www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi, I've got a Ford focus 1.6 Diesel push start. I just passed my test last week and when I'm driving to work in the morning, the dashboard either says no key detected, then engine malfunction and the car stops moving, or just says engine malfunction and then stops moving.

It always seems to happen in the same 2 or 3 places so not sure if it's a timing thing in the morning, (always happening after roughly a certain amount of miles) or might be the fob. I've changed the battery but it's still happening. I had someone come out and run diagnostics on it but it seemed fine.

I was out last night for an hr with no problems, but as soon as I pulled up at home it said no key detected.

Cheers, Louise

It sounds like the cheapest thing to try is a new battery for the key ... sorry I cannot advice you with what you need to do to replace the battery.

I've heard (and seen) of dud batteries even from new - especially if they are not of a 'famous name' like Panasonic. Get a new battery and pay more than 99p for it......

I am not sure if you have to reset the key after a battery fob change. As I recall you have to be in the a car an press the buttons a number of times. Best to pop into a Ford dealers and get their advice on what steps to take. The fob has to talk wirelessly to the control unit in the car on a regular cycle each few minutes and it sounds like this is failing after a while so it could be a duff fob battery.

DWD