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No Crank, No Start Issue - 2013 Focus

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Woelfe

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I was hoping I might find some useful suggestions to resolve this problem I am having with my car before turning it over to a professional.

A few days ago I came home for lunch and when I went to leave 30 min later, my car would not start. I would turn the key, all the lights/bells would ring, but nothing when I cranked the engine.

My battery terminals were pretty corroded so I cleaned those very well, and still no start. A friend from work came by and gave me a jump start and the car started right up. Took it to an auto part store and they tested the battery, alternator, starter - all of which registered as good to go.

I was able to use the car for the next 2-3 days with no issue until today when it randomly would not start again. I got a jump start, took it by another auto store and they rechecked everything - all good still.

I'm a little stumped as to what the issue may be, or if there is anything else I can troubleshoot on my own without having to pay for service. Everyone keeps saying just buy a new battery, but the car is only 2 years old (2013 Ford Focus S, 60K miles), and it seems like an odd problem to have given the age, even with the mileage.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!
 
#2 ·
The bat is not bad, ok, but might be on its' way out, especially if weather there is similar to here. We only get 3 years on (even good) bats here. Less than 3 years is also no surprise.

Aditionally, the corrosion does compound the problem of bat and Alt aging. Corrosion on the terminals is obvious (and you cleaned it) but other corrosion inside those cables (half an inch away from the bat lug) can be hiding inside.

Perfectly cleaned-up and inspected cables/lugs/connections is what I would do first; new bat second. Also, same for the bat to car frame connection. Find and clean this connection.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Battery needs checking, and cable terminals need removal for cleaning along with the neg. ground to frame connection.

After that, you need to pay attention if the transmission goes through it's "prepare to start" checks when the car door is opened. (assuming an automatic, the "DCT" transmission)

Not hearing those noises would be a direct clue of possible TCM trouble, an item covered by an extended warranty. Look in the MkIII Problems section for the Stickie on "14M02" for the details of that.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Marde said:
The bat is not bad, ok, but might be on its' way out, especially if weather there is similar to here. We only get 3 years on (even good) bats here. Less than 3 years is also no surprise.

Aditionally, the corrosion does compound the problem of bat and Alt aging. Corrosion on the terminals is obvious (and you cleaned it) but other corrosion inside those cables (half an inch away from the bat lug) can be hiding inside.

Perfectly cleaned-up and inspected cables/lugs/connections is what I would do first; new bat second. Also, same for the bat to car frame connection. Find and clean this connection.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the reply! I wondered if the extreme heat here in Texas may wear the battery down faster. My last focus I had living New England lasted good 5-6 years.

There was quite a bit of corrosion on the positive terminal. I took them off and scrubbed them with baking soda and water. I did not look look further into the cable sleeve though, and the post to the car frame looks squeaky clean entirely.

I'll probably pull it all apart and give it a good once over though to be sure.
 
Discussion starter · #5 · (Edited by Moderator)
sailor said:
Battery needs checking, and cable terminals need removal for cleaning along with the neg. ground to frame connection.
Click to expand...
I have had three auto stores check the battery, starter, and alternator with their gadget meters and every time all three check out as good. Is bad battery still possible, and if so, how can I know for sure? I will go back over the terminal cables as well for more cleaning if necessary.

After that, you need to pay attention if the transmission goes through it's "prepare to start" checks when the car door is opened. (assuming an automatic, the "DCT" transmission)

Not hearing those noises would be a direct clue of possible TCM trouble, an item covered by an extended warranty. Look in the MkIII Problems section for the Stickie on "14M02" for the details of that.
Click to expand...
Is this unrelated to my issue? I'm not sure how it relates to starting problems if it is the jittery transmission issue I have heard of. I did get the letter about that from Ford, and am planning on having them look at my car this fall.

When I inquired about it they said it was not an emergency, and that it would not affect any other operation of the car. It does sputter/jitter with light acceleration, but not often enough or badly enough to get it done right away. Back when I looked into the issue they said there was quite a backlog on parts to get it done as well.

Thanks for your suggestions!
 
#6 ·
Sorry, there was a typo in my post.

"14M02" is what was intended, that relates to TCM troubles that can prevent starting.

