What are the reasons why the Focus won't start?
3 Answers
The reasons why the Focus won't start are: engine oil circuit, electrical circuit, and mechanical faults. In terms of the oil circuit, the main fault lies in low gasoline pressure and poor atomization; in terms of the electrical circuit, it is due to the excessive gap in the spark plug electrodes and the decreased ignition energy of the ignition coil. It is recommended that the owner promptly visit a 4S shop for handling. Taking the 2021 Focus as an example, its body dimensions are 4647mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1468mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2705mm, a fuel tank capacity of 53 liters, and a trunk capacity of 511 liters. This car is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 90kW and a maximum torque of 153Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
When I first drove my Focus, I also encountered the frustrating issue of the car not starting. There are several common problems: a dead battery is the most prevalent, especially in winter when leaving the car unused for a few days can easily lead to insufficient voltage—jump-starting usually solves it; a key fob with a dead battery or an anti-theft system glitch can prevent the start signal from being transmitted; worn starter motor brushes may cause clicking sounds without the engine turning over; a fuel pump failure or clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from being injected, resulting in the engine cranking but not starting; a faulty crankshaft position sensor is even more troublesome, as it confuses the ECU about the ignition timing. Once, I pushed my luck with an empty fuel gauge and ended up sucking debris from the bottom of the tank, damaging the fuel pump—the towing fee cost more than the repair itself!
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've figured out some tricks for Ford Focuses that won't start. Focus on three key areas: First, listen to the starting sound - if it's completely silent, there's an 80% chance the battery is dead or a fuse has blown. If there's a starting sound but the engine doesn't turn over, check the starter motor and ignition coil. If the engine turns but won't fire up, it's likely a fuel system issue - common problems include loose fuel pump connectors or leaking fuel lines. Don't forget that older Focus models often have worn ignition lock cylinders - when turning the key to START gets no response, you may need to turn it back and forth several times to complete the circuit. Honestly, regularly replacing the battery and using quality gasoline can prevent most of these issues.