Won't Start

2000 FORD FOCUS
Advertisement
Avatar
BRIEN P
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Timing belt did not break or was not changed. 2.0 dohc, no theft light on.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
scan for codes and check crank and cam sensors.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,872 POSTS
It sounds like your exhaust might be completely plugged. Loosen the head pipe and let it hang then try to start it.

Please let us know hat happens.


Best, Ken



Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KRISTY1986
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Engine Performance problem
2000 Ford Focus Manual
----------------------------------------------------------------
2 Things:

1) As I am driving, my car will begin to stall out. Sometimes, if I give it enough gas, it won't, but it happened on the hwy at 80kms/hr last week. It will also often stall at stop lights and slowing down, while gearing down. My check engine light is also on, so I'm not sure if this has a connection. I replaced the fuel filter and air filter a month ago, but now I'm thinking it may be spark plugs, fuel pump, or the fuel injection system? Thoughts?

2) About a month ago it began that when I went to start my car, I had to force the clutch to the floor to get it to start. This week has been even worse. I spend 5-10 mins each time trying to force the clutch in as hard as possible, using every ounce of strength that I have. I'm thinking it may be a Neutral Safety Switch or the plastic bushing on the clutch pedal?

Is there anything I can do myself for these problems? Or if you have an estimate cost for the problems, I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thank you!!
Kristy
kristysherman17@hotmail.com
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
What you need to do is go to Autozone and have the computer scanned for OBD2 code/s and comeback with it-The code/s will give us an idea where the problem is coming from that turn the check engine light On -this is where we start the diagnosis.

Possible problems: Idle speed control motor/EGR and PCV valves/Throttle position sensor, MAP/MAF and fuel pressure problem-
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KRISTY1986
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I took my car in for a read lastnight and the code said P0171 - the 0 is a zero.

Any suggestions as to what that may be?

THANKS!! :)
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
P0171

A lean fuel condition can be caused by:

* Low fuel pressure due to a weak pump or leaky fuel pressure regulator. (use a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure at idle)

* Dirty fuel injectors. (try cleaning the injectors)

* Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, vacuum hose connections or throttle body. (Use a vacuum gauge to check for low intake vacuum)

* Leaky EGR valve. (Check operation of EGR valve)

* Leaky PCV Valve or hose. (Check valve and hose connections)

* Dirty or defective Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). (Try cleaning the MAF sensor wires or filament with aerosol electronics cleaner. Do NOT use anything else to clean the sensor, and do not touch the sensor wires)

* TIP: On many Fords, a P0171 and/or P0174 Lean Code may sometimes appear because of a bad Differential Pressure Sensor (DPFE). This sensor monitors EGR flow, and is located on the engine near the EGR valve. There are two hoses that connect the sensor to the tube that runs from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. The sensor misreads EGR flow and the computer increases EGR which has a leaning effect on the fuel mixture. The fix is to replace the DPFE sensor
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
LOLAPONDA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
it wouldnt start this morning but it started today at 4 when it was warmer and didnt start tonight when it got cold again
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CJ MEDEVAC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 11,004 POSTS
IF IT WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL--SEE THIS POST

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1999-ford-f-150-truck-wont-start-just-makes-clicken-noise

IF IT WILL TURN OVER, AND WON'T "BUST OFF"---SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOUR VEHICLE BETTER, MAY NEED TO JUMP IN!

THE MEDIC
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
TAWEDDLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2000 ford focus and everytime I try to start it all it does is clicks what can I do to fix this
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
When you say it has trouble what kind? Clicking? or nothing at all? If you hear a click, then either the battery is weak, or the starter, possibly bad battery cable connections, check and clean both ends of BOTH cables! Dissconnect negative(-) first, and put it on last! If no click the starter relay is no good!
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
NICKYLEAVER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Xreg ford focus ..Our car has been driving fine then when returning to it whilst out it wouldn't start...had to be left and when we returned to it the next day it started 1st time..today it has been driving fine and a similar thing happened ...returned to it ..started it then a few minutes later it cut out and we couldn't start it again ....it has now had to be left in someones car park again. No strange noises or smells.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Next time it refuses to start don't wait do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark problem
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
OGEERAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Electrical problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 80000 miles

HAVE FULLY CHARGED BATTERY, YET WHEN I TURN THE KEY I GET NOTHING???????????PLEASE HELP
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be the starter, starter relay, clutch switch/park and neutral switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
1957PAPERBOYR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 150000 miles

My Focus has a Zteck engine. It has fuel up to the rail and the plugs are firing, however the injectors are not firing. Any idea what could be the matter|?
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check for power at the injector/s if present, you have a problem with computer ground driver/s
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I have a 2000 ford focus lx. I start my car and it runs fine, but after driving it for like 15 or 20 minutes, shutting the car off, and then start it again after like 10 minutes, it studders and shakes for like 10 seconds. it goes away when i rev it, it runs fine after i rev it when it does that
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
check fuel pressure.

how long since your last tune up??

