Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to be, so you get in your Ford Fusion, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing! Your Fusion won't start up! This a very bothersome scenario, however, don't stress, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of explanations as to why your Ford Fusion won't start, and for this article, to spare you time we'll go over the most common factors along with provide you practical solutions 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 crucial to first understand the problem. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Fusion won't start”, this could be due to a multitude of things being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is turning over partially but then not starting, or perhaps you can hear a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can be indicative of different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Fusion Won't Start
There are various factors why a Fusion can't start up. These issues usually consist of a weak or dead vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system failures, as well as electrical or wiring problems. Each one of these issues can manifest as different symptoms and require different solutions to detect and fix, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Fusion That Won't Start
Having the ability to identify and diagnose these signs, will help 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 but your Ford still will not 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 Fusion Won't Start
The first step to discovering a solution to the issue is getting to grips with the underlying cause of that problem, so let's dig into the most common factors why your Fusion won't start.
Ford Fusion Battery Issues
In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your Ford Fusion can't start is often because of the battery, it's either weak or dead, and you need to either recharge your car's battery or change it. The car's battery supplies the electric required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Fusion. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Fusion, are things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car's dashboard.
Ford Fusion Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can certainly stop your Ford Fusion from starting as it won't have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain fairly quickly until it's completely drained and you don't realize it until you get in your Fusion and it won't start. Signs that your car's alternator may be faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it's running.
Ford Fusion Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor manages turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Ford. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine may not crank, and your Fusion will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not typically by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key 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 Fusion Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having problems. Your Ford Fusion uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a combination of both fuel and air. If your Fusion problems are part 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 requires to get the car going.
Ford Fusion Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Fusions rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older Ford Fusion, you can still have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a damaged ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the many electrical reasons why your car won't start. Indications of a wiring or electrical problem can differ vastly but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Fusion can start however just intermittently or numerous warning lights come on the car’s dash. 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
As soon as you have figured out what the cause of your car being unable to start is. The next logical step is obviously to attempt to fix it. Here are some tips for the common issues we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Fusion
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you need to do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them 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 vehicle, it will probably run out of life 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 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 Fusion
If the alternator is what you suspect is the offender, 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 vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you find your Ford Fusion is dying pretty quickly, then it's probably due to a problem with your car's alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be risky, and may harm the delicate electronic parts in your Ford Fusion, so it's best to consult with an expert car mechanic in your area or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Fusion
If you think the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Fusion refusing to start up, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Solve Fuel System Problems in a Ford Fusion
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 up the car. You ought to hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you notice your Ford is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional car mechanic in order to correctly repair.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Fusion
If you think it's an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, initially examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have blown. If your Ford Fusion starts after this, then it was an effective, cheap and simple fix! Nevertheless, if the car doesn't start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it could be a damaged sensor. These problems can be really intricate and a reliable car mechanic is most likely required to diagnose 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 hopefully avoid any Ford Fusion starting problems ever again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Fusion:
Regular upkeep of your Ford Fusion is crucial to avoid future problems. This includes things like regular oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and having your vehicle examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. If you are not sure about routine upkeep tasks required for your particular car, you can seek advice from a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Ford Fusion Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Fusion stagnant for extended periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can drain as it's not getting any charge from the engine running regularly. Try to drive your Fusion frequently to keep the battery full of juice. If you remember you haven't driven your car in a while, take it for a spin to ensure there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery fully 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 uncommon noises, changes in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights showing on the dash, do not 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 so that they don’t become bigger issues down the line. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these problems and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want a specialist Ford mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you've tried to solve it yourself, but despite your best efforts your Ford won't start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a great choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start no clicking” 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 guidance 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly helpful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much less expensive than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get responses quickly, which is excellent if you're in a rush, need a second opinion, or you simply prefer having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed expert mechanics who can provide instantaneous help, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Freestyle won't start or it's your Fusion 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 unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them via online chat or by telephone call, whichever you prefer. The Ford mechanic online will help you identify the problem, guide you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even assist you through easy maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our Ford mechanic online chat service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To wrap up, when your Ford Fusion won't start, it will likely be a complete bummer and a huge hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what might be causing the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Remember that regular upkeep is essential for preventing the vast majority of vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Fusion will not start?
First of all, do not panic. Try to identify any symptoms that might show a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely one of the most common causes talked about in this guide. You will need the help of a mechanic locally or online if you can't find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Ford Fusion won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Fusion 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 tightly connected. If the battery is old or weak, it may be best to simply replace it.
How can I prevent my Ford Fusion not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never ever takes place again, regular upkeep is key. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Ford Fusion checked by a mechanic often. It's also a great idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Fusion won't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply immediate specialist Ford mechanic help and recommendations, without you having to leave your home. If your Ford Fusion won't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Fusion can't start?
We connect you with licensed specialist Ford mechanics who can supply suggestions on your particular circumstance. You can tell them about your car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can properly demonstrate the problem and explain it. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.
