is usually designated as 5W-30.

I have quite a few similar cars in my care, so there aren't usually any problems.
"I've actually been using the correct oil in that vehicle for years."


Otherwise, there are often problems with the ignition coils in cars.
That's a known issue.
It doesn't quite fit with the error pattern you're seeing.

Yes, I've also experienced that problem with using the wrong oil.
It was then replaced relatively quickly by the Ford workshop.
The funny thing is, sometimes it just doesn't start.
My initial suspicion was that one of the ESD seals wasn't properly sealed.
If I only turn the ignition on, doesn't the fuel pre-pump or something similar build up a certain amount of pressure?
It still doesn't start easily. I really have to let the starter motor run for a short time before it finally starts on the second attempt.

Hi, I also had a similar problem with a Focus 1.6L Zetec engine that had a dual-spark ignition coil. Those are a real weak point. I would suggest trying to replace the ignition coil as a test; it's not that expensive.

Best, Chris.

Here's a little feedback.
My parents called me and asked what kind of oil they could add because they noticed some was missing.
I sent it to the Ford dealership where it was originally purchased because I didn't have time to inspect it myself.
The workshop found that the oil in the oil pan had already formed clumps.

They immediately had the oil changed, and sure enough, the car has been starting right up ever since. Even now, when it's minus 5 degrees Celsius, and even if it sits for three days.
How can this be?
The bigger question for me, however, is more about why the oil is clumping after just one year, 3 months, and 16,000 km .

Greetings.

Error found:
The pump in the tank has a check valve that is defective.
Unfortunately, it cannot be replaced individually, and a new pump costs €480.

Solution: A check valve from the accessories was installed in the fuel line, and since then, there have been no more starting problems.

Thank you for the feedback