Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to go, you get in your Ford Focus-ST, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing! Your Focus-ST won't fire up! This a very irritating scenario, but don't stress, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of explanations why your Ford Focus-ST can't start, and with this guide, to save you time we'll deal with the most typical causes along with provide you useful solutions to get your vehicle 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 essential to initially have a grasp of the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Focus-ST won't start”, this could be because of an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe you can hear a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can point to different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Focus-ST Won't Start
There are many reasons that a Focus-ST refuses to start up. These issues usually include a weak or dead car battery, a broken alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, along with electrical or circuitry issues. Every one of these issues can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to identify and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Focus-ST That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, 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 vehicle still will not start, it can mean that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Focus-ST Won't Start
The first step to finding a solution to the issue is having a grasp of the underlying cause of that problem, so let's explore the most common causes as to why your Focus-ST won't start.
Ford Focus-ST Battery Issues
In most cases, the most common reason why your Ford Focus-ST won't start is often because of the battery, it's either weak or dead, and you have to either charge your car's battery or change it. The vehicle's battery stores the power that’s needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Focus-ST. Signs of a bad battery problem in a Focus-ST, can be things like the car being slow to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car's dash.
Ford Focus-ST Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A faulty alternator can certainly prevent your Ford Focus-ST from starting as it wont have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete fairly quickly until it's totally dead and you don't realize it until you get in your Focus-ST and it won't start. Signs that the alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it's running.
Ford Focus-ST Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Focus-ST, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some way then the engine won’t crank, and your Focus-ST 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 your key or a grinding sound during the start-up, or your car only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Focus-ST 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 Focus-ST uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Focus-ST issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the car started.
Ford Focus-ST Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Focus-STs rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older car, you can still have fairly normal issues such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be a few of the many electrical reasons that your vehicle can't get started. Signs of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary vastly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Focus-ST can start but just intermittently or numerous warning lights show on the dashboard. To properly diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of a skilled car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have found out what the reason for your car failing to start is. The next logical step is obviously to try and repair it. Here are some tips for the typical problems we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Focus-ST
If you suspect it's possible a battery issue is the reason your Focus-ST has difficulty starting, then the first thing you need to do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water. 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 probably run out of life again in the near future. You can use a multimeter as a battery tester to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. 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 Focus-ST
If the alternator is what you suspect is the culprit, 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 when 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 your car's alternator if you discover your Ford Focus-ST dies pretty quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and may harm the sensitive electronic components in your Ford Focus-ST, so it's best to consult with an experienced car mechanic in your area or online, prior to ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Focus-ST
It's likely a problem with your starter motor if you can hear the clicking sound but the engine doesn't crank. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Problems in a Ford Focus-ST
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 vehicle. You should hear a humming noise for a few seconds. It may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this noise. If you discover your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it might be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to correctly repair.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Ford Focus-ST
If you suspect it's a circuitry or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Focus-ST starts after this, then it was an effective, simple and low-cost fix! Nevertheless, if the vehicle refuses to start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be due to a broken sensor. These problems can be really intricate and a reliable car mechanic is most likely required to identify and fix it.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you avoid any Ford Focus-ST starting problems again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Focus-ST:
Routine maintenance of your Ford Focus-ST is key to preventing future problems. This consists of things like regular oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/required, and of course having your vehicle checked by a reliable car mechanic routinely. You can speak with a mechanic in your area or online if you are unsure or confused about the routine maintenance tasks required for your particular vehicle.
Drive Your Ford Focus-ST Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Focus-ST off for long periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may deplete down as it's not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try your best to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged. If you remember you haven't driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you notice anything out of the ordinary like unusual noises, changes in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights lit up on the dash, don’t just ignore them. These are usually early indications of an issue and are best being dealt with ASAP before they become larger problems down the line. Speak with a car mechanic locally or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you're either limited on time, want an expert Ford mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you've tried to solve it for yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your Ford Focus-ST will not start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “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 benefits. You can get professional Ford mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly beneficial if your car won't 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 answers quickly, which is great if you're in a rush, require a second opinion, or you just prefer having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can supply instant assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Focus-RS won't start or it's your Focus-ST 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 describe 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 by means of online chat or by call, whichever you prefer. The Ford mechanic online will help you detect the issue, guide you on what are the best options for your individual scenario and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
So feel free to try out our talk to a Ford mechanic service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In summary, when your Ford Focus-ST wont start, it will likely be a complete disappointment and an enormous inconvenience. However, knowing what might be causing the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Bear in mind that regular upkeep is crucial for avoiding all vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Focus-ST won't start?
Firstly, don't panic. Try to identify any signs that could show an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is likely among the most common causes discussed in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Ford Focus-ST won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Focus-ST 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. If the battery is old or weak, it might be best to just change it.
How can I prevent my Ford Focus-ST not starting issues?
In order to make certain this inconvenience never happens again, regular 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 having your Ford Focus-ST checked by a mechanic frequently. It's also a fantastic idea to drive the car frequently so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Focus-ST can't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instant professional Ford mechanic help and guidance, without you having to leave your house. This is particularly beneficial if your vehicle is unable to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Focus-ST can't start?
We connect you with licensed expert Ford mechanics who can provide recommendations on your specific situation. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can appropriately show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
