2004 Ford Focus put key into ignition and it won't turn

2004 Ford Focus

QUESTION:

'04 Focus with 28,000 miles. Problem: put key into ignition and it won't turn, steering wheel NOT locked. called local Ford dealer, said recurring problem on Focus, needs new ignition. Too expensive for me, so Ford dealer mechanic said to 'hit' the key into the ignition. It worked but now have to carry rubber mallet in car to hit key to turn ignition to start car. What's going on? Is this a recall issue? Why should a 4 1/2 yr old car with LOW mileage have this problem? I am not happy with this Focus. There have been other problems that were partially resolved. I still get very poor gas mileage but that's another problem for another time. What about this ignition problem?

Answer:

Yes this was a common problem and they did redesign the new cylinder to prevent this from going bad again. And no Ford never did issue a recall on this problem. So yes unfortunately you will have to replace the lock cylinder to prevent carrying a hammer around. And the hammer trick will not last forever. So yes I see why you are upset about the car but no company ever issues recalls every time they have a common problem they all have them. I wish you luck Steve
PS there are programs that dealers are provided with the option of helping the customer out one time after the warranty has ran out. If you have a good relationship with the dealer and if you are NICE then they may help you. But they do not HAVE to.

1996 Chrysler Sebring the key is stuck in the ignition

Question:

I only had 1 key to my 1996 Chrysler sebring, so about a month ago I went to a local locksmith and they made me a copy of the original key. I am not for sure, but I am guessing that my original key has a chip in it because it is a factory or dealership key w/ black top. My sebring is equipped with the anti-theft system, of which when I purchased the car used, I did not receive the key-less remote to. Anyways, my question or problem is this: I have been using the copy key for the entire month with no problems until a week ago...the key is stuck in the ignition on acc. and will NOT turn all the way to lock so I can get it out! It is STUCK and WILL NOT COME OUT!!!! What could be causing this and how do I get it out? Is it because it isn't the chip key and if so how could I use it before now without any issues? HELP!!!!



ANSWER:

Any Chrysler's keys with a black top do not have a chip, they are usual blank keys.
Keys with a chip ( transponder) have a gray top, like this one:




Your anti-theft system contains the switches that are located inside the front doors and when you turn your door lock cylinder ( driver or passenger) a switch send an ON or OFF signal to the Body controller.
Your problem with the stuck key is only mechanical failure of the ignition lock cylinder.
There is nothing related to a "chip" technology.
You should replace the ignition lock cylinder.

1997 Chevy Express 1500 350 ci TBI won't start

Our van won't start, just cranks. After changing the air filter I attempted to start it and had just a click. I charged the battery, still just a click. I thought maybe a pulley had frozen up so I sprayed with lubricant. I had a friend beat on the starter and solenoid and it turned over but would not start. Any suggestions would be appreciated.



Response:

If it cranks, check your fuel line to make sure gas is getting to the injectors, it sounds as possible fuel starvation.



Check your battery cables at the battery for corrosion. In fact just remove them and clean them real good. Remove negative cable first and when putting them back on, put the positive cable back on battery first!





If this doesn't help, check the cable at the starter to see if the connection is loose.



If that doesn't help, have the battery checked by load testing it, not with a hydrometer.



For it to run you need fuel, compression, and spark. If you have all 3 it should run. However, in cold weather if you dont know the age of your spark plugs, they will fail causing your engine to flood very easily. Even Fuel Injection systems as they spray a small amount of fuel before you crank. Another thing you can try on Cold Hard starts is to turn the key 3 or 4 time before cranking. You should hear the Fuel Pump running for a few seconds, turn the key off and repeat like I said 3 or 4 times. This acts like the old fashioned Choke.

If your not getting Spark, check you Engine Control Module they run $20 and up. Oh, it's under the distributor cap and also controls your Fuel Pump

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery cables of for a few minutes, but did not help. 97 Cadillac Deville. let sit four hours, took positive cable off battery for a while, now my battery is dead used another car and booster cables for battery no luck

Answer:

There is a problem with the "passkey ll " system. The best way to diagnose that would be the "interrogator" tool. Most lock smiths will have that. There are 13 different resistance values in the diodes, (in the key) and most times it is a problem with the ignition switch sending the correct information to the decoder module.

The best thing to do would be to get a lock smith to come and check it. They will normally charge about $65, which is less than the dealer, minus the tow charge. They will pinpoint what part is needed.

