Introduction
As a certified Auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Aspires that won’t to start. And believe me, I understand how frustrating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … absolutely nothing!
But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to walk you through the most frequent reasons why your Ford Aspire won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll understand how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide practical troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of hands-on experience, so you can get your Ford Aspire starting and moving as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Aspire Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s important to initially have an understanding of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Aspire won’t start”, this could be due to a multitude of things being wrong with your vehicle. Possibly the engine is not starting at all, perhaps it is turning over partially however then not starting, or perhaps you can hear a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can point to different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Aspire Won’t Start
There are various reasons that an Aspire will not start up. These issues usually consist of a dead or weak car battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system complications, in addition to electrical or wiring failures. Every one of these problems can manifest as different symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Aspire That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in discovering the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your Ford still fails to start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Aspire Won’t Start
The initial step to finding a solution to the issue is having a grasp of the root cause of that problem, so let’s explore the most typical reasons your Aspire won’t start.
Ford Aspire Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Aspire won’t start is often because of your car battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to either charge up the battery or change it. The car’s battery supplies the electricity required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Aspire. Signs of a bad battery issue in a Aspire, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on your car’s dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Ford Aspire Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A broken alternator can certainly stop your Ford Aspire from starting as it wont be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly until it’s totally dead and you don’t realize it until you get in your Aspire and it won’t start. Symptoms that your Aspires alternator may be faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Ford Aspire Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Aspire, the starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is broken in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Aspire will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding noise during the startup, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Aspire Fuel System Complications
Now we’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Ford Aspire uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Aspire problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle going. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Ford Aspire Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Aspires rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older Ford Aspire, you can still have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be some of the various electrical reasons that your vehicle won’t get started. Signs of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ widely but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Aspire can start however just intermittently or various warning lights show on the car’s dash. To correctly diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have found out what the reason for your car being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some pointers for the typical issues we’ve covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Aspire
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery problem is the culprit as to why your Aspire has difficulty starting, then the first thing you must do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you discover that the terminals are indeed corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Aspire’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s old or weak. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will likely deplete quickly again in the near future. You can make use of a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Ford model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Ford Aspire, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Aspire’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Mobile mechanic.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Aspire
If the alternator is what you suspect is the cause, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery. It’s most likely because of a problem with your car’s alternator if you discover your Ford Aspire dies instantly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky, and may damage the delicate electronic elements in your Ford Aspire, so it’s always best to seek advice from a professional car mechanic locally or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Aspire
It’s likely an issue with your starter motor if you hear the clicking sound but the engine does not crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Complications in a Ford Aspire
If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the car. You ought to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you discover your Ford is tough to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it might be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional car mechanic in order to properly fix. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Aspire
If you think it’s a circuitry or electrical system problem, first inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Aspire starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and low-cost repair! Nevertheless, if the car does not start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it could be a damaged sensor. These issues can be extremely intricate and a professional car mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and repair it. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you prevent any Ford Aspire starting troubles again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Ford Aspire:
Routine maintenance of your Ford Aspire is crucial to preventing future troubles. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and having your vehicle examined by a professional car mechanic regularly. If you are not sure about routine upkeep tasks required for your specific car, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Ford Aspire Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Aspire stagnant for long periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can deplete down as it’s not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try to drive your car frequently to keep the battery from draining. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Ford for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything odd like uncommon sounds, changes in driving and performance, or alert lights lit up on the dash, do not disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early indications of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP before they become much bigger problems down the line. Speak to a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and get advice on if they need to be addressed.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like a specialist Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you have attempted to solve it yourself, however despite your best efforts your car will not start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be an excellent choice. It certainly beats googling things like “what does it mean when your Ford cranks but wont start” all day and still getting no where.
Advantages of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer several advantages. You can get professional Ford mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your car won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much less expensive than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers quickly, which is great if you’re in a rush, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply like having a professional Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can supply instantaneous assistance, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Aerostar won’t start or it’s your Aspire that you’re having issues with, we’ve got the mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You’re able to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics limitless questions, and even submit images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them through online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic will help you identify the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even guide you through easy maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
So feel free to try out our ask a Ford mechanic a question service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In a nut shell, when your Ford Aspire is unable to start, it will likely be a major downer and a huge inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what may be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a substantial help. Bear in mind that regular upkeep is crucial for avoiding all kinds of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Aspire can’t start?
Firstly, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that could indicate a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely one of the most common causes discussed in this guide. You will need the help of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Ford Aspire won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Aspire include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and securely connected. It may be best to simply change it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Aspire not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never happens again, routine upkeep is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and getting your Ford Aspire inspected by a mechanic often. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the car regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Aspire can’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer immediate expert Ford mechanic help and suggestions, without you needing to leave your house. This is particularly beneficial if your car fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Aspire can’t start?
We link you with certified expert Ford mechanics who can offer suggestions on your particular circumstance. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately demonstrate the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.
