2014 Ford Focus SE won’t start - any ideas?

Seeking Help
1

Yesterday my 2014 Ford Focus SE (hatchback, if that matters) was showing 3/4 tank of gas while driving. After I parked and came back from the store, it wouldn’t start—felt like it was out of gas. After a few tries, it finally started, but it now showed 0 miles, like it was empty. Then it went back to 3/4 tank again. Today, it stopped starting entirely; just clicks once or twice, but no crank. The cluster is working fine.

I’ve replaced the purge valve and starter, but it didn’t change anything. Tried swapping out the starter relay, but still nothing. Any advice on what to check next?

2

I assume no check engine light? You already replaced the usual culprit for this kind of issue. Try disconnecting the battery, then touch the tips together to discharge any energy. Leave it disconnected for 15 minutes and see if that resets anything. This worked on my girlfriend’s car last year.

3

@Jules
You mean touch the battery terminals together?

4

Uma said:
@Jules
You mean touch the battery terminals together?

Yes, after you disconnect them, touch the terminals together to dissipate the energy, then wait 15 minutes before reconnecting.

5

Uma said:
@Jules
You mean touch the battery terminals together?

No, disconnect the battery and touch the car’s positive and negative cables together.

6

Kai said:

Uma said:
@Jules
You mean touch the battery terminals together?

No, disconnect the battery and touch the car’s positive and negative cables together.

Okay, I think I understand now. Thanks!

7

When you turn the key to the ON position, does the low-pressure fuel pump in the tank make a noise?

8

Sun said:
When you turn the key to the ON position, does the low-pressure fuel pump in the tank make a noise?

I’m not sure what sound I’m listening for.

9

Uma said:

Sun said:
When you turn the key to the ON position, does the low-pressure fuel pump in the tank make a noise?

I’m not sure what sound I’m listening for.

It’s a faint, robotic sound.

10

@Sun
When I try to crank it, it does make a quick noise that might be what you’re describing.

11

Uma said:
@Sun
When I try to crank it, it does make a quick noise that might be what you’re describing.

Just turn the key to ON without trying to crank it. The noise should be noticeable, even if it’s faint.

12

@Sun
Okay, then yes, it makes the noise.

13

Uma said:

Sun said:
When you turn the key to the ON position, does the low-pressure fuel pump in the tank make a noise?

I’m not sure what sound I’m listening for.

How many miles does your Focus have? Mine started having similar problems around 150,000 miles, right after I filled the tank.

14

@Sun
Mine has just over 160,000 miles. It’s always had trouble starting if I fill up when it’s down to 1/4 tank. This issue also started the day after a fill-up.

15

Uma said:
@Sun
Mine has just over 160,000 miles. It’s always had trouble starting if I fill up when it’s down to 1/4 tank. This issue also started the day after a fill-up.

That’s exactly what mine did when the fuel pump went out. It started a couple of times, then just wouldn’t anymore.

16

@Sun
Mine acts similar when I fill it at 1/4 tank—I have to press the gas to get it to start. My first thought was fuel-related issues like the pump, filter, or injectors, but I hate messing with fuel lines, so it’s my last resort.

17

@Uma
Those symptoms sound like what happened when my purge valve failed. Then two weeks later, the fuel pump went out.

18

Sun said:
@Uma
Those symptoms sound like what happened when my purge valve failed. Then two weeks later, the fuel pump went out.

I replaced the purge valve today, but it didn’t make any difference. Looks like it might actually be the fuel pump. I’ll probably need to have someone come diagnose it.

19

@Uma
Yeah, that would be my guess too.

20

@Uma
Here’s the fuel pump I used. Amazon says it’s not compatible with my car, but it actually is.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U2T6Y4A?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title