Introduction
As a professional Auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Tempos that won’t to start. And I can assure you, I understand how annoying 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 explain the most common causes why your Ford Tempo won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll understand how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer practical troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Ford Tempo starting and moving as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Tempo Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s important to initially understand the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Tempo won’t start”, this could be because of an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially however then not starting, or possibly you can hear a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these situations can be indicative of various problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Tempo Won’t Start
There are various reasons that a Tempo won’t start. These problems usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system problems, in addition to electrical or circuitry failures. Each one of these issues can show up as different symptoms and require different solutions to identify and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Tempo That Won’t Start
Having the ability to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your vehicle still refuses to start, it can be a sign that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Tempo Won’t Start
The initial step to figuring out a practical solution to the issue is getting to grips with the root cause of that problem, so let’s delve into the most typical causes as to why your Tempo fails to start.
Ford Tempo Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Tempo fails to start is, in many cases because of the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to charge the battery or change it. The vehicle’s battery provides the electricity needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Ford Tempo. Signs of a bad battery issue in a Tempo, are things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car’s 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 Tempo Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can easily stop your Ford Tempo 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 dead and you don’t realize it until you get into your beloved Tempo and it refuses to start. Symptoms that your car’s 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 Tempo Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Tempo, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is failing in some manner then the engine will not crank, and your Tempo can’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 your key or a grinding sound during the startup, or your car can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Tempo Fuel System Complications
Now we’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having complications. Your Ford Tempo uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a combination of both fuel and air. If your Tempo problems are part of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine may not be getting 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 Tempo Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Tempos rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older model, you can still have typical problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical reasons why your Ford Tempo will not start up. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ greatly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Tempo can start however only intermittently or numerous warning lights show on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the abilities of an experienced car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have determined what the reason for your car troubles are. The next logical step is of course to attempt to fix it. Here are some pointers for the typical issues we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Tempo
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason why your Tempo has difficulty starting, then the first thing you must do is check around the battery and check 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 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 Tempo’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 Ford Tempo, it will probably run out of life once again in the not so distant future. You can make use of 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 Tempo, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Tempo’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 Weekend mechanics service.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Tempo
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 the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery. It’s likely because of a problem with your car’s alternator if you discover your Ford Tempo dies right away when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may damage the sensitive electronic parts in your Ford Tempo, so its best to seek advice from an experienced mechanic in your area or online, prior to ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Tempo
If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the car by turning the key, however the engine doesn’t crank, then its most likely an issue with your starter motor. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Fix Fuel System Complications in a Ford Tempo
If you suspect 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 the vehicle. You should hear a humming sound for a few seconds. It may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you notice your Ford is tough to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it could possibly be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require 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 Tempo
If you suspect it’s a wiring or electrical system problem, initially examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Ford starts after this, then it was an effective, low-cost and easy fix! However, if the vehicle doesn’t start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be due to a broken sensor. These problems can be extremely complex and a professional car mechanic is likely required to diagnose 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 father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you hopefully avoid any Ford Tempo starting troubles again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Ford Tempo:
Regular upkeep of your Ford Tempo is key to avoiding future difficulties. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing 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 required for your particular car, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Ford Tempo Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Tempo off for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery can waste out of charge as it’s not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try to drive your Tempo regularly to keep the battery charged up. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not 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.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you notice anything out of the ordinary like uncommon sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights are now visible on the dash, don’t just ignore them. These can be early indications of an issue and it’s best to be attended to ASAP so that they don’t end up being much bigger problems later. Speak with a car mechanic locally or online about these issues and find out if they need to be addressed.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you’re either limited on time, want a specialist Ford mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you have tried to fix it yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your vehicle won’t start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a fantastic option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start clicks once then nothing” 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 several benefits. You can get skilled Ford mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly helpful 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 answers rapidly, which is great if you’re in a hurry, need a second opinion, or you just like having a specialist Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can supply immediate assistance, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Telstar won’t start or it’s your Tempo 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 explain the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them via online chat or by call, whichever you prefer. The Ford mechanic will help you detect the issue, guide you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even assist you through basic maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our speak to a Ford mechanic service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your Ford Tempo wont start, it will likely be a major downer and a huge inconvenience. However, understanding what might be triggering the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is key to preventing the majority of car issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Tempo doesn’t start?
First of all, don’t panic. Try to identify any symptoms that might suggest a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is most likely among the most common causes gone over in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Ford mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Ford Tempo won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Tempo 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. It may be best to just change it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Tempo not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never ever happens again, routine upkeep is key. This consists of things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Tempo checked by a mechanic often. It’s also a terrific idea to drive the car frequently so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Tempo will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instant specialist Ford mechanic help and advice, without you having to leave your home. If your Ford Tempo won’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly beneficial.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Tempo can’t start?
We connect you with certified expert Ford mechanics who can supply advice on your specific situation. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly demonstrate the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.
