My 2004 Ford Focus won’t start. When I try to start it, all I hear is a buzzing sound, and the engine doesn’t crank. The lights come on, and the stereo blinks, but nothing else happens. The car has a new battery, and it starts fine when jump-started. Any advice on what could be causing this?
If it starts with a jump, it might still be a battery issue. Did you check the battery’s cranking amps with a load tester? Surface voltage doesn’t always indicate the battery’s condition.
Zorion said:
If it starts with a jump, it might still be a battery issue. Did you check the battery’s cranking amps with a load tester? Surface voltage doesn’t always indicate the battery’s condition.
The battery was tested with a multimeter, and it’s new. The issue persists despite that.
Check the battery connections and trace the wires to ensure there’s no corrosion or loose connections. Also, inspect the starter and the relays. A few taps on the starter might help.
Jasper said:
Check the battery connections and trace the wires to ensure there’s no corrosion or loose connections. Also, inspect the starter and the relays. A few taps on the starter might help.
Thanks, I’ll check the connections and the relays to see if there’s an issue there.
The blinking light on the stereo could be related to the car’s Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). If the car isn’t recognizing the key properly, it won’t start.
Ash said:
The blinking light on the stereo could be related to the car’s Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). If the car isn’t recognizing the key properly, it won’t start.
I had the car checked, and it turns out the computer is fried, causing the key recognition issue.
The blinking light indicates that the car’s Passive Anti-Theft System is active. It might not be recognizing the key properly, which is why it won’t start.
This could be related to the car’s computer. I’ve seen similar issues resolved by reprogramming or replacing the ECU.
Adley said:
This could be related to the car’s computer. I’ve seen similar issues resolved by reprogramming or replacing the ECU.
You’re right. I had it checked, and the computer needs to be replaced. It’ll cost me around $130.