2017 platinum wouldn’t start

[Switchblade Sue]

Just hit car in Friday. Saturday I sat in driveway with accessories on that pair phone. Accessories on less than 5 min. Went to start car went dead. No accessories, nothing. Is there some safety feature I am unaware of or could there be a potential problem with the car?

[bangster]

I don't think there is really an accessory mode anymore, so you had your IA keyfob with you, did you simply turn on the radio, or did you have it running then turn it off the engine, and have it in the mode (accessory delay) that the radio still works, windows can be rolled up and down for 10 minutes or you open a door?

 

Was the blower motor on (like if you press the start button without putting your foot on the brake) which puts the car in Run position but doesn't start the car?

 

It shouldn't have totally been dead, sounds like there might be something wrong, or did it start after some sequence of events?

Edited February 11, 2019 by bangster

[Switchblade Sue]

1 hour ago, bangster said:

I don't think there is really an accessory mode anymore, so you had your IA keyfob with you, did you simply turn on the radio, or did you have it running then turn it off the engine, and have it in the mode (accessory delay) that the radio still works, windows can be rolled up and down for 10 minutes or you open a door?

 

Was the blower motor on (like if you press the start button without putting your foot on the brake) which puts the car in Run position but doesn't start the car?

 

It shouldn't have totally been dead, sounds like there might be something wrong, or did it start after some sequence of events?

It was on just so a accseories worked and so I could get the factory code. Then when I pressed brake to start, it shut completely off and would not turn anything on. We put a jump box on it and it started. We drove it all weekend no problems after. I did read in the manual that if you have both key fobs near one another it can cause starting issues. My car is missing the rubber liner where you lay the key fob to program keys, and that is where I had both fobs sitting. So I’m not sure if that could of been the culprit. I mean we drove to Hoover dam, all over Vegas rest of weekend and not the slightest problem. So sinceim new to all this tech,

i don’t know if I caused it or not. ??‍♀️

Edited February 11, 2019 by Switchblade Sue

[Switchblade Sue]

 Somebody please help I’ve literally driven my car twice and had this problem happened twice now it has nothing to do with the key fob this time because I didn’t have both key Fobs with me. I turned on the car to where it wasn’t running just press the button and released so radio and everything else came on. It was on not even five minutes or so and I went to start the car and everything went dead and it had to be jumpstarted . I can’t believe I’m already having problems I just brought the car home last night ?

[bangster]

Have you had the battery tested? Seems like this car has had a checkered past, and if it sat someplace for awhile without being started or was towed and left with something on a battery can go bad even if the car is only 2 years old.

 

My battery is on the verge of death, and I can sit for 30 minutes with the radio on and it still starts okay. Premium audio with 380 watts and volume up fairly high. I am trying to find an AGM battery for it, so I just keep my lithium ion jump box in the trunk but haven't had to use it yet.

[Switchblade Sue]

 I called a Ford dealer and I’m going to have the battery tested I haven’t had all my tools on me since I just sold my old truck and brought home the fusion last night so I have not had a voltage meter on me to do it myself. it did live in a cold climate for the two years prior to me. it lived in New York and then in Utah so I know cold weather can take a toll on a battery I’m really crossing my fingers that’s all it is. The Carfax has no record of problems In its past. 

[Switchblade Sue]

Had battery, alternator, and starter tested. All are fine. Ford dealer

wants me to bring it in. I knew I should’ve stayed with a Toyota. ???‍♀️

[drolds1]

 Ask the dealer to see if Ford OASIS (On-line Automotive Service Information System) has any service history for this car.  It will show any warranty work done.  You're looking for anything like this having shown up before.

Edited February 26, 2019 by drolds1

[bangster]

I wonder if it happens if you just listen to the radio by turning it on, and not putting the car in Run (but not started/running). There is no "accessory" position so pressing start without your foot on the brake is Run, so blower motor can run, all engine electronics are on, it just isn't running. I also wonder if it happens if the car is in "delay exit" mode, if you start it, then turn it off and don't open a door. If you can do that for a longer than 5 minute period of time.

 

I don't think there is a timer that says "the car was in run for 5 minutes, but didn't start, so turn everything off if tried to start", but if you exit the car (with your IA key/fob) and re-enter does it then start, and that it doesn't really need a jump.

