Where is the inertia switch on a Ford Fiesta?

The inertia switch, also known as the fuel pump cut-off switch, is usually located inside the passenger compartment of a Ford Fiesta and features a small reset button. Its exact spot varies by model year and market, but common placements are in the passenger footwell behind trim near the kick panel or behind the glovebox, with some versions found in the boot near the spare tire. If you can’t locate it there, consult your owner’s manual or a Ford dealer for the precise location on your VIN.

Where it’s typically located

To help you locate the switch, here are the most frequently encountered placements across Fiesta generations. The exact location can differ by country and trim level, so use these as practical starting points.

• Passenger-side footwell under the dash, near the kick panel or fuse box


• Behind a small panel in the glovebox area on the passenger side


• In the boot/trunk, behind the side trim near the spare wheel well or under the rear seat

If none of these spots contain a reset button, the vehicle may be configured differently for your market or model year. In that case, check the owner’s manual or contact a Ford service center for the exact location.

How to identify and reset the switch

When the engine won’t start after an impact or if you suspect a fuel-supply issue, the inertia switch may have tripped. Re-setting it is a straightforward process in most cases, but should be done with safety in mind.

Steps to reset (where the switch is accessible)

• Locate the red reset button on the inertia switch housing


• Turn the ignition to the ON position for a moment, then OFF


• Press the reset button firmly until you hear or feel a click, indicating it has reset


• Return the ignition to the ON position and try to start the engine

If the engine still won’t start after resetting, or if the switch trips again, there could be an underlying fuel-system fault or electrical issue. Do not repeatedly reset the switch without diagnosing the root cause.

Model-year and market variations

Ford’s Fiesta line has seen regional and generation-based variations in both presence and placement of the inertia switch. Some late-model Fiests may not have a readily accessible manual reset in certain markets, while others place the switch in less obvious locations. Always verify with the vehicle’s manual, dealer, or Ford’s official service resources for your specific year, trim, and country.

Summary

In most Ford Fiesta models, the inertia switch is a small reset button located somewhere in the passenger area—most commonly the footwell near the kick panel or behind the glovebox—and in some variants it may be found in the boot near the spare wheel. If you need to reset it, locate the switch, press the button until it clicks, and attempt to restart the car. If issues persist, consult a qualified technician to diagnose potential fuel-system or electrical problems.

What causes a Ford Fiesta not to start?

A Ford Fiesta that won't start is often due to a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, or an issue with the ignition system. Start by checking the battery and its connections for corrosion. If the battery is good, investigate the starter motor, ignition switch, and related fuses or relays. Other potential causes include a bad key fob battery, a fuel pump problem, or an issue with the fuel cut-off switch. 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose a common Ford Fiesta starting issue where the engine cranks but the car won't start: 1mMidwest Mechanic YouTube · Feb 25, 2023
Initial checks (easy fixes)

• Check the key fob: If your Fiesta has a push-button start, the battery in the key fob might be low. Try holding the fob close to the start button or use the emergency start procedure. 
• Look for a "click" sound: A single loud click or rapid clicking when you turn the key can indicate a weak battery or a bad starter motor. 
• Check for power: Do the dashboard lights come on? If they are dim, it's a strong sign of a weak battery. 
• Jump-start the car: If the battery is the issue, a jump-start might get the car running. 
• Check the fuel: Make sure you haven't run out of gas. Also, listen for a soft whirring or humming sound from the fuel pump when you turn the key to the "on" position; if you don't hear it, there may be a fuel delivery issue. 
• Check the steering wheel: Sometimes, the steering wheel can lock the ignition switch. Try jiggling the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key. 

You can watch this video to see how to perform an emergency start in a Ford Fiesta: 54sThe Car Key ManYouTube · Oct 4, 2018
More in-depth checks

• Battery terminals: Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion (a white or bluish powdery substance). Clean them and ensure the connections are tight. 
• Fuses and relays: Check the relevant fuses and relays in the fuse box, especially those for the fuel pump and ignition system. A 7.5 amp fuse (Fuse 32) is a common failure point. 
• Starter relay: You can sometimes test the starter relay by swapping it with a similar relay in the fuse box (like the horn relay) to see if the car starts. 
• Ignition switch: A faulty ignition switch can cause a no-power situation. This is a more involved fix and may require a mechanic. 
• Fuel cut-off switch: Some Fiestas have a fuel shut-off switch that can be triggered by a hard jolt. Check your owner's manual for its location and how to reset it. 

This video shows a common problem with the ignition switch on a Ford Fiesta and how to fix it: 57sThe Car Key ManYouTube · May 29, 2019
When to see a professional

• If you've tried the simple checks and the car still won't start.
• If you are uncomfortable working on the vehicle's electrical system or components.
• If the problem requires professional tools or expertise to diagnose and fix. 

Where is the inertia switch on a 2009 Ford Fiesta?

2009 Ford Fiesta: Locating the Fuel Cut-Off Switch for No-Start Issue. Fiesta models often face fuel cut-off switch trips after minor collisions or rough driving conditions. The fuel cut-off switch, also known as the inertia switch, is usually located in the passenger footwell behind the glove box.

Where is the inertia switch located?

The inertia switch is typically located in the passenger footwell behind the kick panel or under the dashboard, although its exact position varies by vehicle model and can be in the trunk or on the firewall. To find it, you may need to remove trim panels in one of these areas, looking for a switch with a red button that can be pressed to reset it. 
Common locations by vehicle type
This video demonstrates the location of the inertia switch in a Ford Expedition: 55sDaddy DIY GrillingYouTube · Sep 11, 2023

• Passenger footwell: This is a common location, often behind a kick panel on the passenger's side. 
• Trunk: In some cars, particularly older models, it's located in the trunk, sometimes behind a side panel. 
• Firewall/Bulkhead: On SUVs and pickups, it can be found on the firewall, on the passenger side, or within the passenger compartment rather than the engine bay. 
• Under the dashboard: Some vehicles have the switch under the dash, near the center hump in the floor. 

How to find and reset the switch

1. Check common locations: Start by looking in the areas listed above, especially the passenger footwell or trunk, depending on your vehicle type. 
2. Look for a reset button: The inertia switch is often a small, square-shaped device with a red button on top. 
3. Remove trim: If it's not immediately visible, you may need to remove a plastic trim panel to get access. 
4. Reset the switch: Press the red button firmly to reset the switch. If the button is already down, the switch is not the cause of the problem. 
5. Turn the ignition on: After pressing the button, turn the ignition on to see if the vehicle now starts. 

How do you reset the fuel pump on a Ford Fiesta?

The fuel pump shut-off switch is located behind an access panel in the right rear quarter trim panel, near the liftgate. The fuel pump shut-off switch has a red reset button on top of it.