Intro
Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, you get in your Ford Focus-RS, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all! Your Focus-RS won't start! This an extremely bothersome situation, but don't fret, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of reasons as to why your Ford Focus-RS refuses to start, and for this guide, to save you time we'll go over the most typical causes as well as provide you with practical options to get your car back on the road faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's important to initially comprehend the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Focus-RS won't start”, this could be because of various things being wrong with your car. Maybe it’s a case where the engine is not firing up at all, perhaps it is cranking partially however then not starting, or maybe you can hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, however in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can indicate various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Focus-RS Won't Start
There are numerous reasons why a Focus-RS won't start up. These issues usually consist of a weak or dead vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, in addition to electrical or circuitry failures. Each one of these problems can manifest as an array of symptoms and require different solutions to detect and fix, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Focus-RS That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the root cause of the issue. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise however your Ford still can't start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Focus-RS Won't Start
The initial step to discovering a solution to the problem is understanding the root cause of that problem, so let's explore the most common causes as to why your Focus-RS will not start.
Ford Focus-RS Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Focus-RS won't start is often due to the battery, it's either dead or weak, and you have to either charge up the battery or replace it. The car's battery provides the electric that’s needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Focus-RS. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Focus-RS, 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 dashboard.
Ford Focus-RS Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A defective alternator can easily prevent your Ford Focus-RS from starting as it will not be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be depleted fairly quickly till it's completely drained and you don't realize it until you get in your Focus-RS and it won't start. Symptoms that the alternator may be faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it's running.
Ford Focus-RS Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Ford. If the starter motor is damaged in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Focus-RS won't start. You can find out if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding sound throughout the startup, or your car can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Focus-RS Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Focus-RS uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Focus-RS issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine may not be getting the fuel it needs to get the vehicle started.
Ford Focus-RS Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Focus-RSs rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have typical problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical explanations as to why your vehicle can't get started. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can vary greatly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Focus-RS can start but only intermittently or various alert lights show on the car’s dash. To effectively identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have determined what the reason for your car failing to start is. The next step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some tips for the common issues we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Focus-RS
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you must do is examine the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you find that the terminals are corroded you can try cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. You will need to replace the battery if it's weak or old, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the car, it will likely run out of life once again in the near future. You can use a multimeter as a battery tester to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or in your area to advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Focus-RS
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting problems, you can test it. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the car run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you find your Ford Focus-RS is dying pretty quickly, then it's most likely due to an issue with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don't know what you're doing, and may harm the delicate electronic parts in your car, so in this case best to seek advice from a reliable mechanic locally or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Focus-RS
It's likely an issue with your starter motor if you hear the clicking sound, however the engine doesn't crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Fix Fuel System Complications in a Ford Focus-RS
If you think 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 up the vehicle. You ought to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. If you are not able to hear this noise, then it might be there is an issue with the fuel pump. If you observe your Ford is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional car mechanic in order to effectively repair.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Focus-RS
If you think it's a wiring or electrical system issue, first check the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Ford Focus-RS starts after this, then it was a successful, easy and inexpensive fix! Nevertheless, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it could be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it could be because of a damaged sensor. These issues can be extremely intricate 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 some preventative measures to ensure you hopefully avoid any Ford Focus-RS starting troubles ever again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Focus-RS:
Regular maintenance of your Ford Focus-RS is of the utmost importance to avoiding future troubles. This consists of things like routine oil changes, checking your car battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as suggested/required, and of course having your car examined by a reliable car mechanic routinely. If you are uncertain about regular upkeep tasks required for your particular car, you can speak with a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Ford Focus-RS Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Focus-RS in the driveway for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may waste out of charge as it's not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try to drive your Focus-RS frequently to keep the battery full of juice. 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 in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging to the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you notice anything strange like unusual noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights showing on your Ford Focus-RSs dashboard, don’t just ignore them and get on with your day. These are usually early signs of a problem and are best being dealt with ASAP so that they don’t become bigger problems later. Chat with a car mechanic locally or online about these issues and get advice on if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like an expert Ford mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you've attempted to resolve it for yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Ford Focus-RS fails to start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a terrific 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.
Benefits of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous benefits. You can get expert Ford mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your car will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get responses rapidly, which is fantastic if you're in a hurry, need a 2nd opinion, or you just like having a professional Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can supply instant help, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Focus won't start or it's your Focus-RS 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 have the ability to explain the problems 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 talk with them via online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic will help you identify the issue, guide you on the best course of action for your specific situation and even guide you through basic maintenance and repairs step by step.
So feel free to try out our online Ford mechanic help service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Focus-RS wont start, it can be a total bummer and an enormous inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what may be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a big help. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is crucial for preventing the majority of vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Focus-RS doesn’t start?
First of all, do not panic. Try to identify any symptoms that could suggest an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely among the main causes discussed in this guide. You will need the help of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Ford Focus-RS won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Focus-RS 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 securely connected. It may be best to just swap it out for a new one if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Ford Focus-RS not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never ever happens once again, regular upkeep is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Focus-RS inspected by a mechanic often. It's also a great idea to drive the vehicle frequently so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Focus-RS fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instantaneous professional Ford mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you having to leave your house. This is particularly helpful if your car will not start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Focus-RS won't start?
We connect you with licensed expert Ford mechanics who can supply suggestions on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can effectively explain and show the issue. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, identify the problem, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
