I have a Focus 1.8 TDCi,03 plate, the car was running fine then last week went out to start it and it would not fire up. The starter turns over fine, but will not start. The car will start with a tow or "bump" start on a hill but will not start with the key. When it does start its really rough for a few minutes, then its fine. It runs ok but if I ask it to go uphill in 5th gear with high revs it cuts out.

Got a diagnostic check with the computer and it gave codes P1608 and P2291 can anyone help with a solution to this problem, took it to a Ford dealer and they have suggested changing fuel pump and injectors at a cost of over 2000.00 pounds, too much money for a repair on an 03 plate and they have also said that this may not rectify the issue.

Help please !!!!!!

Hi Mate,

It's returning with

P1608 = Engine Control Module
+
P1608 Fuel Injection Pump Monitoring

P2291 = Injection control pressue, engine cranking - pressure too low, probably caused by fuel pressure regulator, injection control pressure sensor.

Everything on my sheet is pointing to wards the sensor or a monitoring device at fault. £2k is well over the odds to pay for that, you can change all the major components on that list in under 2-3 hours, not sure where they get that price from.

But try changing the ECU, then the injectors and sensors that come with it. Sorry I'm not 100% of the setup on that model, but it should be cheap enough to do compared to their price of 2k.

I'd say no more than £400 will sort this for you.

All the best
Michael

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P1608 = Signal monitoring malfunction
Could be due to…
Wiring, injector pump control module, ECM

P2291= Injector – control pressure low during cranking
Could be due to…
Wiring, injector, mechanical fault, ECM


Injector pump (high pressure) is cam belt drive on 03 tdci and the book time just for that belt is near on 3 hours, plus over an hour to change the injectors not to mention then removing the injector pump and injector pipes and refitting. Replacement injectors then need ‘reprogramming’ injector piper are not ‘supposed’ to be reused once removed so should also be replaced. The fuel lift pump (low pressure) is located in the fuel tank; of course we don’t know which pump they (main dealer) wish to change, possible both.
However, there is a common known problem with the injector pump on the Tdci; Ford issued the following technical bulletin…

Ford Mondeo TDCi and Focus 1.8 TDCi
Problem: Engine does not run properly or fails to start.
Solution: A problem has been identified with the diesel pump and wear to the rollers and shoes. This is caused by insufficient bedding in when the car is new. This can also create small metal particles to contaminate the diesel and damage many components including the injectors. A sample of diesel should be inspected. A new diesel pump with revised rollers and shoes should be fitted along with new injectors and other parts if required.

My felling is the main dealer probably knows that the above is the problem, however is just covering their selves by saying that may not fix it.
Starting by replacing the ECU is a rather foolhardy idea, (sorry Michael) the ECU can be tested so there’s little point just replacing it on a whim as it will cost over £1000 and requires recoding also.
Personally I would start by checking wiring/connections (practically at injector pump & fuel rail) changing the fuel filter and checking for air leaks in fuel system. Look at a sample of the fuel also, you’re not running on bio diesel, heating oil or red are you? The injectors are VERY fuel sensitive.
Best of luck & let us know how you get on.

Sorry mate, getting confused with other models, wasn't sure about the ECU on the Focus, never really did that many and can't remember ever dealing with that engine, fortunately .

And maybe confusing the ECU price with the spares that come into us sometimes and the ones direct from Ford, Blimey they are expensive.

The ones on the toyota's I got a few ago were around £200 second hand, blimey a toyota ECU seeming cheap, what is the world coming too.

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thanks guys, will let you know how I gey on, if it was the fuel pump and or injectors, would I have noticed any gradual difference in the cars performance etc, the reason I ask is that it was running great, then one morning just wouldn't start.

cheers again lads
Jasper

You would think so wouldn’t you?
I spoke to a friend who works for a Ford main dealer this morning and apparently 9 out of 10 times the pump suddenly dies. He also commented, 'at least they (ford) have always circled the problem on all their cars, both front and back.'