2000 Ford Focus won't start sometimes

Asked by GaryM949 Jan 14, 2017 at 12:54 PM about the 2000 Ford Focus ZTS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Car is a 2000 Ford focus, Zetec engine, automatic, 105000 miles on it.  
99% of the time the car starts, but twice now it won't crank.  All lights work,
PATS light on dash is normal, no click from the solenoid.  First time it was
towed, then sat for about 8 hours, and then it started fine.  A few days later
it did it again, same thing, but this time the tow truck driver tried turning the
key on and off and finally it started. Battery is healthy, full charge and holds
charge. Does this sound like a starter issue?  Or maybe the ignition switch?  
Any ideas?  I don't want to just throw parts at at.

2 Answers

220,965

First check the battery connections, look for corrosion in and around the wiring insulation, if so replace. Make sure battery cables are clean and tight. When the car doesn't turn over, if you have a test light check on the small wire on the starter solenoid when someone is turning the key to start, check to see if power runs down to the solenoid. If no power when the key is turned, it may be the ignition switch. If there IS power, then have the starter checked out. It just may be in the solenoid on the starter.

1 people found this helpful.
20

It would click before I changed the starter and all lights on dash is working but put new starter on and now it don't make a clicking sound

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2000 Ford Focus

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,260
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,570
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,380
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Civic
1,371 Great Deals out of 29,067 listings starting at $600
Used Ford Fiesta
158 Great Deals out of 1,968 listings starting at $1,250
Used Ford Mustang
877 Great Deals out of 23,035 listings starting at $1,150
Used Toyota Corolla
1,663 Great Deals out of 24,787 listings starting at $975
Used Toyota Camry
2,091 Great Deals out of 37,807 listings starting at $575
Used Ford Escape
2,305 Great Deals out of 45,571 listings starting at $475
Used Honda Accord
1,513 Great Deals out of 29,433 listings starting at $600
Used Ford F-150
6,060 Great Deals out of 130,219 listings starting at $1,500
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
137 Great Deals out of 3,940 listings starting at $2,995
Used Hyundai Elantra
956 Great Deals out of 26,939 listings starting at $650
Used Chevrolet Malibu
969 Great Deals out of 20,140 listings starting at $700

Used Cars for Sale

2018 Ford Focus For Sale
67 Great Deals out of 833 listings starting at $4,750
2017 Ford Focus For Sale
65 Great Deals out of 722 listings starting at $5,199
2016 Ford Focus For Sale
56 Great Deals out of 659 listings starting at $4,170
2015 Ford Focus For Sale
42 Great Deals out of 566 listings starting at $1,250
2014 Ford Focus For Sale
88 Great Deals out of 878 listings starting at $750

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.