ghia589 Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 Trying to help elderly neighbor; said her 2014 Fusion would not start. I turned key; no result. No headlights, but parking lights would come on. Battery read about 9.5 volts on analog meter. Jump started car and read about 13 volts on analog meter.; no change when engine was revved. She took it to a brand name parts store for testing. They said battery was shot but they could not change it due to its location up against firewall. ?? An hour later, she went to local Ford dealer. They claim battery is fine, all systems ok. Anyone have any thoughts? Many thanks. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 2 hours ago, ghia589 said: Trying to help elderly neighbor; said her 2014 Fusion would not start. I turned key; no result. No headlights, but parking lights would come on. Battery read about 9.5 volts on analog meter. Jump started car and read about 13 volts on analog meter.; no change when engine was revved. She took it to a brand name parts store for testing. They said battery was shot but they could not change it due to its location up against firewall. ?? An hour later, she went to local Ford dealer. They claim battery is fine, all systems ok. Anyone have any thoughts? Many thanks. Hi ghia. How did they test the battery? The full load test at a Ford Dealer takes several hours. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghia589 Posted June 6, 2020 Author Share Posted June 6, 2020 Morning. Thanks for response. I did not go with her to dealer, but she says car was in the back over an hour. How much of that hour was spent doing anything we obviously don't know. Tom 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 48 minutes ago, ghia589 said: Morning. Thanks for response. I did not go with her to dealer, but she says car was in the back over an hour. How much of that hour was spent doing anything we obviously don't know. Tom Hi Tom. Has the car started normally since you posted yesterday? Blind Internet diagnosis is hazardous at best. That being said, this sounds like a failing battery, but no way to be sure over the Internet. And if the car is now and keeps starting normally, it generally rules out a failing battery. If you go to the Ford Owners website, you can download a coupon for a free battery test. I would recommend using that coupon and going to/making an appointment at a different Ford Dealership (if possible) to have the battery tested again. Hopefully one of our tech members will jump in with more specific advice/recommendations. Let us know how you make out and good luck. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyross Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 Plus, if that's the original battery, 6 years is a great life for any modern car. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 4 hours ago, andyross said: Plus, if that's the original battery, 6 years is a great life for any modern car. +1. And if it's the original battery, that would be the first thing I'd replace. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 (edited) 7 hours ago, andyross said: Plus, if that's the original battery, 6 years is a great life for any modern car. +2. Shame on me for forgetting to ask the first question we always ask on battery questions. If it is the original battery, replace it. Due to their heavy reliance on computers and electronics, the lifespan of a battery in a modern vehicle is 3-4 years. Also...Despite the location, changing the battery is not very difficult. The parts store employee/employees were simply lazy. You can find coupons for new Motorcraft batteries (regular an Max life) on the Ford Owners website. I would have the Dealer change it, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Keep us updated and good luck. Edited June 6, 2020 by bbf2530 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghia589 Posted June 6, 2020 Author Share Posted June 6, 2020 Car doing well; battery was replaced about 2 years ago. We will watch it and if problem comes back, I want to go to dealer with her. Battery is in a screwy location. Negative terminal & hold down clamp are not the easiest to reach. If there really is nothing wrong with battery, maybe it was good that parts store guy was just lazy! Thanks for all comments. Might be back; never know. Tom 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghia589 Posted June 8, 2020 Author Share Posted June 8, 2020 Update: She did not drive at all Saturday; went out this morning and dead! Analog meter showed ~ 10 volts. No headlights, but parking lights would light. Told her to try again. Heard solenoid about 6 or 7 times before starter engaged. Weak, but started car. She has lived here forever and has friends at dealer. Plans to tell them she does not want it back until they find something! Will advise outcome. Tom 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghia589 Posted June 17, 2020 Author Share Posted June 17, 2020 Evening all. Took car to same dealer today; explained everything in detail. They decided it was just the battery after all this confusion!? Anyway, thanks for all the thoughts; neighbor happy now. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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