Roy
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
My mechanic plugged in a code scanner and fuel pressure seemed fine
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I recently had teh wheel bearing hub changed, cv joint changed, ignition wires and ignition coil changed and gas cleaner added a few months ago
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
and spark plugs changed
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Seems the idle control system is not working correctly. During startup, the IAC is supposed to increase the idling speed before settling down and this is not happening. Clean the throttle body and IAC and retest.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
ok, also when i rev my car when it runs fine, when the rpm goes down, the exhaust starts shooting out a ton of air, for like 30 seconds, u can hear it, but then goes away. Sometimes water starts spitting out the exhaust
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
i meant to say it starts shooting out a ton of air for like 3 seconds, u can hear it, is that normal? because when my car is running, it doesnt shoot out a ton of air, only when i rev it and the rpm goes down
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
If the cold start is working correctly the rpm would be higher than idling speed and that is normal. If the problem is intermittent and not on every occsion that you start up, I would still suggest checking/cleaning the idle controls.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CHRISFORTNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
ok, also when i go over bumps, like up a driveway hill or something like that, the car creaks. I think its the bushings?? I just had teh struts done
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Creaks can be from bushings, especially if they are worn. Other possible causes are ball joints of suspension armas or steering linkages.

If problem was not there prior to struts replacement, recheck the work done. Something could be out of place or not correctly torqued.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:57 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KSSIMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Electrical problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 100000 miles

My 2000 Ford Focus will periodically not start. I had a problem with the key getting stuck so we replaced the ignition cylinder. That is working fine now. I had the starter checked, it's fine. Battery checked out fine. Sometimes after a half hour it will start. Sometimes it will not start for days. You turn the key and hear clicking, but that is all. Could it be possible the chip/transponder in the key is malfunctioning?
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
Clicking? or nothing at all? If you hear a click, then either the battery is weak, or the starter, possibly bad battery cable connections, check and clean both ends of BOTH cables! Dissconnect negative(-) first, and put it on last! If no click the starter relay is no good!
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RIKAJALI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Electrical problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 129000 miles

Raining heavily. Didn't drive through any heavy standing water. Went into a business. When I came out I turned key. Lights, everything fine. Turned key to turn over engine and dashboard lights started flashing and it went click click click. I know normally it means battery or starter. Both only 2 years old. When tow guy came it didn't start 1st time on a jump. 2nd time fine. Left car with him. Battery was fine with full charge. He said maybe starter?
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RACEFAN966
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok so you have the car or does the tow guy have it? If you have it and a have a test light or digital multi meter we can check to see if the starter is getting power if it is then I would say pull it and take it to the parts store and have them test it and buy on if it tests bad. Let me know what you want to do.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KSSIMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The battery was checked at an auto place and they said it was good. We checked all battery connections and they are good. They do not appear corroded and have solid connections. I am sure I hear a clicking. Also had the starter tested and they said it was good.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RIKAJALI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have the car. It's started perfectly since. Drove it 445 miles since the incident on highway back home.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
The battery cables are now 10 years old, try jump starting the car, if it works, one or both cables are internally corroded, and has too much resistance to allow it to start.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MOLCDN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 155000 miles

tried to start the car other day it tried to fire (ruffly) then died, and it wont fire it turns over. It has fire in the plug, and you can hear the fuel pump do its thing when you turn on the key.Any suggestions what to check next
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RACEFAN966
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok so did or is the engine light on? If not then at this point there is nothing we can check as the problem needs to either be present or the engine light on to tell us what happened. Get back to me and we will take it from there.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Cranks but no start condition:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 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.

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems
with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing
belt/chain.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KATHYKERLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive

We repalced the starter and cleaned the batetry cables
Car will not turn over
Lights work
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Pick your symptom:

Cranks but no start condition:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 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.

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems
with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing
belt/chain.


No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be the starter, starter relay, clutch switch/park and neutral switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.
Apr 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM (Merged)