Introduction
As a professional Auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Ikons that won’t to start. And I can assure you, I understand how irritating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nada!
But no need for concern, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to walk you through the most common reasons why your Ford Ikon 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 pointers and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of hands-on experience, so you can get your Ford Ikon starting and back on the road as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Ikon Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s important to first understand the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Ikon won’t start”, this could be because of a multitude of issues being wrong with your car. Maybe it’s a case where the engine is not starting at all, possibly it is turning over partially however then not starting, or possibly you can hear a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these cases can indicate different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Ikon Won’t Start
There are various contributing reasons why an Ikon fails to start. These issues usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system issues, along with electrical or circuitry complications. Every one of these issues 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 ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Ikon That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help 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 Ford still will not start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Ikon Won’t Start
The initial step to figuring out a practical solution to the issue is figuring out the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most common reasons your Ikon will not start.
Ford Ikon Battery Issues
In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your Ford Ikon can’t start is often due to the battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you have to either charge up 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 Ikon. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Ikon, are things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car’s dashboard. 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 Ikon Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A faulty alternator can certainly prevent your Ford Ikon from starting as it will not have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you can’t get your Ford started. Symptoms that your Ikons alternator is faulty can be 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 Ikon Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Ikon, the starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is failing in some manner then the engine will not crank, and your Ikon won’t start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not typically by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise during the start-up, or your car only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Ikon Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having problems. Your Ford Ikon uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Ikon problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine might not be receiving the fuel it needs 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 Ikon Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Ikons 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 issues, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the various electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your vehicle won’t start up. Indications of a wiring or electrical problem can differ vastly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Ikon can start however just intermittently or various alert lights are lit up on the dashboard. To effectively diagnose and repair these kinds of issues, you will require the abilities of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have determined what the cause of your car failing to start is. The next step is obviously to try and 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 Ikon
If you think it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason your Ikon has trouble starting, then the first thing you need to do is examine the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are indeed 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 Ikon’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, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will likely run out of life again in the not so distant future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. 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 Ikon, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Ikon’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 inspection services.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Ikon
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting problems, you can test it to see for yourself. 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 vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you find your Ford Ikon is dying pretty quickly, then it’s probably because of a problem with your car’s alternator. However, be warned this test can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might damage the delicate electronic components in your vehicle, so its best to consult with a professional mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Ikon
You should listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you think the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Ikon not starting. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Issues in a Ford Ikon
If you think the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming sound for a few seconds. If you are unable to hear this noise, then it may be there is an issue with the fuel pump. If you notice your Ford is tough to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional car mechanic in order to properly 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 Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Ikon
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, initially check the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Ford Ikon starts after this, then it was an effective, inexpensive and simple fix! Nevertheless, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It could be a faulty sensor if numerous warning lights are lit up on the dash. These issues can be really complex and a reliable car mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you prevent any Ford Ikon starting troubles again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Ikon:
Routine upkeep of your Ford Ikon is crucial to avoid future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and having your vehicle examined by a reliable car mechanic regularly. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you find yourself uncertain or needing further clarity about the routine maintenance jobs required for your specific automobile.
Drive Your Ford Ikon Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Ikon stagnant for long periods of time without driving it, the battery will deplete down as it’s not being charged up by the engine running regularly. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you haven’t driven your Ford for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging to the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything out of the ordinary like unusual sounds, a difference in driving and performance, or alert lights are now visible on your Ford Ikons dashboard, do not ignore them and get on with your day. These are usually early signs of a problem and are best being attended to ASAP so that they don’t become bigger problems down the line. Speak to a car mechanic locally or online about these problems and find out if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like an expert Ford mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you’ve attempted to fix it for yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your vehicle can’t start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be a fantastic choice. It certainly beats googling things like “turned Ford off in drive and now it wont start” 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, provide numerous benefits. You can get skilled Ford mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly useful if your vehicle 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 excellent if you’re in a rush, require a second opinion, or you just prefer having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified expert mechanics who can offer instant aid, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Granada won’t start or it’s your Ikon 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 issues 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 speak to them via online chat or by telephone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic online will help you identify the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your individual scenario and even guide you through basic maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our ask a Ford mechanic now service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your Ford Ikon can’t start, it will likely be a major disappointment and a massive inconvenience. However, knowing what may be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a big help. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to preventing the vast majority of vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Ikon won’t start?
To start with, don’t panic. Try to identify any signs that might indicate a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely among the typical causes gone over in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford Ikon won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Ikon 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. It may be best to simply change it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Ikon not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never ever takes place again, routine upkeep is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Ikon inspected by a mechanic frequently. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Ikon won’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instantaneous specialist Ford mechanic help and advice, without you having to leave your home. If your Ford Ikon won’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially useful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Ikon won’t start?
We link you with accredited professional Ford mechanics who can provide suggestions on your specific scenario. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can properly explain and show the problem. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, identify the problem, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