1996 Saturn-Starting Problem

I have a 1996 Saturn SL1 and suddenly it won't start. It is low on gas so, my first thought was that with the severe cold yesterday had caused gasline freeze. The odd thing though, is that it isn't turning over. I put some gas line antifreeze in it and let it sit. It hasn't started yet but, I haven't tried it yet today. It has a new battery etc. Everything works. he radio, the blower, the lights all have plenty of power so, any ideas as to why it isn't attempting to turn over?





Thank you for any suggestions you may have!

 

Response:

http://www.freeautomechanic.com/nostart.html it seems to be an electrical problem. Before you do anything else make sure the blinkers work at normal pace, sometimes lights and all other electrical equipment work with a low battery, not the blinkers. Also, if the battery is not delivering sufficient power to crank the engine you should hear a ‘clicking’ noise, which is a sure sign of insufficient crank power and the battery needs to be charged and the posts cleaned and make sure they are tight.



Often, when the battery is new and fully charged the battery posts are no tight enough, or have enough corrosion –which is not always visible- to prevent from sending sufficient power to the starter. If this is the case, simply cleaning and retightening of the posts is enough to solve the problem.



If you have plenty of power and none of the above symptoms are present, the most likely alternative is a possible loose connection in the starter system.

I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado Reg Cab 1500 and I changed the battery but it still doesn't start.

First determine what it is or isn't doing.

1) Engine turns over, but will not start
2) Engine does not turn over when attempting to start (nothing Happens except the lights do come on)
3) Clicks Once
4) Clicks repeatedly
5) No lights, no noise.... nothing
6) Starter motor spins, but does not engage

Then diagnose properly. Car won't start Diagnostics

1996 Jeep Cherokee won't start

My Jeep has a new battery and starter. The fusible link and alternator are also good but the damn thing will not start. All fuses and relays are good too. When I turn the key I get nothing, no sounds what so ever. Anyone have an idea of what it could be? we can however start the car by "shorting out" the starter from underneath the car but that is the only way we can get it to start.

http://www.freeautomechanic.com/nostart.html

Response:



Ignition switch

Neutral / park switch if the unit has automatic trans.

OR

Clutch depressed switch if manual transmission.







simple test. Run a wire from the positive battery post to the alternator output *that red wire on the back of the alternator). Try starting the Jeep. If it starts you've blown a fuse link. If not you've got other problems. With the Key on in the Run position does ANYTHING work?? Radio, Gauges???

 

Just because an item has been Replaced does not ensure that it is NOT Defective. No Power to any electrical with the Key on is a Prime example of a Wiring problem. Usually a Fusible Link on the Starter. Fusible Links look like a wire and may look fine to the eye however, like a fuse be burnt under the protective coat. This is why I asked if you have power with the key on to your accesories. If NO power simply run a wire to the Alt from the Pos on the battery and leave the key and radio on. If the radio starts as soon as the battery is connected then you have a Blown Fuse Link. Skipping steps lead you astray.

If you have power to the accesories then is it an Automatic Trans or Stick? If it's a stick check tyhe clutch Depression Switch on the top of the Clutch Pedal. Hint it's that plastic thing that has 2 wires and moves with the Clutch Pedal. If it Automatic, wiggle the shifter in Neutral while holding the key on the start position. This checks the Neutral Safty Switch.

1992 Chevy G20 Van won't restart after it gets to operating temperature

My van starts fine, drive it about 10 miles and the  check engine light comes on. After I shut it off, it takes forever to start again. I have already replaced fuel filter, fuel pump relay, and throttle body sensor. What else can it be? I'm tired of throwing parts at it.



See Response >

Mercury Mountaineer has plenty of battery power, but will not turn over

QUESTION:

My 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has plenty of battery power, but will not turn over - any ideas? Attempted to jump start battery - but that was not the issue. The battery is fine. It simply won't turn over, I can hear a metallic click, but the starter does not engage.

ANSWER:

If you idea of plenty of battery power is the fact that the lights and radio work then it can still be the battery. The starter requires around 250 amps where the radio only requires around 5 amps. 99% of all no starts are caused by a failed battery. You can have the battery load tested or use a battery out of another vehicle to test.

Once you have ruled out the battery, the next step is to test for power at the "s" terminal (small wire) at the starter while someone holds the key in the "Start" position. If you see battery power , then you need to replace the starter.

Reference Link: No Start Diagnostics

battery went dead I jumped battery, now only the alarm comes on when turning the ignition

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer and the battery went dead. I jumped battery, now only the alarm comes on when turning the ignition. alarm goes off, but engine won't even turn.



