The list of possible causes of a vehicle that won’t start seems endless and can leave you even more confused than you were at first. If you Ford Focus won’t startthere are a few ways to locate the problem and, more importantly, fix it so you can be back on the road in no time.
When your Ford Focus won’t start and click, it’s an indicator that you might have a problem with the battery, key fob battery, alternator, fuel pump, or immobilizer.
Ford Focus won’t start or won’t turn on
If your Ford Focus won’t start and there is no clicking noise, something is wrong. However, identifying the problem can seem like an uphill battle. What could be causing this problem then? Do not worry, because here we have compiled the best information for you.
There are different reasons why your Ford Focus is having these problems. Although it may be difficult to figure out the exact reason on your own, it is essential to understand the functions of each of these parts. That’s why in this article, we’ll take a look at each of them, as well as the reliability of the Ford Focus, so read on.
Why won’t my Ford Focus start?
When we rely so heavily on our vehicles in daily life, it can be a disaster when things go wrong and leave you stranded with no transport available.
If you turn the key and your Ford Focus won’t start, it is important that you do not try to start the engine repeatedlyas this could cause more damage depending on where the fault is.
Your car may not start, it may not make any noise but the lights still work, or it may not work at all.
Ford Focus won’t start and no clicks
If you have tried to start your Ford Focus but there is no sign of life, this indicates that you have a problem with the battery or that the main fuse has blown. There are simple ways to diagnose these issues to help get you one step closer to getting back on the road.
1- Battery problems
Start by checking the battery and see if you can spot any obvious signs of damage or a loose connection.
Using a multimeter you can check if your battery is reading at a stable voltage, anything below 12 volts is an indicator that your battery is to blame for your Ford Focus problems.
Car batteries are usually designed to work for a maximum of 5 yearsdepending on how well maintained and operated they are, but a bad battery will leave you without power and won’t even allow your motor to turn.
You can try jump starting the car, but if that doesn’t help, you probably need to change the battery. You can also try charging the battery with a charger.
2- Main fuse
There are a ton of wires and fuses that work together to power your vehicle and keep it running, so the chance that one or more of these may be loose or faulty is not unheard of. You can find out more about the Common fuse box problems.
If your Ford Focus has a complete loss of power, then you may find that the main fuse or other wires are blown and damaged. Fixing fuses and wires is usually a cheap fix and can be done at home.
If you’re having recurring problems with your Ford Focus’s fuses and electrical system, then it may be best to see an auto electrician to find out what’s really going on.
3- Faulty alternator
The alternator is what recharges the battery when the car is running. So if you’re driving down the road or starting your car to go somewhere else, then this part is doing its job properly.
However, if your battery ends up dying, it may be because the alternator is not holding a proper charge, it is good that you know the common alternator problems. This is because when you have the car on and running, it acts as an “alternator” and charges the battery for you. So if this part is faulty and not working properly, then eventually, your battery could die.
4- Starter motor failure
The function of the starter is to start the engine by turning the flywheel and crankshaft. (basically spinning your car). So if the Focus tries and tries to start and nothing happens, this could be because the starter motor has failed. Read more about the starter motor failure.
Replacing a starter motor can be done on your own, but it is a job that requires some knowledge and patience. This is because you will have to remove the starter to replace it with a new one.
Won’t start and won’t click but lights work
This may confuse some, but it is also a common problem. If your focus won’t start or spin, then it points to a battery problem like we just covered, but if your lights work and come on, then this could point to something completely different from potential failures.
1- Key fob battery dead
The key fob has its own security system in your Ford Focus and if the key fob’s battery is dead it could immobilize your car and leave it without the engine.
If you can’t get the start button to start your Focus, try pressing the button with the remote as it has a chip inside it that will recognize it and should allow you to start your vehicle.
Changing the battery in your keychain is a fairly simple task. You can buy a new battery and remove the key fob, replace the battery and you’re good to go.
2- Fuel problems
There are many aspects that make up the fuel system and all of them can be susceptible to starting problems in your Ford Focus. Not only can these different parties be at fault, but the fuel itself could be creating a problem with the ignition.
If the spark plug wires are installed correctly and the plugs are in good condition, the fuel pump may be preventing the engine from getting the fuel it needs to start and run smoothly.
You may not want to fix the fuel pump yourself, and you can ask a mechanic for help if you suspect it’s the culprit. You can also discover here everything about: the faulty fuel pump.
The fuel filter can become clogged with dirt and debris and prevent the engine from running smoothly, and there are a few signs you can notice ahead of time that point to this problem.
If you’ve had problems with acceleration and power, this could be a sign that the fuel filter is clogged and therefore the engine won’t start.
Frequent questions
If you try to start your Ford Focus and there is no clicking noise, something is wrong. In general, you may have some problems with your Ford Focus, and if it won’t start or makes a clicking noise, then start checking the basics. For example, check the battery first.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What can cause a Ford Focus not to start?
The most common issues with a Focus that won’t start are a dead battery, a dead key fob battery, or an alternator problem.
When I turn the key nothing happens, no click?
The clicking sound is the engine turning, so when you turn the key and nothing happens, this may mean your starter isn’t turning the engine and you may need a replacement.
What does it mean if your Focus won’t start but clicks?
This may indicate that the battery is not charged and needs more power to start the engine, you may also notice that the lights continue to work in this scenario as they require less voltage to work.
What is Ford Auto Engine Shutdown?
The Ford Focus with built-in push button start comes with automatic engine shutdown which will turn off your vehicle’s ignition if it is left idling for an extended period of time to save power from your car’s battery.
In conclusion
There are many possible reasons why your Ford Focus won’t start, from a dead battery, a faulty key fob, or even a fuse. Working through the list of possible faults isn’t a more helpful way to diagnose ignition problems on a Ford Focus, but it does give you a good idea.
Using specific indicators, such as lights that continue to work or even clicking noise when turning the key, is the best way to locate the problem and fix it as soon as possible.
So the next time your Ford Focus won’t start and doesn’t click, you now know that the problem is most likely the battery or the key fob battery and you’ll be able to diagnose the problem much more easily using our helpful guide.
