Intermittent starting failure

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Dioclese - 13 Jun 2009 14:07 GMT

2008 Ford Focus coupe. 2.4L, 5 speed manual, basic car.

Lately, sometimes, when I turn the key, the engine starter fails to kick in
when I turn the key. All the dash lights read normally. Is this a danger
signal that something is amiss?

Shifting from 2nd to 3rd, or, from 2nd to 4th, I hear a thunking noise (not
a grinding noise). This is a new noise. Tranny, or shifter assembly?

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Dave

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Bob Bailin - 13 Jun 2009 14:48 GMT

> 2008 Ford Focus coupe. 2.4L, 5 speed manual, basic car.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> (not a grinding noise). This is a new noise. Tranny, or shifter
> assembly?

Your car's still under warranty, I'd have it checked out. Could be a bad
or loose clutch pedal interlock switch (car won't start unless you're
fully stepping on the clutch pedal). Also check the engine compartment
fuses to make sure all are fully seated. Very unlikely that it's a bad
starter motor or bad ignition switch on a car this new.

Bob

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Dioclese - 21 Jun 2009 13:13 GMT

>> 2008 Ford Focus coupe. 2.4L, 5 speed manual, basic car.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Bob

Think the problem is the operator, me. I drove an 88 Fox w/4 speed manual
for 12 years. Totaled it, now I got this Focus. My "clutch leg" is still
programmed for the Fox.

An engineering thing on the Focus has me baffled. The window crank for
opening/closing the windows. Turns opposite the way it should to open/close
the window. Not comparing it just to the Fox, but older American cars as
well. I have to reprogram my window crank arm too.

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Dave

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mark - 14 Jun 2009 05:23 GMT

> 2008 Ford Focus coupe. 2.4L, 5 speed manual, basic car.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> (not a grinding noise). This is a new noise. Tranny, or shifter
> assembly?

If it's a stick, you have to push the clutch all the way to the floor and I
do mean all the way or it won't engage the starter. Don't know about your
noises.

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