Introduction
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to go, so you get in your Ford Focus, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nada! Your Focus won't start up! This an incredibly annoying scenario, but don't stress, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of factors why your Ford Focus refuses to start, and within this guide, to save you time we'll cover the most common explanations as well as provide you practical solutions to get your vehicle back on the road in no time!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's essential to initially comprehend the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Focus won't start”, this could be because of various issues being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not starting at all, potentially it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe it's making a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these cases can be a sign of different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Focus Won't Start
There are many reasons that a Focus can't start up. These problems usually include a weak or dead vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system failures, in addition to electrical or circuitry complications. Each one of these problems can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Focus That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the root cause of the problem. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your Ford still won't start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Focus Won't Start
The first step to figuring out a solution to the issue is knowing the underlying cause of that problem, so let's look into the most common reasons your Focus can't start.
Ford Focus Battery Issues
In most instances, the most common reason why your Ford Focus can't start is, in many cases the result of your battery, it's either weak or dead, and you have to either charge the battery or change it. The car's battery supplies the electricity needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Focus. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Focus, are things like the car being slow to crank the engine, dim or weak headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car's dash.
Ford Focus Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A faulty alternator can easily prevent your Ford Focus from starting as it won't be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it's dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Ford to fire up. Signs that your car's alternator may be faulty include 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 Focus Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Ford. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Focus 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 vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Focus Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having complications. Your Ford Focus uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a combination of both fuel and air. If your Focus problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be getting the fuel it needs to get the car up and running.
Ford Focus Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Focuss rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older car, you can still have typical problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a damaged ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your vehicle will not start up. Indications of a circuitry or electrical problem can differ vastly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Focus can start but only intermittently or numerous warning lights come on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and fix 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 figured out what the reason for your car troubles are. The next logical step is naturally to attempt to fix it. Here are some tips for the typical issues we've covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Focus
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you should do is examine around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are corroded you can attempt 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 way to test the life of the battery to find out 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
If the alternator is what you suspect is the culprit, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car to start up 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 your car's battery. If you notice your Ford Focus dies immediately, then it's probably because of a problem with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don't know what you're doing, and might damage the sensitive electronic parts in your car, so its best to speak with an experienced mechanic local to you or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Focus
It's likely an issue with your starter motor if you can hear the clicking sound, however the engine doesn't crank. 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 Problems in a Ford Focus
If you suspect the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming sound for a few seconds. If you are not able to hear this noise, then it may be there is a problem with the fuel pump. If you notice your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it might be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to correctly repair.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Ford Focus
If you think it's a wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Focus starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and inexpensive fix! If the car doesn't start, even intermittently, it might be indicative of with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it could be a faulty sensor. These issues can be extremely complicated and a professional car mechanic is most likely required to diagnose and fix it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you hopefully avoid any Ford Focus starting difficulties ever again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Ford Focus:
Routine upkeep of your Ford Focus is of the utmost importance to avoid future problems. This consists of things like regular oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your vehicle checked by a professional car mechanic regularly. If you are uncertain about regular maintenance tasks required for your particular car, you can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Ford Focus Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Focus stagnant for long periods of time without driving it, the battery can waste out of charge as it's not getting any charge from the engine being used. Try to drive your vehicle 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 haven't driven your Ford in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you observe anything out of the ordinary like uncommon sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on your Ford Focuss dashboard, do not ignore them and get on with your day. These are usually early warnings of an issue and are best being attended to ASAP before they end up being much bigger problems down the line. Talk to a car mechanic in your area or online about these issues and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like a professional Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you've tried to resolve it for yourself, however despite your best efforts your Focus won't start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be a terrific choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start clicking sound” 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 several advantages. You can get skilled Ford mechanic guidance 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 rapidly, which is great if you're in a hurry, require a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with accredited professional mechanics who can offer instant assistance, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Flex won't start or it's your Focus 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 describe the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics limitless questions, and even upload photos and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them by means of online chat or by telephone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic will help you diagnose the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your individual situation and even guide you through simple maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
So feel free to try out our ask a Ford mechanic free service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your Ford Focus fails to start, it will likely be a total downer and an enormous hassle. However, knowing what may be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Bear in mind that routine maintenance is essential for preventing the vast majority of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Focus will not start?
First of all, do not panic. Try to identify any symptoms that might suggest a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely among the typical causes talked about in this guide. If you can't find the problem yourself, you will require the aid of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford Focus won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Focus 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 firmly connected. If the battery is old or weak, it may be best to just change it.
How can I prevent my Ford Focus not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never ever occurs again, routine upkeep is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Focus checked by a mechanic regularly. It's also a terrific idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Focus can't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instant expert Ford mechanic help and advice, without you needing to leave your home. This is especially useful if your car won't start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Focus will not start?
We connect you with licensed professional Ford mechanics who can offer suggestions on your particular circumstance. You can tell them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can properly 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.