[bbf2530]

Hi SwitchbladeSue. This sounds like a battery problem and a new battery will most likely fix the issue.

 

You said you had the battery tested, but that the Ford Dealer wants you to bring it in? So I assume the battery was tested somewhere other than your Ford Dealer?  Traditional battery testers/tests are not accurate any longer.  The battery needs to be properly load tested.  Again, a new battery will most likely fix the issue and it will be covered under warranty. Also, if any reprogramming needs to be performed due to some sort of extraneous/unusual battery drain, it should be discovered and also fixed by your Dealership's Service Department at that time.

 

Also, as an FYI, just to avoid confusion for others: There is an "Accessory" position for the ignition.  Pressing the Start button once with your foot off the brake is a Run mode, which essentially allows most systems to run (fan, dash lights, radio, windows etc).  Pressing the Start  button a second time enters Accessory mode, which will allow you to listen to the radio and operate the windows for ~10 minutes (or you open a door) without everything else running.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited February 26, 2019 by bbf2530

[drolds1]

In my 2017 MKZ, I can listen to the radio when the car isn't running just by pushing the "Power" button for the audio system.  No need to hit the Start button or anything else. This is not mentioned in the OM.  I suspect that the Fusion has a similar feature. 

[bbf2530]

3 hours ago, drolds1 said:

In my 2017 MKZ, I can listen to the radio when the car isn't running just by pushing the "Power" button for the audio system.  No need to hit the Start button or anything else. This is not mentioned in the OM.  I suspect that the Fusion has a similar feature. 

 

Hi Art. When you have the time, would you do me a favor? Would you retry your test after your car has been sitting for at least an hour or so to see if pressing the audio power button still turns on the audio system as it did for you earlier? Read below first, so you know why I am asking.

 

Here is why:

 

I just checked my car to see if I could do the same, but my car  behaved differently. I think I may have figured out why.  Here is what I found out in my car:

 

- I had not driven my car since Saturday morning. When I got in with my keyfob, closed the door and pressed the audio system power button, it did not turn on.

- I pressed the Start button, foot not on brake, and the sound system turned on, as usual.

- I opened the door and the sound system turned off, as usual.

- I closed the door and pressed the audio power button again, and the sound system turned on.

- When I opened the door again, the audio system did not turn off as it usually would.

- I got out of the car and closed the door and the audio system kept playing. I got back in the car. To turn the audio system off, I had to press the audio power button again.

- I pressed the Start button again to put the car in "Run" mode. 

- Now when I opened the door, the audio system turned off, as usual.

- The same happened if I started the car, then turned the car off and opened the door.  The audio system turned off.

It seemed that operation went back to "normal" after starting the car, putting the system into "Run" mode, or Accessory mode.

So at least on my car, it seems I can press the sound system power button within the 10 minute grace period after engine or RUN power shut down (if no door has been opened, and the audio system will power on and off.  But if the car has not been started or powered on for a while, or after that 10 minute shutdown grace period,  just pressing the audio system power button will not turn on the system.

 

 

So I think what we accidentally discovered is the way the system has been programmed to allow the driver to keep the radio playing after a door has been opened. You open a door and the audio power shuts off.  You can then press the audio power button and turn audio back on without needing to press the "Start" button to place the car in "Run" or Accessory mode.  But being able to do that seems to be time limited to be performed within that 10 minute grace period after engine or "run" power shutdown. Yeah...confusing, I know.

 

What I wrote above is confusing, even to me, so I hope you understand the thoughts I am trying to express, and what I asked you to do.

 

Thanks and good luck.

Edited February 26, 2019 by bbf2530

[bangster]

10 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

Also, as an FYI, just to avoid confusion for others: There is an "Accessory" position for the ignition.  Pressing the Start button once with your foot off the brake is a Run mode, which essentially allows most systems to run (fan, dash lights, radio, windows etc).  Pressing the Start  button a second time enters Accessory mode, which will allow you to listen to the radio and operate the windows for ~10 minutes (or you open a door) without everything else running.

That is delay exit mode, which is close to Accessory mode, yes. It makes sense since you put it in "Run" then turned it off, just like you would if you had actually started it and drove it and shut it off and not opened a door.