Answer:



Buy a new battery or charge the one you have. Remove old battery or disconnect the one you have. Turn ignition key to the "on" position and leave it there while you connect the new battery or charged battery. Start car.





With the key being on when you connect the battery the computer knows its OK to start.

my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Question:

2008 Subaru outback : Last Sunday, my wife and I both used our key fobs at the same time, and while she was able to start the car with her key, we couldn't auto-lock it. Now, I just went to drive the car for the first time since then, and my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Answer:

If the vehicle is totally dead the problem could be the battery, that is where I would start. See if it can be jumped and if it starts see if anything was left on in the vehicle to drain the battery if nothing is noticeable have the battery tested.

My 78 ford F100 will not start.

QUESTION:

My 78 Ford F100 will not start. I have replaced coil, battery, and the electronic unit that plugs into the wiring harness for the distributor. ( I'm not sure what you call it.) My truck will turn over great but it will not fire off. What else can I check? It was running great until I turned it off at the gas station and it would not crank again. Please Help!!

ANSWER:

Looking at all you have replaced I would suspect you have overlooked the dist stator. Under your dist cap is where you will find it. It was common back on the older F 100 when you replaced the Ignition module you also replaced the stator. The stator provides the signal to make the module fire the coil.

Bypass the GM Security no start issue

Many GM Vehicles have a little metal chip in the key. This means your car is equipped with GM's anti-theft device called VATS ( Vehicle Anti Theft System ).

How it Works: Inside the Ignition Key Cylinder are two very tiny wires that connect on either side of the chip when the key is inserted. This allows a signal from the engines computer to travel through the chip in the key and then start the vehicle.

The Problem: These two tiny wires tend to get bridle and break and the contact points that touch the key also become worn and no longer carry the signal.

Bypass procedure: What you need to do is use a multi-meter and measure the ohms of resistance of the chip from one side to the other. (thats right, the chip is just a resistor). Once you have the measurement, take yourself over to Radio Shack and buy one for around $1.29. Look below the column for this 2 tiny wires and expose them(you do not need to take the column apart) Install the resistor and you are good to go.

Silverado 350 vortec won't start when its cold.

1998 Chevy Silverado Truck Z71

QUESTION:

1998 Silverado 350 Vortec won't start when its cold.i hear the fuel pump running, and tried numerous times to start it, finally gave it one shot of starting fluid and it fired right up. Once it runs for a while and gets warm it will start right up. What could this be? Already Tried: fuel pump 6 months old, injectors one year old, fuel filter is new.

ANSWER:

Couple of things it could be. 1) Needs new spark plugs (extremely common)
2) IAC (Idle Air Control) is sticking and will need to be replaced. If you press gas pedal about 1/4 way down and it starts , then the IAC needs to be replaced.
3) Throttle body is dirty and is restricting air flow

1985 Camaro, the engine will start but not stay running.

QUESTION:

I have a 1985 Camaro, 2.8 litre multi-port fuel injection. The motor has about 55,000 miles on it. I was driving down the road when it lost power. Now the engine will start but not stay running. I can hear the fuel pump running.



ANSWER:

First thing you will want to do is check for any computer codes. This can be done by you . Extract GM Codes . If there are any codes, repair as needed or let me know what the codes are if you are not sure what to do.
If there are no codes then, you need to have the fuel pressure tested. It needs to have at least 40 psi with just the key on and the engine not running(see testing procedure below). If not, replace the fuel pump.

Another way to test this is to have someone spray starting fluid in the air filter while you start it and keep spraying to see if it will stay running. If it stays running on the starting fluid, then you need a fuel pump.

TESTING
1) Relieve the fuel system pressure and check that there is an adequate quantity of fuel in the tank.
2) Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the pressure connector fitting located on the end of the fuel rail.
Fig. 1:Fuel pressure can be checked using an inexpensive pressure/vacuum gauge


3) Make sure the ignition switch has been in the OFF position for at least 10 seconds and that all accessories are OFF.
4) Turn the ignition switch ON and the pump will run for about 2 seconds. Note the system pressure with the pump running, it should be between 40-47 psi.
NOTE: The ignition switch may have to be cycled to the ON position more than once to obtain maximum pressure. It is also normal for the pressure to drop slightly when the pump first stops, but it should then hold steady.

5) If the pressure is not as specified, verify that fuel pump operation is heard in the tank.
6) If fuel pump operation is not heard, inspect the fuel pump relay and wiring.
7) If fuel pump operation is heard, inspect the filter and lines for restriction.
8) Start the engine and make sure the pressure decreases about 3-10 psi at idle.
9) If fuel pressure does not decrease, inspect the fuel pressure regulator and hose.
10) Disconnect the fuel pressure gauge.

