How can I get my Ford Focus 2007 to start?

Question

So my 2007 Focus Petrol 1.8 Zetec Climate wont start. It just cranks over.

It worked with no problem until 2 days ago. As soon as I engaged reverse up a very slight incline the engine died- it was a cold January evening and we had just done a 5 minute drive followed by a 2 minute drive.

Next day I found it had no oil on the dipstick whatsoever. So I filled it - actually a little too much as it is just above the top marker. Still no start.
(FYI- I don't believe there is a leak- I've never seen any oil puddles left by the car)

Battery was just a little low- I took it out and trickle charged it and that is now good, but as I said the engine does crank and all expected electronics turn on in the car.

I've put in 4 new spark plugs.

I've checked the fuse is good for the fuel pump, which I believe I can hear on ignition as well.

I've opened up the coolant and can see no problems there.

There is 1/2 tank of fuel as well :)

So whats next? Do you have some ideas to help me in the right direction?

Haven't tested the spark plugs are actually sparking, or the engine compression- are they worth doing?

Any help appreciated :D

BTW, it's done 66k miles. Full serviced in June 2018, done 10k miles without service since then.

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 · Answer

You'll need to check the fuel pressure. Just because you have fuel in the tank, doesn't mean your getting fuel to the rail. Turn the key and listen intently for the fuel pump. Check the fuse for the fuel pump to ensure it's good. Best of all, get a fuel pressure tester and plug it into the fuel rail to ensure you've got fuel pressure.

The other thing you can do is check to ensure you have spark at the plug. Remove a plug and attach it to the coil (this is a coil on setup, right?), ensuring you've got the plug grounded. Turn it over and check for the spark. If not spark, check another cylinder to ensure your first choice isn't a bad coil. If nothing at two cylinders, ensure you've got power/ground at the coils with the ignition on.

You don't mention if the check engine light is on. If so, get the code read. The reason I say this is, if the engine just suddenly stops working, the cam and/or crank sensors could have gone out. You may want to test these anyway. If one or the other is at issue, this will usually throw a code, though, which is why I was asking about the CEL.

How can I get my Ford Focus 2007 to start?

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