Why wont my 2018 Ford EcoSport start but clicks?
Few things are as frustrating as turning the key in your car’s ignition (or pressing the start button) only to hear a clicking sound instead of the engine roaring to life. If you’re experiencing this issue with your 2018 Ford EcoSport, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This article will explore the most common reasons behind this problem and provide actionable steps to help you diagnose and resolve it.
Common Causes of a Clicking Sound When Starting
The clicking sound you hear when trying to start your car is often a sign that the starter motor isn’t receiving enough power or is unable to engage properly. Here are the most common culprits:
- Weak or Dead Battery: A drained or failing battery is the most common reason for a clicking sound. The battery may not have enough power to turn the starter motor.
- Corroded or Loose Battery Connections: Corrosion or loose terminals can prevent the battery from delivering sufficient power to the starter.
- Faulty Starter Motor: If the starter motor is damaged or worn out, it may click but fail to engage the engine.
- Bad Alternator: A failing alternator may not charge the battery properly, leading to insufficient power for starting the car.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with the ignition switch, relays, or wiring can also cause the clicking sound.
Understanding these potential causes is the first step toward diagnosing and fixing the issue. Let’s dive into how you can troubleshoot this problem.
How to Troubleshoot the Issue
Follow these steps to identify and potentially resolve the issue with your 2018 Ford EcoSport:
- Check the Battery: Use a multimeter to test the battery voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the car is off. If it’s below 12 volts, the battery may need to be charged or replaced.
- Inspect Battery Connections: Open the hood and examine the battery terminals. Clean off any corrosion with a wire brush and ensure the connections are tight.
- Test the Starter Motor: If the battery is in good condition, the starter motor may be the issue. You can test it by tapping it lightly with a wrench while someone tries to start the car. If the car starts, the starter motor likely needs replacement.
- Examine the Alternator: If the battery keeps dying, the alternator may not be charging it properly. Have the alternator tested at an auto repair shop.
- Check for Electrical Problems: Inspect the ignition switch, relays, and wiring for any visible damage or loose connections. This step may require professional assistance.
By systematically working through these steps, you can often pinpoint the cause of the problem and determine whether it’s something you can fix yourself or if you need professional help.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and still can’t resolve the issue, it’s time to bring your 2018 Ford EcoSport to a trusted auto repair shop. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing starting issues for all makes and models, including Ford vehicles. Our experienced technicians can quickly identify the problem and get you back on the road in no time.
Don’t let a clicking sound ruin your day. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let us take care of your car troubles!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Ford clicking but not starting?
A rapid clicking noise when trying to start your car could mean there's something wrong with the electrical system. Perhaps you have a dead battery, or your alternator (which charges the battery) isn't working correctly.
Can you jump a car with a bad starter?
You can try to jump-start your car even when the starter is bad, and sometimes the extra current from an additional battery will spin a starter that is getting weak. While there's no guarantee it will work, it might be worth giving it a try, especially if you have to make that urgent trip.
Why is my Ford EcoSport clicking but not starting?
From what you are describing here, this sounds like this will be a low battery issue. The initial crank and then the following clicking is the sign of a battery that has less than 12v or loose/poor connections. So, first, check the battery terminals and make sure they are tight and free of any corrosion.
Where is the reset button on a Ford?
All cars, regardless of the manufacturer, have reset buttons located on the glass of the dashboard. It's located on the left edge of your dashboard. This is the same for Ford cars too. The reset button should be located on the dashboard, which is on the left side.
Why is my car not starting but the battery isn't dead?
Bad alternator
Connected to the battery is the alternator, which works to generate power for your vehicle's electrical components. When you have a brand-new battery but still can't start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail.
Why is my Ford not starting just clicking?
A rapid clicking noise when starting your car typically indicates an electrical problem, often due to a dead or dying battery. A single click may point to a faulty starter or starter relay, requiring professional inspection if a jumpstart doesn't work.
What is the problem with the 2018 Ford EcoSport?
The 2018 Ford Ecosport has been reported to experience a handful of engine issues, mainly grinding noises, the engine stalling, coolant leaking from the engine, complete engine failure, and oil pump problems. Regarding the oil pump problems, Ford issued a recall on certain 2018-2022 Ford Ecosport vehicles.
Why won't my 2018 Ford EcoSport start?
The most common reasons a Ford EcoSport won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What happens if my engine clicks but wont start?
Do you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in your car's ignition? If so, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. This clicking noise is usually caused by one of five things: a dead battery, loose wiring, faulty starter motor, faulty ignition switch or corroded battery terminals.
What is the most common problem with the Ford EcoSport?
The 2019 Ford EcoSport has been known to experience a variety of electrical system issues, which can significantly impact driver safety. Common problems include radio errors, loss of power braking assist, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light activation, battery warning light illumination, and battery issues.
