I recently got a 2019 Ford Fiesta with around 70,000 miles on it. Within a month of driving it, it won’t start. I was driving it through a parking lot when I slowed down and the car shut off and wouldn’t turn back on. I got it towed back to where I live and paid a mechanic to take a look at it. After looking at it for around 40 minutes he told me that it was a computer issue that wasn’t allowing the car to start, these are the notes he left me with:
“Battery fully charged, power to fuse blocks, main fuses good. No communications with any computer. Suspect BCM or ECM shut down communications lines.”
He told me that it was something that I would have to bring into a dealership to get fixed but right now I can’t afford that and I would have to pay for the Ford dealership to diagnose it which would be another $190 before I even can know how much to get it really fixed.
If anyone knows about this issue and a better way of fixing it please let me know, it would be much appreciated.
Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like there could be a glitch in communication between the BCM and ECM that’s causing the issue. If you’re up for some hands-on troubleshooting before heading to the dealership, you might want to check the connections to these modules. Just make sure they’re securely plugged in and free from corrosion.
A simple fix could be to reseat those connectors. If that doesn’t work, you could try disconnecting the battery for a bit to reset the modules. Just remember to be safe and follow the usual precautions when working with the battery.
I’ve heard that if the TCM gets messed up (which is very common in the Focus and Fiesta), it can leave the car in gear. These transmissions are technically automatic but operate with dual clutches like a manual. I’m not sure if it’s a safety feature that prevents the car from starting, or if the clutch is actually engaged and blocking the start, but I experienced a similar issue with my old 2015 Fiesta.
It sounds like the BCM is the culprit. Check the main harnesses in the BCM blocks for any corrosion or rust on the block or individual pins. The Focus and Fiesta are notorious for BCM failures due to an issue with the washer fluid pump leaking, which can cause water to travel back to the BCM through the harness via capillary action. The BCM essentially communicates with every other module in the car, so if it starts to malfunction, you could lose basic functions, potentially leading to the engine not turning over.
Do you know where those connectors would be located at? I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to vehicles so I’m just trying not to get taken advantage of at some repair shop