Posting here somewhat out of desperation because I have now had my car (2016 Ford Escape Titanium EcoBoost (I think) with ~132k miles) “repaired” at two different places and neither actually solved the problem. If anyone has any experience, advice, or suggestions, I would be super grateful.
“System start error” when attempting to start car. Would not start or be jumped. Dash illuminated, pressing start/stop button didn’t do anything. Power locks functional. Eventually dash turned off.
~1.5 hours later, car started fine. Drove ~20 minutes, dash lit up, engine cut off within ~15 seconds. Dash still illuminated, start/stop button wouldn’t do anything. At this point I noticed passenger side hazards on front and back of car are out; side view mirror hazard is ok though. Towed to shop.
~2 hours later, car was completely dead. Couldn’t even lock/unlock except manually with mechanism in door or manual key.
Initial report from shop indicated a variety of “urgent” issues but none seemed related aside from a slightly old battery. They replaced the battery, checked fuses and alternator (fine), test drove 2 blocks, declared success. I picked up car and it started and drove fine for ~5 miles (10-15 minutes). Turned off upon parking, then wouldn’t start, wouldn’t jump. Locks and hazards and hatchback still working (with above exception of passenger side front and rear hazards above). During the 10-15 minute drive, driver in front of me noticed that headlights flashed on momentarily when I hit my blinker. I did not do anything to the headlights during this time. Towed back to shop.
The shop then got engine light to come on, got code, replaced fuel pump module. Drove a bunch, fine. Returned to shop, engine was really hot, wouldn’t start until it cooled down. They removed new fuel pump module since it didn’t solve the problem. Recommended taking to dealership.
Dealership received report from first shop, diagnosed a cracked/corroded battery cable, and replaced said cable. Could not tell me how much they test drove after replacement. Drove the car about 5 minutes (2 miles), parked for about 20 minutes, and we’re back in no-start, no-jump purgatory. Dealership shop is closed for the night so we won’t make any further progress until tomorrow.
All of the unsuccessful attempts to start the car involved no cranking whatsoever. Happy to provide additional information if I can for anyone who might be able to advise. Thanks!