 

My 2015 Fusion and 2017 Escape both allow the radio to be turned on "cold", as long as it hasn't sat for 2 or 3 weeks and entered low power mode, I can unlock it, open a door, press power on the radio and turn it on. Neither one has the IA fobs though, but I am 99% sure I tried that when test driving 2017 Fusions and Escapes, I got in the car before the dealer and connected my phone via Bluetooth.

[Switchblade Sue]

So I don’t quiet understand. Why would the  lcd screens flicker and the car can only be jump started?

[bbf2530]

3 hours ago, Switchblade Sue said:

So I don’t quiet understand. Why would the  lcd screens flicker and the car can only be jump started?

 

Hi SwitchbladeSue.  The most likely explanation is that the battery needs to be replaced.

 

You need to let your Ford Dealer properly load test the battery. Older type battery tests are no longer accurate on modern cars.  I forget, is your car still within the 3 year/36,000 mile Bumper to bumper Warranty?

Edited February 27, 2019 by bbf2530

[drolds1]

8 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi Art. When you have the time, would you do me a favor? Would you retry your test after your car has been sitting for at least an hour or so to see if pressing the audio power button still turns on the audio system as it did for you earlier? Read below first, so you know why I am asking.

 

Here is why:

 

I just checked my car to see if I could do the same, but my car  behaved differently. I think I may have figured out why.  Here is what I found out in my car:

 

- I had not driven my car since Saturday morning. When I got in with my keyfob, closed the door and pressed the audio system power button, it did not turn on.

- I pressed the Start button, foot not on brake, and the sound system turned on, as usual.

- I opened the door and the sound system turned off, as usual.

- I closed the door and pressed the audio power button again, and the sound system turned on.

- When I opened the door again, the audio system did not turn off as it usually would.

- I got out of the car and closed the door and the audio system kept playing. I got back in the car. To turn the audio system off, I had to press the audio power button again.

- I pressed the Start button again to put the car in "Run" mode. 

- Now when I opened the door, the audio system turned off, as usual.

- The same happened if I started the car, then turned the car off and opened the door.  The audio system turned off.

It seemed that operation went back to "normal" after starting the car, putting the system into "Run" mode, or Accessory mode.

So at least on my car, it seems I can press the sound system power button within the 10 minute grace period after engine or RUN power shut down (if no door has been opened, and the audio system will power on and off.  But if the car has not been started or powered on for a while, or after that 10 minute shutdown grace period,  just pressing the audio system power button will not turn on the system.

 

 

So I think what we accidentally discovered is the way the system has been programmed to allow the driver to keep the radio playing after a door has been opened. You open a door and the audio power shuts off.  You can then press the audio power button and turn audio back on without needing to press the "Start" button to place the car in "Run" or Accessory mode.  But being able to do that seems to be time limited to be performed within that 10 minute grace period after engine or "run" power shutdown. Yeah...confusing, I know.

 

What I wrote above is confusing, even to me, so I hope you understand the thoughts I am trying to express, and what I asked you to do.

 

Thanks and good luck.

Will do.  I generally need to do this if I've been waiting for my wife to come out of someplace? and the radio has shut off after 10 minutes.  I'll give it the more extensive test when I get the chance.

[drolds1]

6 hours ago, Switchblade Sue said:

So I don’t quiet understand. Why would the  lcd screens flicker and the car can only be jump started?

Earlier, you said that when it goes dead, there is no accessory power or anything. Now you've reported that the LCD screens flicker.  When a battery is depleted to the point where the car won't start, rarely is there no flow of electricity at all. If that was happening, the screens would remain dark.  There's usually enough power to turn on the interior lights dimly or honk the horn.  Can you clarify exactly what happens when car won't start.  Is there a 'click' from the starter or nothing at all? 

[akirby]

The battery is dying.   Replace it. 

[Switchblade Sue]

12 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi SwitchbladeSue.  The most likely explanation is that the battery needs to be replaced.

 

You need to let your Ford Dealer properly load test the battery. Older type battery tests are no longer accurate on modern cars.  I forget, is your car still within the 3 year/36,000 mile Bumper to bumper Warranty?

It is out of original warranty but I purchased a warranty when I bought it. It has a full 60,000k warranty

[bbf2530]

9 hours ago, drolds1 said:

Will do.  I generally need to do this if I've been waiting for my wife to come out of someplace? and the radio has shut off after 10 minutes.  I'll give it the more extensive test when I get the chance.

