# 2003 Ford Focus doesn't always start

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-focus-doesnt-always-start/29573>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [April 24, 2009, 2:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-focus-doesnt-always-start/29573 "2009-04-24T14:00:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![KayJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a698b9/32.png) [@KayJay](https://community.cartalk.com/u/KayJay)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 2:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-focus-doesnt-always-start/29573/1 "2009-04-24T14:00:22Z")

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Sometimes my 2003 Focus will start but not stay running. It only happens after I’ve killed it for a short time, like running into a store and out. If I let it sit without trying to start it for 20-30 min then it will start and be fine. Sometimes it will do this everyday for several days and then it won’t do it for weeks or months. I have had the fuel filter replaced. Then I took it in and they did the diagnostic and no codes came up in history. Other than this one thing I like the car, but this alone is about to push me to getting rid of it. Any ideas?

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**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 3:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-focus-doesnt-always-start/29573/2 "2009-04-24T15:07:03Z")

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Leaking fuel injector?  
(Does it seem flooded when it won’t start or starts and stalls? Any black smoke or gas smell?)

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 3:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-focus-doesnt-always-start/29573/3 "2009-04-24T15:22:24Z")

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You need to determine if the trouble is due to a lack of fuel or lack of spark to the plugs. You could have a can of starter fluid on hand when the trouble occurs again. Then spray a small amount into the intake and see if the engine tries to start then. If it does there seems to be a fuel delivery problem. Possibly a intermittent fuel pump relay. If the engine still makes no effort to run then the ignition system needs to be checked out for a problem.

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 3:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-focus-doesnt-always-start/29573/4 "2009-04-24T15:44:09Z")

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Try a few simple things. When it doesn’t start, use the “clear a flooded engine” procedure: Depress the gas pedal to the floor, and HOLD it there, while turning the key and cranking the engine for 10 to 15 seconds. Let the starter rest a minuet, and repeat. Ease up on the gas pedal when (if) the engine starts.  
Not ENOUGH fuel: turn the ignition key ON for two seconds, off for two seconds, on and off. Attempt to start.  
Notify your mechanic of the results. Also, somebody is here 24/7.