Is my Ford Focus diesel too cold?

I have a 2009 Ford Focus diesel. The engine malfunction light came on twice today on way to work. It cut out, I lost power steering and the windows would not work either. The car is now parked but it is starting up for me now and the warning light has gone off and all seems fine. What could be the problem please? It is a very cold day here too, maybe the car was cold?

Many thanks, Lucy

Lucy McDonnell (Blanchardstown, Dublin)

Nov 2017 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Lucy,

It's always difficult to analyse an issue like that from afar, but it is likely to be a problem with either the charging circuit (battery or alternator, basically) or maybe the mass air flow meter. All of these things could be affected by lower than usual temperatures, but if working properly they should still not fail.

Best advice I can give is to get your car to a good mechanic if it does this again.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D