Intro
As a certified Auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Sierras that won’t to start. And let me tell 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 … absolutely nothing!
But don’t worry, 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 explanations why your Ford Sierra won’t start. I’ll discuss all the most common causes and you’ll understand 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 Sierra starting and driving again as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Sierra Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s crucial to first have a grasp of the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Sierra won’t start”, this could be due to various things being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not firing up 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, but ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can be a sign of different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Sierra Won’t Start
There are many reasons why a Sierra refuses to start up. These issues usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system issues, along with electrical or wiring failures. Every one of these issues can show up as different symptoms and require separate solutions to detect and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Sierra That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your car still refuses 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 Sierra Won’t Start
The initial step to figuring out a practical solution to the problem is having a grasp of the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s explore the most common factors why your Sierra can’t start.
Ford Sierra Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Sierra won’t start is often due to a bad battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you have to either charge up the 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 Sierra. Signs of a bad battery problem in a Sierra, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit 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 Sierra Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A damaged alternator can easily stop your Ford Sierra from starting as it will not be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete fairly quickly till it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Sierra and it refuses to start. Symptoms that the alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning 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 Sierra Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Ford. If the starter motor is failing in some way then the engine will not crank, and your Sierra won’t start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key 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 Sierra Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having complications. Your Ford Sierra uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Sierra problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine might not be getting the fuel it needs to get the vehicle started. 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 Sierra Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Sierras rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older model, you can still have typical issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a damaged ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your Ford Sierra can’t get started. Signs of a wiring or electrical issue can vary greatly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Sierra can start however only intermittently or some warning lights are lit up on the car’s dash. To appropriately diagnose and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have diagnosed what the cause of your car troubles are. The next logical step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some tips for the common problems we’ve covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Sierra
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you need to do is inspect the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly 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 Sierra’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 weak or old. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Ford Sierra, it will probably deplete quickly once again in the near future. You can make use of 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 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 Sierra, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Sierra’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 service technician.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Sierra
If the alternator is what you suspect is the offender, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle 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 notice your Ford Sierra dies right away, then it’s most likely due to a problem with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might damage the sensitive electronic components in your car, so its best to chat with an experienced mechanic locally or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Sierra
If you think the starter motor is the reason for your Ford Sierra failing to start, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Issues in a Ford Sierra
If you suspect 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 the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you discover your Ford is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to correctly repair. 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 Sierra
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, initially examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Ford starts after this, then it was a successful, easy and cheap repair! Nevertheless, if the vehicle doesn’t start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard, it could be a damaged sensor. These issues can be extremely complex and a reliable car mechanic is most likely needed to identify 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 dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you avoid any Ford Sierra starting difficulties ever again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Ford Sierra:
Regular upkeep of your Ford Sierra is essential to avoiding future troubles. This consists of things like regular oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online if you are uncertain or not sure about the routine upkeep tasks required for your particular automobile.
Drive Your Ford Sierra Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Sierra in the driveway for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may run out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine running regularly. Try your best to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged. If you remember you haven’t driven your car in a while, take it for a spin to make certain there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging to the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you observe anything out of the ordinary like unusual noises, changes in driving and performance, or warning lights are now visible on the dash, don’t just ignore them and get on with your day. These can be early signs of a problem and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP before they become much bigger issues later. Speak to a car mechanic in your area or online about these problems 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 an expert Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve actually tried to solve it for yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Ford will not start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be an excellent option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford is turning over but 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 professional Ford mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially useful if your car won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers rapidly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you just prefer having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified specialist mechanics who can offer immediate assistance, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Shelby won’t start or it’s your Sierra 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 unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them through online chat or by telephone call, whichever you prefer. The Ford mechanic will help you identify the issue, guide you on what are the best options for your individual situation and even assist you through basic maintenance and repairs step by step.
So feel free to try out our Ford mechanic question and answer service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Sierra won’t start, it can be a total downer and an enormous inconvenience. However, having an understanding of 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 upkeep is essential for avoiding all kinds of vehicle problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Sierra can’t start?
To start with, don’t panic. Try to identify any symptoms that could indicate a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is likely among the most common causes gone over in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will need the assistance of a Ford mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Ford Sierra won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Sierra 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 swap it out for a new one if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Sierra not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never ever occurs again, routine maintenance is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Ford Sierra checked by a mechanic frequently. It’s also an excellent idea to drive the vehicle frequently so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Sierra won’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instantaneous expert Ford mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your house. This is specifically beneficial if your car fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Sierra won’t start?
We link you with certified professional Ford mechanics who can provide recommendations on your specific circumstance. You can inform them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can effectively show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
