Intro
As a licensed Auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Scorpios 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 … nothing at all!
But no need for concern, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most frequent reasons why your Ford Scorpio won’t start. I’ll cover 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 two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Ford Scorpio starting and driving again as rapidly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Scorpio Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s crucial to first have a grasp of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Scorpio won’t start”, this could be due to various things being wrong with your car. Maybe the engine is not firing up at all, perhaps it is cranking partially but then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can indicate various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Scorpio Won’t Start
There are many reasons a Scorpio will not start. These issues usually consist of a weak or dead vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system failures, along with electrical or circuitry issues. Every one of these problems can show up as different symptoms and require different solutions to identify and fix, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Scorpio That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the root cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your car still fails to start, it can be an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Scorpio Won’t Start
The initial step to figuring out a solution to the problem is knowing the root cause of that issue, so let’s delve into the most common reasons your Scorpio fails to start.
Ford Scorpio Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Scorpio will not start is often the result of your battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you have to charge up your car’s battery or change it. The vehicle’s battery provides the electricity required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Scorpio. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Scorpio, can be things like the car being slow to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery alert 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 Scorpio 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 Scorpio from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be depleted all the way down till it’s completely drained and you only realize it when you can’t get your Ford to fire up. Signs that your car’s alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it’s running.
Ford Scorpio Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Ford. If the starter motor is defective in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Scorpio will not 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 during the start-up, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Scorpio Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Scorpio uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it requires a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Scorpio issues are due to a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the car 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 Scorpio Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Scorpios rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older Ford Scorpio, you can still have typical 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 numerous electrical reasons your vehicle won’t start up. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can vary widely but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Scorpio can start but only intermittently or various warning lights show on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have determined what the reason for your car failing to start is. The next step is of course to attempt to fix it. Here are some pointers for the typical problems we’ve covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Scorpio
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the culprit as to why your Scorpio has trouble starting up, then the first thing you should do is examine the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you find that the terminals are corroded you can attempt cleaning them 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 Scorpio’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 die 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 Scorpio, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Scorpio’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 mechanics makes house calls.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Scorpio
If the alternator is what you suspect is the perpetrator, you can test it. If you can get the car to start up 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 your car’s battery. It’s likely because of an issue with your car’s alternator if you find your Ford Scorpio dies pretty quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and might damage the sensitive electronic components in your Ford Scorpio, so it’s best to seek advice from a reliable car mechanic locally or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Scorpio
Listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you suspect the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Scorpio not starting. In these cases, 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 Scorpio
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 up the vehicle. You ought to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. If you are unable to hear this sound, 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 weak acceleration, it could be because of 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 Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Ford Scorpio
If you suspect it’s a circuitry or electrical system issue, initially check the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have blown. If your Ford Scorpio starts after this, then it was an effective, simple and low-cost fix! However, if the car does not start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard, it might be a problematic sensor. These problems can be really complicated and a professional car mechanic is likely required 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 stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you avoid any Ford Scorpio starting problems again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Scorpio:
Regular upkeep of your Ford Scorpio is crucial to prevent future problems. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as advised/required, and having your car examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. If you are not sure about routine maintenance tasks needed for your specific vehicle, you can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Ford Scorpio Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Scorpio stagnant for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can waste out of charge as it’s not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try your best to drive your Scorpio 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 make sure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like uncommon noises, changes in driving and performance, or warning lights are now visible on your Ford Scorpios dashboard, don’t just ignore them and get on with your day. These can be early signs of a problem and are best being resolved ASAP so that they don’t become much bigger issues later. Speak with a car mechanic locally or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like a specialist Ford mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you’ve attempted to solve it by yourself, however despite your best efforts your vehicle won’t start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start with jumper cables” 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 a number of advantages. You can get skilled Ford mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly useful if your vehicle will not 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 quickly, which is fantastic if you’re in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you just like having a specialist Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified specialist mechanics who can offer instantaneous aid, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford S-Max won’t start or it’s your Scorpio 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 explain the issues you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them by means of online chat or by 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 scenario and even assist you through basic maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
So feel free to try out our ask a Ford mechanic question service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In a nut shell, when your Ford Scorpio is unable to start, it will likely be a complete downer and a huge inconvenience. However, understanding what may be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that routine maintenance is crucial for preventing the vast majority of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Scorpio can’t start?
To start with, don’t panic. Try to identify any symptoms that could show an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely among the main causes discussed in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will need the aid of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford Scorpio won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery issue in a Scorpio consist of 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 might be best to simply change it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Scorpio not starting issues?
In order to ensure this annoyance never happens again, routine upkeep is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Ford Scorpio 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 Scorpio will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instant professional Ford mechanic help and guidance, without you having to leave your home. If your Ford Scorpio will not start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Scorpio is unable to start?
We connect you with accredited professional Ford mechanics who can supply suggestions on your specific circumstance. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly explain and show the problem. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
