2005 Ford Focus My car won't start.

JRM2003

MEMBER
2005 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
71,000 MILES

I have had no issues with this car until a few days ago when I stopped at the store and once I came back it wouldn't start. I got a jump start which took 20 minutes, and got the car started, it then died slowly. The tow guy arrived and attached a jump start box and drove it onto his truck and then off of his truck into my driveway with no problems. I assumed it was the alternator, but then a battery test showed that my battery wouldn't hold any charge. I just put in a brand new (and charged) battery, and the engine won't even try to turn over. Am I now having problems with the alternator and the starter or is there another culprit here responsible for both?

2 Replies

JRM2003

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have deduced that it may not be recognizing my key. This would explain why it won't try to start, but not why it had its original problem. So my conclusion is that the original problem was caused by something wrong in the electrical system that drained the battery and also screwed up the PATS, because everything is powering up just fine but it won't try to start. Anyone have an idea of my original problem, or a way to verify my theory on the anti-theft system?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Saturday, May 30th, 2009 AT 6:49 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

To better assist you please tell me the exact model of your focus from the attached list. Also your engine size in liter.

Next, if it is currently starting please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (OR) and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery and alternator.

If it isn't drivable then please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (OR) and use their tool check out program and get the code scanner. Check your codes, if you find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that.

Also, when you say it died slowly. . .. . ...are you talking about as you were trying to start it the battery kept getting lower and lower and the engine would turn but slower and slower until nothing. . ..no sound no turn over?

Once it was jumped. . .. . .. . .you say it ran just fine . . .. . .. . ..started right up. . .. . .. . .the tow guy pulled it up right up. . ..started it at the house and drove it right off. . .. . ...no problems at all.

Now, new battery. . .. . .. . ...you turn the key and nothing. . .. . .. . .no noise, no engine movement. . ..nothing?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Sunday, May 31st, 2009 AT 9:40 AM