etc were coming on but the car would not start. There was no clicking noise
to be heard. The battery seems fine, all the electrical is coming on, and
the battery indicator light is green. Approximately an hour later I went out
and tried again, and the car started without any problems. Does anyone know
what could be the cause of this?

If there was no click at all, I'd suspect that the ignition switch under the
steering column is getting dirty or worn. This isn't a problem with the
Focus or Fords in general, but can happen on any car with age. If it was
mine, I'd remove the cover and spray the switch out with WD40 (after
disconnecting the battery).

I'll be very interested in any replies you may get. I have a 2001 UK Ford
Focus Automatic. Twice now it would not start, the latest being this
afternoon. All the lights came on, horn worked, etc. etc. But I got this
unusual buzzing noise for about a second immediately after turning the
ignition key to the "run" position. Also got a click as though the starter
solenoid was working but that was all. This went on for about 10 minutes
when all of a sudden the engine started and it ran normally afterwards.

In message
<9417629e433311dadb4f9af88d5cceb6@localhost.talkaboutautos.com>, nose
<cnoseworthy100@hotmail.com> writes

It sounds like it could be immobiliser related.

Twice in four years my Focus failed to start in the manner you describe.
Both occasions I was parked outside the same store. I finally realised
that the store's anti-theft security scanners used the same "RFID"
technology as the immobiliser chip in the car key. As I left the store,
the security scanner was interrogating my key.

Do you have a Mobil Speedpass or similar gadget on the key ring?
According to my dealer these can interfere with properly reading the
key. Next time it happens, try taking the key off the keyring and
starting the car that way.