No crank issue?

Tiny
RAVENSUNSET
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
When we turn the key, you can hear everything engaging, however the car will either not start, or will start after holding the key for a few seconds. We have changed the starter. No issue with the starter as the original was still good. Most of the time you can pull it into neutral and it will start. Changed the "safety neutral switch" and the car still has the issue. There is a screen that pops up that states "hill start assist not available." I thought the automatic versions of this vehicle were not equipped with this. Can you tell me possibly what is wrong with the car or what the possible issue is?
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 AT 6:36 AM

33 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,648 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the starter relay is having a problem. Here is a guide to help us get started with the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

This guide can help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
DANIEL KAPPEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2010 FORD FOCUS
  • 0.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
No crank no start. I changed the starter switch, not that all lights on dash come on and go back off. Please help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check battery for condition including load test most places do for free. Also, try a security system reset
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi DANIEL,

If you decide to check the condition of your battery yourself here is a link to an article form this site that features written instructions, pictures and a video explaining how to load test your battery yourself.

If you need further assistance please come back to 2CarPros.com. We are always happy to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-battery

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THEICE23
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2010 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 66,500 MILES
Hello,
I have a 2010 Focus SE couple - manual tran and I have trouble starting the car. I checked the starter, battery, alternator, fuses, key sensor and still the car will not crank. I tried to push start the car to check if it was an engine issue. The car ran/runs perfectly. I can not seem to figure out why the car will not crank over. I now have to manually start the car by connecting a cable from the starter to the positive from the battery. Please help.

Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAWILL1US
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2010 FORD FOCUS
  • 90,400 MILES
Have a 2010 ford focus. Wrench symbol came on while driving on fwy for 20 mins. Car did not lose power or stop. Got off fwy to go to store. Turned over engine again. Symbol does not appear on my dashboard. What is the potential problem?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Fly by wire system has an issue. Have it checked to verify.

It most likely has a warranty on this. Have this verified at the dealer.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
An intermittent fault has been detected. A scan might tell you what caused it as trouble codes wuld be stored.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 7:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CYBERTEK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 30,000 MILES
My 2007 Ford Focus SES, was working well until the other day I stopped at the store after work and would not start, just clicks. Had to jump start it but could not maintain RPM's and would quickly die out. First thought was the battery but when I was able to drive it home, after several jump starts and carefully accelerating it all the time, the voltage was a steady 13+ after charging for about 2 hrs. But still would not start. Any assist would be appreciated.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SPACAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2007 FORD FOCUS
  • 60,000 MILES
2 weeks ago, car wouldn't start on first crank, all the lights came on. I waited 5 seconds and started the second time no problem.
Last week, turned the key, lights came on and the car didnt even crank. No sound coming from the connection.
This morning. Enginge not turning over at all.

( CAA checked out the battery last week and said there was a lot of juice left and the alternator seemed good too)
starter? Loose connection?

Getting the car towed first thing Monday morning. Please help :)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Is there power in the battery?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SPACAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Lots of power in the battery, and cold cranking amps are good. CAA tech checked it out
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Ok, back to basics, compression, fuel pressure and spark. One is missing and we need to find out what is missing

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMISTAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
Engine Mechanical problem 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 45000 miles

The battery seems fine, lights work. Does not crank/fire when started. You can hear a clicking under the hood near the front (meaning close to the windshield)on the drivers side when you turn the key. Lights and all gauges work fine. The battery seems strong. I was told it was probably the alternator, in retrospect I think it may be the starter or could it be the starter solenoid, I checked the starter fuse under the hood, it is fine. I have not checked the fuses by the drivers side in the car. I know if the starter has to be replaced, you should also replace the starter solenoid. Could the solenoid be the cause of the problem or are the odds its the alternator?
Thank you for your help,
Janice
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hi Janice,

First off, have you tried jump starting it? If not do so, if starts and runs good it could be your Battery. Also, check the interior lights make sure they are not on.

While vehicle is running go by your local parts store and have them test your battery.

If still doesn't start could be the Starter Relay, that is most likely the clicking you hear. It is located in the main junction box under the hood. There should be a diagram on the underside of the lid. That will tell you which one is the starter relay.

Test check if it is bad take a look at the numbers on it, then look at the other relays around and match up the numbers and then just swap the two out. Just remember which ones you swapped.

If starts then replace relay.

If still does not start the could be starter.

.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMISTAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello obxautomedic,
Per your questions. The battery has been tested it is fine. Tried to have the car boosted it still did not start. All power is turned off when trying to start start vehicle that is why I am thinking it could be the ingnition or the alternator or the starter solanoid or starter relay. Though the fuses where checked. Can I check any of these components with a volt meter before towing it to a garage?
Thank you Janice
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hi Janice,

Check out the following links to test....

Relays - https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_do_i_check_a_relay.htm

Fuses - https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/fuse.htm

If after testing the above and they all check out the next thing to do is to remove the starter and have it bench tested, before replacing.

And the Starter Selenoid is attached to the starter so you would have to replace the starter even if the selenoid is the problem.

Also it is not your Alternator, the alternator charges the battery and powers all eletrical componants. It has nothing to do with your vehicle not turning over. Especially if your battery checks out good and you have attempted jump starting the vehicle.

Mark

.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENABROADHEAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having the same prob but on the instrument panel there is a pic of a car with a lock thru the car. My catalytic converter went out. This happened once before when the oil got too low but oil is fine now. The car has been running rough when idling but otherwise runs ok. Can you tell me where to start looking. I can find nothing on this warning light but obviously the system has shut down to prevent further prob but Don't know what I'd wrong. Should I try putting on battery charger as nothing works not lights, door locks not will it turn over. Other than the one warning light on the panel there is a faint oil light that shows up
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,648 POSTS
Hello,

Yes I think have are on the money with the battery. I would replace it and then recheck the alternator to make sure it is getting charged.

Here is a guide to load test the battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Cranking Over Content

Car Not Cranking? Try This | EASY
VIDEO
Car Not Cranking? Try This | EASY
In­struc­tional re­pair video
Starter Not Working
GUIDE
Starter Not Working
This guide is de­signed to help you iden­tify whether the is­sue with your non-work­ing starter mo­tor is due to an elec­tri­cal prob­lem or a fault within the starter mo­tor it­self...
VIEW MORE