"Shudder" problems don't affect starting but when the TCM doesn't go through the pre-start sequence to ensure it's in neutral the car won't start.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
sailor said:
Sorry, there was a typo in my post.

"14M02" is what was intended, that relates to TCM troubles that can prevent starting.

"Shudder" problems don't affect starting but when the TCM doesn't go through the pre-start sequence to ensure it's in neutral the car won't start.
Click to expand...
No worries, thanks for the info!

So this is a bit different from the "other" transmission problem then? I actually had a couple times recently where I could swear the car was in reverse, gave it gas and it would not go. Maybe this is same thing and getting wonky for me to start.

Both times this has happened I have been able to have the car jump started. Does that make sense if it is TCM issue?

Maybe I need a new car. Good grief! LOL
 
#8 ·
Jump starting working points to battery/connection/ground over TCM, but it can also be coincidental as many work or don't intermittently when they are starting to have problems.

Battery ground to chassis is known to cause issues if not perfect, that one hasn't been mentioned as being disconnected & cleaned up yet. Jump could help if that is less than perfect.

Dealer would be checking these items (battery & connections) first unless you have codes that show another problem, so you might as well check them first yourself.

I mentioned listening for the pre-start noises as a way to see if the TCM was doing it's job, troubles with shifting and not starting consistently are both symptoms of issues.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Well, I made an appt this week at Ford for them to give the car a look over. In the meantime I have a jump box thrown in the trunk to keep from getting stranded. Makes me miss my previous focus, a manual transmission. That car was a beast. Over 225K, 8 years, and I only replaced tires, brakes, muffler, and an alternator. Regular oil changes. And I could always push start myself. :)

Thanks again for the suggestions!
 
#10 ·
Woelfe said:
I have had three auto stores check the battery, starter, and alternator with their gadget meters and every time all three check out as good. Is bad battery still possible, and if so, how can I know for sure? I will go back over the terminal cables as well for more cleaning if necessary.



Is this unrelated to my issue? I'm not sure how it relates to starting problems if it is the jittery transmission issue I have heard of. I did get the letter about that from Ford, and am planning on having them look at my car this fall.

When I inquired about it they said it was not an emergency, and that it would not affect any other operation of the car. It does sputter/jitter with light acceleration, but not often enough or badly enough to get it done right away. Back when I looked into the issue they said there was quite a backlog on parts to get it done as well.

Thanks for your suggestions!
Click to expand...
Hi Woelfe,

I see you mentioned heading to the dealer earlier this week. Do you have any updates?

Meagan
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
FordService said:
Hi Woelfe,

I see you mentioned heading to the dealer earlier this week. Do you have any updates?

Meagan
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reminder, I actually got the car back last night from the dealer.

They ran the diagnostic to check for codes and none of them registered for the TCM issue. They did go ahead and "reprogram" for the TCM issue, but at this time no replacement parts were needed.

When they pulled the battery to test it, it failed. So I guess the auto store gadget meter doesn't really tell you a whole lot in the end. I probably should have just listened to everyone telling me to swap the battery initially, but I needed the TCM issue checked out anyway.

I'm a little disappointed the battery failed in two years. I think that is a first for me with any battery, but I lived in the northeast for most of my years. The Texas sun may be more brutal on them for all I know. :)

Thanks again to everyone with suggestions. First time using the forum, and you all are helpful crowd!
 
#12 ·
Woelfe said:
Thanks for the reminder, I actually got the car back last night from the dealer.

They ran the diagnostic to check for codes and none of them registered for the TCM issue. They did go ahead and "reprogram" for the TCM issue, but at this time no replacement parts were needed.

When they pulled the battery to test it, it failed. So I guess the auto store gadget meter doesn't really tell you a whole lot in the end. I probably should have just listened to everyone telling me to swap the battery initially, but I needed the TCM issue checked out anyway.

I'm a little disappointed the battery failed in two years. I think that is a first for me with any battery, but I lived in the northeast for most of my years. The Texas sun may be more brutal on them for all I know. :)

Thanks again to everyone with suggestions. First time using the forum, and you all are helpful crowd!
Click to expand...
Happy to hear everything was taken care of! If you have any questions in the future, I'll be here. :)

Meagan
 
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