Ford Maverick Diesel 2008: Smoke, starting problems and possible glow control unit defect

Hi, yes, that sounds a lot like a faulty control unit. I also had a similar problem with my diesel Ford Focus, model 2011, and it was the ECU itself that was problematic. After changing the ECU, the car ran smoothly again, so that could be the case with you. The car emits black smoke during acceleration, the cold start time is longer and the car shakes when idling. I had exactly the same symptoms. It caused a lot of headaches and had to spend more time than expected in the workshop, but in the end it wasn't really a more serious problem. And I can really understand that you don't want to be ripped off. It's good that you're doing your research. So yes, based on my experience, it could definitely be the ECU.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your quick reply! It sounds like you had pretty much the same experience as I'm having right now. I'd be interested to know, can you remember how much the repair set you back then? And have you had any more problems with your car since then?

(Translated from German)

Hey, sure, I remember! It cost me about €1000 to repair the faulty ECU. I know that sounds like a lot of money, but since it was replaced, my diesel Ford Focus has been running better than ever. Since then I've had no more problems with the car - no black smoke, no long cold starts and it no longer wobbles at idle. So the investment in the repair was definitely worth it in the long run.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thank you very much, that helps me a lot! 1000 sounds like a lot at first, but if that's the solution to the problem and I don't have any more problems with the car, then that's something else of course. I think I'll just take my car to another mechanic now and hope it goes better this time. Thanks again for your help and advice!

(Translated from German)