Introduction
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to be, so you get in your Ford GT, turn the key, and … drum roll please … absolutely nothing! Your GT won't start! This a super annoying situation to find yourself in, however, don't fret, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of reasons why your Ford GT refuses to start, and with this article, to save you time we'll go over the most common causes along with provide you useful options to get your car back on the road in no time!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's crucial to initially comprehend the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford GT won't start”, this could be because of an array of things being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not turning over at all, potentially it is cranking partially however then not starting, or perhaps it's making a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these cases can be indicative of various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford GT Won't Start
There are many reasons that a GT fails to start up. These issues usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system failures, in addition to electrical or wiring issues. Each one of these problems can show up as various symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford GT That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will assist you in finding the root cause of the problem. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your Ford still can't 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 GT Won't Start
The initial step to discovering a practical solution to the problem is knowing the underlying cause of that issue, so let's delve into the most common reasons your GT fails to start.
Ford GT Battery Issues
In most cases, the most common reason why your Ford GT will not start is, in many cases due to a bad battery, it's either dead or weak, and you need to either charge up your car's battery or change it. The car's battery provides the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford GT. Signs of a bad battery problem in a GT, are things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car's dashboard.
Ford GT Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A broken alternator can certainly prevent your Ford GT from starting as it won't have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete fairly quickly till it's dead and you only realize it when you get in your GT and it won't start. Symptoms that the alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.
Ford GT Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor manages turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Ford. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine will not crank, and your GT won't start. You can find out if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening for 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 GT Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Ford GT uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a combination of both fuel and air. If your GT problems are due to a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it needs to get the vehicle started.
Ford GT Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford GTs 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 faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical explanations as to why your Ford GT will not start up. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical problem can vary widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your GT can start but just intermittently or some warning lights show on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the abilities of a skilled car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have diagnosed what the cause of your car troubles are. The next step is obviously to try and repair it. Here are some tips for the common problems we've covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford GT
If you think it's possible a battery problem is the reason why your GT has difficulty starting, then the first thing you should do is inspect the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact 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 make use of a multimeter as a battery tester to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or locally to help you with this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford GT
If the alternator is what you think is the perpetrator, you can test it. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you notice your Ford GT is dying instantly, then it's likely due to an issue with the alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be risky and dangerous, and might damage the delicate electronic components in your Ford GT, so it's always best to consult with a professional car mechanic in your area or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford GT
You should listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or press the start button if you suspect the starter motor is the cause of your Ford GT not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Solve Fuel System Issues in a Ford GT
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 the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming sound for a few seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you notice your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford GT
If you think it's a circuitry or electrical system issue, first inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your GT starts after this, then it was an effective, cheap and easy repair! However, if the vehicle does not start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensing unit if different warning lights are noticeable on the dash. These issues can be really intricate and a professional car mechanic is likely needed to identify and repair it.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you can avoid any Ford GT starting problems ever again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford GT:
Routine maintenance of your Ford GT is crucial to avoid future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle inspected by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you are uncertain or needing further clarity about the regular maintenance jobs needed for your particular automobile.
Drive Your Ford GT Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford GT off for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery may run out of charge as it's not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try your best to drive your car regularly to keep the battery from draining. 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 totally drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything strange like unusual noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights are now visible on the dash, don’t just disregard them. These are usually early warnings of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP so that they don’t become much bigger issues down the line. Speak with a car mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and get advice on if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you're either limited on time, would like a professional Ford mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you have tried to resolve it yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Ford won't start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be an excellent choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start because of alarm” 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 skilled Ford mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially beneficial if your car won't start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also 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 rapidly, which is fantastic if you're in a rush, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having a specialist Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can offer instantaneous aid, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Fusion won't start or it's your GT 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 describe the issues you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit photos and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic online will help you diagnose the problem, guide you on what are the best options for your specific scenario and even assist you through basic maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our Ford mechanic live chat service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In summary, when your Ford GT won't start, it will likely be a major downer and a massive inconvenience. However, knowing what may be causing the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed 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 the majority of vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford GT doesn’t start?
First of all, don't panic. Attempt to identify any signs that might suggest an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is most likely among the most common causes discussed in this guide. If you can't find the problem yourself, you will require the help of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford GT won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a GT 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 might be best to simply change it.
How can I prevent my Ford GT not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never happens once again, regular upkeep is essential. 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 GT inspected by a mechanic routinely. It's also a terrific idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford GT fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instant expert Ford mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you needing to leave your house. If your Ford GT won't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly beneficial.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford GT fails to start?
We connect you with certified specialist Ford mechanics who can supply recommendations on your specific situation. You can tell them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, identify the problem, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.
