Jumpstarting Your 2017 Ford Escape: Unveiling the Secrets
When your 2017 Ford Escape won’t start, it can be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to a drained car battery or some other issue, knowing how to jumpstart your vehicle can save you time and prevent you from needing emergency roadside assistance. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets of jumpstarting your 2017 Ford Escape using jumper cables, ensuring you are well-prepared for any situation.
Understanding Your 2017 Ford Escape’s Battery
The battery is the heart of your 2017 Ford Escape’s electrical system. It powers the starter motor and provides electricity to the vehicle’s electrical components. Over time, batteries can lose their charge due to various factors, including:
- Age of the battery
- Extreme temperatures
- Leaving lights or accessories on
- Frequent short trips
Knowing how to effectively jumpstart your vehicle can help you get back on the road quickly. Before you attempt to jumpstart your 2017 Ford Escape, ensure you have the following items:
- A set of jumper cables
- Another vehicle with a functioning battery
- Protective gloves (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide to Jumpstarting Your 2017 Ford Escape
Now that you’re equipped with the necessary tools, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of jumpstarting your 2017 Ford Escape.
Step 1: Position the Vehicles
Park the working vehicle close to your 2017 Ford Escape. Make sure the vehicles are not touching, as this can cause a short circuit. Turn off both vehicles and remove the keys from the ignition.
Step 2: Prepare the Jumper Cables
Unroll your jumper cables and ensure there are no frayed wires or damage. Jumper cables typically have two colors: red (positive) and black (negative).
Step 3: Connect the Cables
Follow these steps to connect the jumper cables:
- Connect the red cable: Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery in your 2017 Ford Escape.
- Connect the other end of the red cable: Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the functioning battery.
- Connect the black cable: Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the functioning battery.
- Connect the other end of the black cable: Attach the remaining end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on your 2017 Ford Escape. This could be a bolt or part of the engine block. This step helps to prevent sparks near the battery.
Step 4: Start the Working Vehicle
Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes. This will allow the dead battery in your 2017 Ford Escape to gain some charge.
Step 5: Start Your 2017 Ford Escape
After a few minutes of charging, try starting your 2017 Ford Escape. If it does not start immediately, wait a few more minutes, then try again.
Step 6: Disconnect the Cables
Once your 2017 Ford Escape is running, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them:
- Remove the black cable from the unpainted metal surface of your 2017 Ford Escape.
- Remove the black cable from the negative terminal of the working battery.
- Remove the red cable from the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Finally, remove the red cable from the positive terminal of your 2017 Ford Escape.
Troubleshooting Jumpstarting Issues
If you followed the steps above and your 2017 Ford Escape still won’t start, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Check connections: Ensure that the jumper cables are securely connected to the correct terminals.
- Inspect the battery: Look for any signs of corrosion or damage on the battery terminals. Clean them if necessary.
- Battery age: If your battery is older than three to five years, it may need to be replaced.
- Electrical issues: If your vehicle still won’t start, there may be other electrical issues at play. Consider contacting a professional for assistance.
When to Call for Emergency Roadside Assistance
Sometimes, jumpstarting may not resolve the issue. In such cases, you might need to call for emergency roadside assistance. Here are some indicators that professional help is needed:
- Your car makes a clicking noise but won’t turn over.
- The dashboard lights don’t illuminate at all.
- The battery is leaking or swollen.
- You have repeated jumpstarting issues.
In these instances, it’s safer and more efficient to seek help from a qualified technician who can diagnose and repair the problem.
Conclusion
Jumpstarting your 2017 Ford Escape is a valuable skill that can empower you in times of need. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively jumpstart your vehicle, avoiding the hassle of waiting for emergency roadside assistance. Remember to regularly check your battery’s health and keep jumper cables in your vehicle for emergencies.
For more tips on car maintenance and troubleshooting, check out our comprehensive car care guide. And for additional information on vehicle safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Stay prepared, and happy driving!
This article is in the category Basic Guides and created by EasyCarFix Team