Introduction
As a certified Auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Ixions that refuse to start. And let me tell 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 … absolutely nothing!
But fear not, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to guide you through the most usual causes why your Ford Ixion won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide practical troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my two decades of hands-on experience, so you can get your Ford Ixion starting and moving as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Ixion Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s crucial to first comprehend the problem. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Ixion won’t start”, this could be because of different things being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not starting at all, possibly it is turning over partially but then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, but in the end nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can point to various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Ixion Won’t Start
There are numerous reasons an Ixion won’t start up. These problems usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system failures, along with electrical or circuitry complications. Each one of these problems can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require separate solutions to detect and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Ixion That Won’t Start
Having the ability to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in discovering the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your Ford still refuses to 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 Ixion Won’t Start
The initial step to finding a practical solution to the issue is figuring out the underlying cause of that issue, so let’s look into the most common factors why your Ixion can’t start.
Ford Ixion Battery Issues
In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your Ford Ixion fails to start is often because of your car battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to either charge your car’s battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery stores the electricity required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Ixion. Signs of a bad battery issue in a Ixion, can be things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, weak or 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 Ixion Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A defective alternator can easily stop your Ford Ixion from starting as it will not have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be depleted all the way down till it’s dead and you don’t realize it until you get into your beloved Ixion and it refuses to start. Signs that your Ixions alternator may be faulty can be 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 Ixion Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Ixion, the starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Ixion won’t start. You can find out if your starter motor has an issue or not typically by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound during the start-up, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Ixion Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having problems. Your Ford Ixion uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Ixion issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the car going. 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 Ixion Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Ixions 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 problems, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the many electrical reasons why your car will not start. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can vary greatly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Ixion can start however just intermittently or various alert lights are lit up on the dashboard. To properly diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will need the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have diagnosed what the reason for your car failing to start is. The next logical step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some pointers for the common problems we’ve covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Ixion
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the culprit as to why your Ixion has trouble starting, then the first thing you ought to do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly 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 Ixion’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 vehicle, it will likely deplete quickly 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 swapped out 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 Ixion, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Ixion’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 Door to door mechanics.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Ixion
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting troubles, you can test it to see for yourself. 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 it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you discover your Ford Ixion dies pretty quickly, then it’s probably because of an issue with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might damage the sensitive electronic elements in your Ford Ixion, so its best to seek advice from an experienced mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Ixion
It’s likely an issue with your starter motor if you hear the clicking sound, however the engine does not crank. 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 Ixion
If you think the issue to be because of 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 not able to hear this noise, then it might be there is a problem with the fuel pump. If you discover your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it could be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable 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 Problems in a Ford Ixion
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, first examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Ixion starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and inexpensive fix! However, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. It could be a faulty sensor if different warning lights are noticeable on the dash. These issues can be extremely complex and a reliable car mechanic is most likely required to identify 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 dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you prevent any Ford Ixion starting troubles again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Ford Ixion:
Routine maintenance of your Ford Ixion is crucial to avoid future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as suggested/required, and of course having your vehicle inspected by a reliable car mechanic routinely. If you are not sure about routine maintenance tasks needed for your particular automobile, you can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Ford Ixion Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Ixion off for extended periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can drain as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running 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 for 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 odd like uncommon sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on the dash, don’t ignore them and get on with your day. These can be early warnings of a problem and are best being dealt with ASAP before they become larger problems down the line. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you’re either limited on time, want an expert Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve tried to resolve it yourself, however despite your best efforts your vehicle won’t start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a terrific option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford clicks but wont start” 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 expert Ford mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much cheaper than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, require a second opinion, or you simply like having a professional Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with accredited professional mechanics who can provide instant help, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Ikon won’t start or it’s your Ixion 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 submit 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 will help you identify the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation and even assist you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.
So feel free to try out our ask Ford mechanic online free service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Ixion wont start, it will likely be a complete downer and a massive hassle. However, knowing what might be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a big help. Keep in mind that routine maintenance is crucial for avoiding the majority of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Ixion will not start?
Firstly, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might indicate a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the most common causes gone over in this guide. You will need the aid of a mechanic locally or online if you can’t find the issue yourself.
How to tell if my Ford Ixion won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Ixion 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 securely connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to simply swap it for a newer one.
How can I prevent my Ford Ixion not starting issues?
In order to make sure this annoyance never happens again, regular upkeep is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and getting your Ford Ixion inspected by a mechanic frequently. It’s also a great idea to drive the car routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Ixion can’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instantaneous specialist Ford mechanic help and advice, without you needing to leave your house. If your Ford Ixion can’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Ixion will not start?
We connect you with licensed professional Ford mechanics who can supply guidance on your particular situation. You can tell them about your car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can properly explain and show the issue. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, identify the issue, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.