Introduction
As a licensed Auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Granadas that refuse to start. And I can assure you, I understand how frustrating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing!
But fear not, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to walk you through the most frequent explanations why your Ford Granada won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll find out how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide hands-on troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Ford Granada starting and moving as rapidly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Granada Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s important to first comprehend the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Granada won’t start”, this could be due to a multitude of issues being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not starting at all, perhaps it is cranking partially however then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can be a sign of various problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Granada Won’t Start
There are numerous reasons why a Granada will not start. These issues usually include a dead or weak car battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, as well as electrical or wiring issues. Every one of these issues can show up as an array of symptoms and require different solutions to detect and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Granada That Won’t Start
Being able to recognize and diagnose these signs, will assist you in discovering the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your car still won’t start, it can be a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Granada Won’t Start
The very first step to finding a practical solution to the problem is getting to grips with the root cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most typical causes as to why your Granada will not start.
Ford Granada Battery Issues
In most instances, the most common reason why your Ford Granada won’t start is often because of the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to either charge the battery or replace it. The car’s battery provides the electric that’s needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Granada. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Granada, are things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Ford Granada Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A broken alternator can easily stop your Ford Granada from starting as it won’t be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained all the way down until it’s completely drained and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Granada and it refuses to start. Signs that the alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning 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 Granada Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Ford. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine will not crank, and your Granada can’t start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound throughout the start-up, or your car can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Granada Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Granada uses a combustion engine, andfor that reason to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Granada issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle up and running. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Ford Granada Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Granadas rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have fairly normal issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical reasons why your vehicle will not start up. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Granada can start however just intermittently or numerous alert lights show on the dashboard. To correctly identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have figured out what the cause of your car troubles are. The next step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some tips for the typical issues we’ve covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Granada
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, 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 firmly connected. If you find that the terminals are corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Granada’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s old or weak. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Ford Granada, it will likely run out of life once again in the near future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Ford model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Ford Granada, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Granada’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Mobile diagnostic services.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Granada
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting problems, 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 car run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery. It’s likely the result of a problem with the alternator if you notice that your Ford Granada dies pretty quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may damage the delicate electronic components in your Ford Granada, so in this case best to seek advice from a professional mechanic local to you or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Granada
Listen for a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition or press the start button if you think the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Granada not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Problems in a Ford Granada
If you think 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 couple of seconds. If you are not able to hear this noise, then it might be there is cause for concern with the fuel pump. If you notice your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively fix. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Granada
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, first inspect the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Ford Granada starts after this, then it was an effective, low-cost and simple repair! However, if the car doesn’t start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. It may be a faulty sensor if numerous warning lights are visible on your dashboard. These problems can be extremely complex and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to diagnose and fix it. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you can avoid any Ford Granada starting troubles ever again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Ford Granada:
Regular upkeep of your Ford Granada is of the utmost importance to prevent future problems. This consists of things like routine oil changes, checking your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as suggested/required, and having your car examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can speak with a mechanic locally or online if you are uncertain or needing further clarity about the regular maintenance tasks needed for your particular car.
Drive Your Ford Granada Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Granada in the driveway for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery will waste out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine running regularly. Try to drive your car regularly to keep the battery charged. If you remember you have not 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 completely drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything strange like unusual noises, changes in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on the dash, don’t ignore them and get on with your day. These can be early warnings of an issue and are best being resolved ASAP so that they don’t become bigger problems down the line. Chat with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want a specialist Ford mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you have attempted to solve it by yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Granada will not start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a terrific choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start when hot” 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 numerous advantages. You can get skilled Ford mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly beneficial if your vehicle 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 the answer quickly, which is excellent if you’re in a rush, require a second opinion, or you simply prefer having a specialist Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can provide immediate aid, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Galaxy won’t start or it’s your Granada 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 have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even upload photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic online will help you detect the problem, guide you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our free online Ford mechanic service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To summarize, when your Ford Granada will not start, it can be a total disappointment and a massive hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what might 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 regular maintenance is key to avoiding all vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Granada doesn’t start?
First off, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that could show an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the issue is most likely one of the most common causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the problem yourself, you will require the help of a Ford mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Ford Granada won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Granada 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 weak or old, it might be best to simply replace it.
How can I prevent my Ford Granada not starting issues?
In order to make certain this inconvenience never ever takes place again, routine upkeep is essential. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Granada checked by a mechanic often. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the car routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Granada won’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instantaneous specialist Ford mechanic help and guidance, without you needing to leave your home. If your Ford Granada won’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Granada fails to start?
We connect you with accredited professional Ford mechanics who can supply guidance on your particular situation. You can inform them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately explain and show the issue. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.