My battery light came on while driving home and now it won't start

QUESTION:

I have a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo and my battery light came on while driving home and now it won't start. It drove home fine even with the battery light on. The next morning i went out to start it and nothing. What could it be?

ANSWER:

Generally when the alternator starts to fail a Battery light will illuminate on the dash board. This means the battery is no longer being charged , this does not mean the battery has a problem.

Testing : Using a multi-meter set to DC volts, connect the positive and negative leads to the same on the battery with the car's engine running. You should see from 13.2 - 14.7 volts. If you see less than this and confirm it is the same when the engine is running or not, then you know the alternator is not charging.

Jaguar convertible with dead battery. Can't get trunk open.

QUESTION:

1997 Jaguar convertible with dead battery. Can't get trunk open. How do I charge the battery? The battery(which is dead) is in the trunk not under the hood. There is no key slot in the trunk and the remote won't work. It is a Jaguar 1997 XK8 convertible.

ANSWER:

Pop the hood, and connect a battery charger to the vehicle. There are cables that attach to the battery and run to the engine compartment and they connect to a terminal that will have a red cover over it. There should be a red plastic cover off to the side, pull off the cover and connect the positive terminal here. and connect the negative terminal to an all metal portion of the engine. Let it charge for at least 15 minutes and then you should be able to open the trunk.

This procedure is also listed in your owners manual that is usually located in the glove box.

My car will not start every time

Question:

I have a 1994 Chevy S-10 with a 2.2L engine. It will not start every time I try. It does nothing when I turn the Key, the lights on the dash come on but nothing else. But, if I keep trying it will eventually crank over and start. What could be the problem?

Answer:

This is actually a classic description of a failed/failing starter assembly. What happens is on the inside of the starter there are contact points called"brushes". These contact points are what deliver electricity to the "armature"(the rotating part) and cause it to turn. When these brushes where down far enough then the cap the electricity has to jump becomes to great and makes it difficult to jump the gap.

The fix for this issue would be to have the starter replaced. The part runs about $75.00 for a remanufactured starter and around $125.00 for a new one with about an hour for labor.

my van has no power. A realtively new battery is drained, and nothing works.

my van has no power. A relatively new battery is drained, and nothing works. The van is a 2001 ford windstar there are about 100,000 miles on the van Thought the battery was drained, so we tried to hook up a fully charged battery and it drained the charged battery as well. Had the alternator replaced shortly before this problem started.

Answer:

Sounds like the alternator is either not hooked up completely ( wire unplugged) or the new alternator is bad.

Alternator Testing

Toyota Corolla 1999 and I have trouble to start engine

Question:

I have Toyota Corolla 1999 and I have trouble to start engine. When I turn key on I listen only one click from from starter and nothing. After that I turn key on once again and the engine start normally. It is happen any time when is engine cold or hot. sometimes take me 15 min. to start engine. Battery is new and checked for load, amp.. , salesperson checked start motor - said it is OK. ( 9,5 V ) at that time car started without any problems. I checked crankshaft sensor ( Ohm ). By Haynes book it''s OK. Should I perform some another tests!? or what is problem?



Answer:

This is a very common problem. You are having intermittent starter issues. What happens is you get poor contact inside the starter, usually due to worn starter brushes. This causes an intermittent no start. Vehicle may click one time for 20 minutes and then start fine.


You can verify this by probing the signal wire (small single wire) on the back of the starter with a test light when the vehicle is giving you this no-start problem. Probe the wire with a test light and ground the alligator clip. Now have someone turn the key and see if the test light lights up.


If it lights up, but does not start, you know that you are getting signal to the starter and you are having a problem with the starter itself.


(NOTE: BE CAREFUL WHEN PROBING THE SIGNAL WIRE BECAUSE THE ENGINE MAY START. YOU WILL HAVE YOUR HANDS DOWN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT!! REMEMBER THAT THIS IS AN INTERMITTEN ISSUE, SO EVEN IF IT DOES NOT START 100 TIMES IN A ROW, IT MIGHT START THE NEXT TIME. PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOUR HANDS/BODY IS CLEAR OF ANY MOVING PARTS IN CASE THE ENGINE STARTS.)




The brushes are held by the brush holder (#5 in diagram).
You can take the starter apart, but I would recommend replacing the starter if you are not a skilled technician.