 

Hi Art.  Thanks.  And just figured I would give an update/follow-up today: I went out this morning, got into the car, closed the door and before doing anything else, pressed the audio system power button.  The audio system did not turn on.

At least on my 2018, I need to press the Start button once for "run" power, twice for Accessory or start the car to have audio system power.

 

57 minutes ago, akirby said:

The battery is dying.   Replace it. 

35 minutes ago, Switchblade Sue said:

It is out of original warranty but I purchased a warranty when I bought it. It has a full 60,000k warranty

 

Hi Switchblade Sue.  What akirby stated pretty well sums it up.  Replacing the battery will probably save you a lot of time and aggravation. Your Dealer's Service Department should also check for any unusual electrical system drains which may be running down the battery.

 

I'm not sure if your particular Extended Warranty Plan will cover a battery replacement, but either way, the money will be well spent.

 

Let us know the outcome and good luck.

Edited February 27, 2019 by bbf2530

[Switchblade Sue]

9 hours ago, drolds1 said:

Earlier, you said that when it goes dead, there is no accessory power or anything. Now you've reported that the LCD screens flicker.  When a battery is depleted to the point where the car won't start, rarely is there no flow of electricity at all. If that was happening, the screens would remain dark.  There's usually enough power to turn on the interior lights dimly or honk the horn.  Can you clarify exactly what happens when car won't start.  Is there a 'click' from the starter or nothing at all? 

 So the first time it happened I went to start it everything shut off and there was a note that came up on the screen but it went away so fast I don’t know what it said. second time it happened everything shut off and just wouldn’t start this third time all the screens flickered, shut off but I could see that the daytime lights were on since I was in a garage. Each time I’m trying to remember if the door was open or not. Since I don’t have a jump box with me I’m not very willing to experiment to find out what exactly could be causing it. I have a friend today coming to test the load on the battery.

[eGuru]

Since 75% of the expected life expectancy of the battery is already consumed, I would just replace the battery now and not bother with any more testing.

[drolds1]

7 hours ago, Switchblade Sue said:

 So the first time it happened I went to start it everything shut off and there was a note that came up on the screen but it went away so fast I don’t know what it said. second time it happened everything shut off and just wouldn’t start this third time all the screens flickered, shut off but I could see that the daytime lights were on since I was in a garage. Each time I’m trying to remember if the door was open or not. Since I don’t have a jump box with me I’m not very willing to experiment to find out what exactly could be causing it. I have a friend today coming to test the load on the battery.

Since the DRLs were on and it starts with a jump, I'm inclined to agree with the suggestions about repalcing the battery.

[drolds1]

18 hours ago, drolds1 said:

Will do.  I generally need to do this if I've been waiting for my wife to come out of someplace? and the radio has shut off after 10 minutes.  I'll give it the more extensive test when I get the chance.

Hi, bbf.   This afternoon, I got in the car at about 2:45pm.  It had been parked since a little after noon.  Before doing anything, I pushed the Power button and the radio came on.  Admittedly, the LINCOLN splash screen was still on when I did that.  IDK if this has any effect or not but I'll next wait until the screen goes dark and try it again.  My car's at the dealer right now to get the DDM reprogrammed to stop the unwanted "bounce back" on the front windows that was a problem for some 2017MY cars.

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, drolds1 said:

Hi, bbf.   This afternoon, I got in the car at about 2:45pm.  It had been parked since a little after noon.  Before doing anything, I pushed the Power button and the radio came on.  Admittedly, the LINCOLN splash screen was still on when I did that.  IDK if this has any effect or not but I'll next wait until the screen goes dark and try it again.  My car's at the dealer right now to get the DDM reprogrammed to stop the unwanted "bounce back" on the front windows that was a problem for some 2017MY cars.

 

Hi Art.  Splash screen was also still on in my car when I pressed the audio power button.

 

Perhaps it is a programming difference between  2017 and 2018 models. Another possibility is maybe mine is behaving differently because I drive it more infrequently and the system has gone into "Battery Saver Mode"? Just taking some guesses here.

 

I will try again the next few times I get into my car and post back with the results.

 

Thanks Art, and good luck with your service.