Shut off, no start

SRPHIGHTOWER

MEMBER
2003 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
98,000 MILES

My car stopped while going down the high way like I turned the key off all the gauges dropped and the car just rolled till I stopped. The number 8 fuse under the hood in the fuse box blows everytime I replace it and turn my key in the ignition. The door chimer cuts on the gauges reset then the fuse pops. All of the other interior electrical items work.

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 AT 5:44 PM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Fuse 8 is for the starting system and the ignition switch. I suspect you have a short in the ignition switch or the starter. So I would suggest disconnecting the wires on the starter and then put a new fuse in. If it pops again then replace the ignition switch. If it does not then you have a short in the starter solenoid and you need to replace it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

The reason the engine is shutting off is because the fuse blows and the PCM loosens the key position. On these older vehicles when the PCM loosens the key position it shuts the ignition off.

Please see all the info below on what was covered above.

Please let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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