Introduction
Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, you get in your Ford Bronco Sport, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nada! Your Bronco Sport won't start up! This a very bothersome scenario, however, don't stress, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of explanations as to why your Ford Bronco Sport can't start, and for this article, to save you time we'll cover the most common factors along with give you practical solutions to get your car back on the road in no time!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's crucial to initially have a grasp of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Bronco Sport won't start”, this could be due to an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not firing up at all, potentially it is turning over partially but then not starting, or perhaps it's making a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these situations can indicate various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Bronco Sport Won't Start
There are numerous reasons a Bronco Sport can't start up. These issues usually consist of a weak or dead vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, in addition to electrical or circuitry concerns. Every one of these problems can manifest as an array of symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Bronco Sport That Won't Start
Being able to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your Ford still can't start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system of your car.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Bronco Sport Won't Start
The first step to discovering a solution to the problem is getting to grips with the root cause of that issue, so let's dive into the most common factors why your Bronco Sport won't start.
Ford Bronco Sport Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Bronco Sport can't start is often down to a bad battery, it's either dead or weak, and you have to either charge the battery or replace it. The vehicle's battery provides the power that’s needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Bronco Sport. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Bronco Sport, are things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your car's dashboard.
Ford Bronco Sport Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can easily prevent your Ford Bronco Sport from starting as it won't be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain fairly quickly till it's completely drained and you don't realize it until you get into your beloved Bronco Sport and it refuses to start. Signs that your car's alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.
Ford Bronco Sport Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Bronco Sport, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is failing in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Bronco Sport can't start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not typically by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise throughout the startup, or your car only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Bronco Sport Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Ford Bronco Sport uses a combustion engine, andfor that reason to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Bronco Sport issues are due to a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be getting the fuel it needs to get the vehicle started.
Ford Bronco Sport Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Bronco Sports rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older car, you can still have fairly normal issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical reasons your vehicle can't start. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can differ greatly but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Bronco Sport can start however only intermittently or some warning lights are lit up on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have found out what the cause of your car troubles are. The next step is naturally to attempt to fix it. Here are some suggestions for the common problems we've covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Bronco Sport
If you think it's possible a battery issue is the culprit as to why your Bronco Sport has difficulty starting, then the first thing you should do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you discover that the terminals are corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water. If the battery is just old or weak, you will have to replace it, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the car, it will likely run out of life again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter 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 ask a reliable car mechanic online or in your area to help you with this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Bronco Sport
If the alternator is what you suspect is the offender, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you find your Ford Bronco Sport is dying right away, then it's likely because of an issue with the alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and may damage the sensitive electronic parts in your Ford Bronco Sport, so it's best to consult with an expert car mechanic in your area or online, prior to ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Bronco Sport
If you think the starter motor is the reason for your Ford Bronco Sport not being able to fire up, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Fix Fuel System Issues in a Ford Bronco Sport
If you suspect the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you discover your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it could be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to effectively repair.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Bronco Sport
If you think it's an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have blown. If your Ford starts after this, then it was a successful, easy and low-cost fix! If the car doesn't start, even intermittently, it might be a sign of a problem with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it might be a problematic sensor. These problems can be really complicated and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to identify and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you avoid any Ford Bronco Sport starting difficulties ever again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Ford Bronco Sport:
Routine upkeep of your Ford Bronco Sport is key to preventing future troubles. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as advised/required, and having your vehicle examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you are uncertain or needing further clarity about the routine maintenance tasks required for your specific car.
Drive Your Ford Bronco Sport Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Bronco Sport off for long durations of time without driving it, the battery can waste out of charge as it's not being charged up by the engine running regularly. Try your best to drive your Bronco Sport frequently to keep the battery charged. 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 totally drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you observe anything odd like uncommon sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on your Ford Bronco Sports dashboard, don’t just ignore them. These can be early indications of a problem and it’s best to be resolved ASAP before they become much bigger problems later. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these issues and get advice on if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you're either short on time, want a specialist Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you have attempted to solve it for yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Bronco Sport fails to start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a great choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford won't 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, provide a number of advantages. You can get expert Ford mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially beneficial if your car will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much cheaper 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, require a second opinion, or you simply like having a professional Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with accredited expert mechanics who can provide instant assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Bronco won't start or it's your Bronco Sport 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 have the ability to explain the issues you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit pictures and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them through online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic online will help you identify the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even guide you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.
So feel free to try out our ask Ford mechanic free service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To summarize, when your Ford Bronco Sport will not start, it can be a major bummer and a huge inconvenience. However, having a firm grasp of what might be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a substantial help. Remember that regular upkeep is key to preventing all kinds of car issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Bronco Sport doesn’t start?
To start with, don't panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that could indicate an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely among the main causes discussed in this guide. You will need the aid 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 Bronco Sport won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Bronco Sport 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. If the battery is weak or old, it might be best to simply replace it.
How can I prevent my Ford Bronco Sport not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never ever occurs again, regular upkeep is essential. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Bronco Sport checked by a mechanic regularly. It's also a great idea to drive the vehicle regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Bronco Sport can't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instantaneous professional Ford mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your home. This is particularly useful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Bronco Sport won't start?
We link you with certified professional Ford mechanics who can provide guidance on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly explain and show the problem. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, identify the issue, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.