Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to be, you get in your Ford Expedition, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing! Your Expedition won't start! This an extremely bothersome circumstance, however, don't worry, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of explanations as to why your Ford Expedition fails to start, and within this article, to save you time we'll go over the most typical causes as well as give you useful options to get your vehicle back on the road in no time!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's crucial to first have an understanding of the problem. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Expedition won't start”, this could be due to an array of things being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not turning over at all, perhaps it is cranking partially however then not starting, or maybe it's making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, but ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can point to various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Expedition Won't Start
There are many contributing reasons why an Expedition will not start up. These concerns usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, as well as electrical or wiring failures. Each one of these problems can show up as different symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Expedition That Won't Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these signs, will assist you in discovering the root cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your car still refuses to start, it can be an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Expedition Won't Start
The very first step to discovering a practical solution to the problem is getting to grips with the underlying cause of that problem, so let's explore the most typical reasons your Expedition can't start.
Ford Expedition Battery Issues
In most cases, the most common reason why your Ford Expedition fails to start is, in many cases due to the battery, it's either dead or weak, and you have to recharge the battery or replace it. The car's battery stores the electricity needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Expedition. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Expedition, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your car's dash.
Ford Expedition Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A damaged alternator can easily stop your Ford Expedition from starting as it wont be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it's completely drained and you only realize it when you can't get your Ford started. Signs that your car's alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution 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 Expedition Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor manages turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Ford. If the starter motor is damaged in some way then the engine may not crank, and your Expedition can't 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 in the ignition or a grinding noise during the start-up, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Expedition Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Expedition uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Expedition problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the car started.
Ford Expedition Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Expeditions rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older car, you can still have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a damaged ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the various electrical reasons your vehicle will not start. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Expedition can start but only intermittently or some alert lights come on the dashboard. To appropriately identify and repair these kinds of issues, you will need the abilities of an experienced car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have figured out what the cause of your car failing to start is. The next step is obviously to try and repair it. Here are some suggestions for the common issues we've covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Expedition
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you ought to do is inspect around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are indeed 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 probably die once again in the near future. You can make use of a multimeter as a battery tester to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a professional car mechanic online or in your area to best advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Expedition
If the alternator is what you suspect is the reason, 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 vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car's battery. It's likely the result of an issue with the alternator if you notice that your Ford Expedition dies instantly when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don't know what you're doing, and might damage the delicate electronic elements in your car, so its best to consult with a reliable mechanic in your area or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Expedition
If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the car by turning the key, but the engine doesn't crank, then its most likely an issue with your starter motor. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Complications in a Ford Expedition
If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the car. You should be able to hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. It may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this sound. If you notice your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it could possibly be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively fix.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Expedition
If you suspect it's a circuitry or electrical system problem, first check the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Ford starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and cheap fix! Nevertheless, if the vehicle refuses to start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensing unit if different warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard. These issues can be really complicated and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you avoid any Ford Expedition starting problems ever again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Expedition:
Routine upkeep of your Ford Expedition is key to avoid future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your car inspected by a reliable car mechanic regularly. You can consult a mechanic in your area or online if you find yourself unsure or not sure about the routine maintenance jobs needed for your particular car.
Drive Your Ford Expedition Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Expedition in the driveway for long periods of time without driving it, the battery may run out of charge as it's not getting any charge from the engine being used. Try to drive your Expedition regularly to keep the battery charged up. Take it for a fast 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 long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like unusual noises, changes in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on your Ford Expeditions dashboard, don’t just disregard them and get on with your day. These can be early warnings of a problem and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP before they become much bigger problems down the line. Talk to a car mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like a professional Ford mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you have tried to fix it yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your vehicle fails to start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford starting problems” 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 benefits. You can get expert Ford mechanic suggestions 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 cheaper than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer rapidly, which is excellent if you're in a hurry, need a 2nd opinion, or you just like having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified specialist mechanics who can supply instantaneous assistance, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Escape Hybrid won't start or it's your Expedition 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 upload photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them through online chat or by telephone call, whichever you prefer. The Ford mechanic will help you identify the problem, guide you on what are the best options for your individual situation and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
So feel free to try out our Ford mechanic online service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Expedition wont start, it can be a total bummer and an enormous hassle. However, knowing what may be triggering 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 huge help. Bear in mind that routine upkeep is crucial for preventing all kinds of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Expedition won't start?
To start with, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that might indicate an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the issue is likely among the main causes gone over in this guide. If you can't find the problem yourself, you will need the aid of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford Expedition won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Expedition consist of 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 firmly connected. It may be best to just change it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Expedition not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never ever occurs once again, routine maintenance is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Ford Expedition inspected by a mechanic regularly. It's also an excellent idea to drive the vehicle frequently so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Expedition can't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply immediate specialist Ford mechanic help and advice, without you having to leave your house. If your Ford Expedition can't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly beneficial.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Expedition can't start?
We connect you with certified expert Ford mechanics who can offer recommendations on your specific situation. You can tell them about your car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly show the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, identify the problem, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
