car issues ??

st99 · #1 12-06-2013, 09:04 AM

A couple weeks ago on a -26 morning, my wife 02 focus started, she went back inside while it's warming up. When she went back out after 10 min, it wasn't running anymore. I tried to start it and no noise at all. Got it checked and the starter was toast, so they ended up putting in a new starter and I also put in a new battery.

Today it did the same thing, I'm not a home, I don't know if the starter is turning. But I don't understand why would it start then stop?

What could be the problem ?? alternator ?

AbAngler · #2 12-06-2013, 09:12 AM

I've had "brand new" alternators fail more then once. I now have them tested before I leave the parts shop. Boost it, fire it up, if the battery drains, its more then likely alternator.

Could also be the voltage regulator. Don't really know much about Ford cars, but I put an aftermarket voltage regulator on my 01 Dodge 2500 when I had charging issues.

Pixel Shooter · #3 12-06-2013, 09:13 AM

Can you jump the car off with battery cable and it run properly? If you can do this then it may be the alternator.

Was the solenoid on the starter or stand alone? Not sure on the ford focus but some of the newer lower end vehicles they are integrated in the starter and not stand alone. the other thing worth checking is the starter relay. they are cheap, $15 give or take

I personally would go back to where you got it fixed. I dont get how it was the starter being that it originally started but stopped running after running for a bit.....got to be something more to this.

silverdoctor · #4 12-06-2013, 09:16 AM

Do you have a multimeter handy? get it boosted and check the battery while it's running, should measure above 13 volts. If it's still around 12v with the car running, the alternator is probably toast.

AbAngler · #5 12-06-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pixel Shooter

I dont get how it was the starter being that it originally started but stopped running after running for a bit.....got to be something more to this.

I'm betting the starter was fine.... Battery might have been fine too.... Did you or the shop do a load test?

fn1949 · #6 12-06-2013, 09:18 AM

Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep0WnGOeNRA

AbAngler · #7 12-06-2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fn1949

Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep0WnGOeNRA

Interesting comments. I hate Fords.

Good luck st99!

Sneeze · #8 12-06-2013, 09:25 AM

While I couldn't tell you for sure without having some time with the car -

I would look at the fuel and fuel delivery.

xxclaro · #9 12-06-2013, 09:30 AM

Need a bit more info. Is it cranking or not? Do lights and accessories still work?

Stinky Buffalo · #10 12-06-2013, 09:34 AM

Does it sometimes have trouble holding revs at idle (revs going up/down)?

Check your IAC (Idle Air Control). If it's starting to get sticky, it'll be worse in cold weather. Fairly easy to replace.

tri777 · #11 12-06-2013, 09:42 AM

Faulty ignition/tumbler/key switch?

harrydude · #12 12-06-2013, 09:46 AM

I would say the main issue is the blue oval thingy

And were r u located

tri777 · #13 12-06-2013, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrydude

I would say the main issue is the blue oval thingy

I seem to strongly agree on that one!

Sooner · #14 12-06-2013, 10:21 AM

Wifes cavalier worked fine at home, went into a store, came out 20 mins later wouldn't even turn over. Was an alternator. I bet the alternator in the car is shot, then killed the battery with the fan etc running. That could be the problem.

Stinky Buffalo · #15 12-16-2013, 09:39 AM

ST99, any luck getting it running?

Big_Willy · #16 12-16-2013, 02:12 PM

I have a (very) newer model Ford Fusion. The battery died on an ideal spring day and would not hold any charge. I was told by the AMA Roadside guy that Ford car batteries are junk- sometimes not even making it off the sales lot. I replaced it with an AC-Delco (GM) as I have never had any issues with them.

Likely not your issue, but, something to keep in mind. Batteries are cheap and easy to replace, other things off-warranty are not...

-Willy

st99 · #17 12-16-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

ST99, any luck getting it running?

I started it when I got home, and it's been running well since. I don't know what my wife did or didn't do. It looks like nothing's wrong.

Stinky Buffalo · #18 12-16-2013, 02:41 PM

Glad to hear it's running again!

Icatchfish · #19 12-16-2013, 06:20 PM

had the exact problem a few years ago and replacing the battery fixed it. but the mechanic told me that it could have been my alternator. so since you changed the battery you should get the alternator checked it mightneed replacement.

dumoulin · #20 12-16-2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

Does it sometimes have trouble holding revs at idle (revs going up/down)?

Check your IAC (Idle Air Control). If it's starting to get sticky, it'll be worse in cold weather. Fairly easy to replace.

My wife's 98 escort had the same issue. This part was replaced and it ran fine.

xxclaro · #21 12-16-2013, 09:21 PM

Yeah, the ford factory batteries aren't always very good. Some go for years, others crap out pretty quick. However, the Motorcraft replacement batteries are significantly better. Not that cheap, and I'm not saying they are the best value out there, but they are quite good.
Many vehicle's don't use and IAC motor anymore, but worth checking.

I've seen the remote start cause issue's like this too. It'll usually only run 10-15 minutes before its programmed to turn off. After using the remote starter 2-3 times, you usually have to hit the keyless entry fob unlock button and start it with the key. If its cold and didn't start right away, perhaps she used all the starting attempts. If this is the case, you'll usually see a red security light flashing rapidly on the dash. Hope it continues working well for you.