Q: Daughter just had a new battery in her 2005 Ford Focus. She finally got the car alarm to stop. The car wil not start. She is still

asked by on July 15, 2017

Our daughter just had an new battery put in Auto Zone tonight. She is still there as the car will not start. She finally got the alarm to go off. Are you able to call her to help out? Or call us in Florida to tell her what to do?
Her car has an automatic transmission.

If the theft light is still on in the dash when the key is turned to on then the problem may be the theft module got cleared when battery was put in and the module will need reprogrammed to recognize the key so it will let the car start. The dealer, mechanic or locksmith with programming key capability will need to reprogram computer.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car running and idling rough
Hello. It is possible that your vehicle would need a complete tune up and/or a Check Engine Light inspection. I would have a certified mechanic scan your vehicle's computer for codes to diagnose your Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection). These codes...
Transmission in limp mode
The transmission control module (TCM) takes inputs from numerous sensors. It then uses this information to control various transmission related outputs such as shift solenoids and the torque converter clutch. The TCM will go into limp mode when it loses...
Stiff power steering after being hit in the front tire.
Hello there, many faults will cause the power steering on your 1999 BMW 323i to become stiff (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/steering-wheel-is-hard-to-turn-inspection) after getting hit on the front tire. The most likely would be damage to the power steering rack from the impact to...
A ticking sound comes from the engine after start up but it goes away after the engine warms up.
An exhaust manifold that is warped at the point where the manifold mates on the cylinder head or one that has a leaking gasket between the manifold and the cylinder head can leak more when the engine and manifold are...
Will a worn front stabilizer bar cause shaking
Hi There, As you know, the sway bar or stabilizer bar is a steel bar that connects suspension components on opposite wheels. Its purpose is to combat body roll when a car makes a turn. It is also known as...
Hi there! I have a 2003 Camry v6 3.0. I have a C1336 code that says Zero point calibration of yaw rate sensor undone. I've tried r
Hi there. You might want to watch this video on completing the calibration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvtwFVT1Q10). It's a manual test that is related to Toyota vehicles.
my cam shaft position censor needs to be repaired on my car. once this is fixed will i be able to drive my car?
Hello, thank you for writing in. If the camshaft position sensor is the only problematic component on the vehicle, it should absolutely be operational after the repair. If there is a reason the sensor has failed prematurely, and there is...
Can a leaky water pump cause an engine misfire?
A water pump leak by itself cannot cause a misfire unless you overheated the engine and caused a blown head gasket or the coolant gets on spark plug wire causing misfire.
can the emergency break "seize up" and cause a screeching sound even when the hand break isn't engaged? this is a 2004 Toyota Cor
If you have not touched the emergency brake, it cannot activate or seize on its own. The emergency brake mechanism, if not regularly used, will tend to get corroded and sticky but if you have not used it prior to,...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Massage Therapist
If If you're a massage therapist, one of the cornerstones of your business has to be that you don’t keep your clients waiting. That means you need a vehicle that’s reliable. You also will have to move your gear, including...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Caterer
If If you are in the catering business, you need a reliable vehicle that will provide you with what you need to transport your food, linens, and other supplies. Generally speaking, you're better off buying gently used, because you will...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Carpenter
If If you're a carpenter, and working for someone else, the best used car is whatever you like that gets you to work on time and holds your tools – in short, practically any used car will do. If you...