Red jumper-clamp to the Fusion’s positive jump-start point and black jumper-clamp to a solid engine-ground point. If the battery is located in the trunk, use the under-hood positive jump-start terminal provided for remote jump-starts; always consult the owner’s manual for your exact trim if you’re unsure.
In practice, many 2017 Ford Fusions place the 12‑volt battery in the trunk, but Ford also provides an under-hood jump-start terminal that ties back to that trunk battery. The correct procedure is to connect red to the positive post or jump-start terminal, and black to a clean metal ground on the engine or chassis away from the battery, avoiding the negative post on a trunk-mounted battery to minimize the risk of sparks near the trunk area.
Battery layout and jump-start points
Understanding where to connect depends on whether your Fusion’s 12‑V battery is in the engine bay or in the trunk. Ford equips an under-hood jump-start terminal for safe remote starts even when the battery sits in the trunk. Always verify the exact location on your specific trim by checking the owner’s manual or the labeling under the hood.
Under-hood positive jump-start terminal
This is the safe, designated positive connection point for jump-starting. Look for a small red cover or a terminal labeled with a plus sign, typically located near the center of the engine bay. Connect the donor car’s red clamp to this post rather than directly to a battery post in the trunk, if your vehicle uses a remote jump terminal.
Ground point for the negative clamp
Attach the black clamp to a solid, unpainted metal surface on the engine or chassis away from the battery. Good options include an engine block bolt or a designated ground point. Do not attach the negative clamp to the dead battery’s negative terminal if the battery is in the trunk, to reduce the risk of sparks near the trunk area.
Jump-start procedure
Follow these steps to safely jump-start a 2017 Fusion. Before you begin, make sure both cars are in Park (or Neutral for manuals), with parking brakes engaged and ignition off.
- Position the donor vehicle close enough for the cables to reach, without allowing the cars to touch.
- Turn off all accessories in both cars and set the parking brakes. Open the hoods and locate the jump-start points described above.
- Connect the red (positive) clamp to the Fusion’s positive jump-start terminal or battery positive post.
- Connect the other end of the red clamp to the donor car’s positive battery terminal.
- Connect the black (negative) clamp to a solid engine-ground point on the Fusion (not to the positive terminal or to any near the battery).
- Connect the other end of the black clamp to a ground point on the donor vehicle, if required by the jumper cable kit.
- Start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes while monitoring the Fusion. If the Fusion starts, remove cables in reverse order: black from the Fusion, black from the donor car, red from the Fusion, then red from the donor car.
- Keep the engine running in the Fusion for at least 20 minutes or drive it to recharge the battery fully.
Aftercare: If the Fusion does not start after several attempts, there may be a deeper electrical issue or a failing battery. Do not force the system; consult a professional for diagnosis and safe disposal of the jump-start process.
Safety reminders
Always observe safety precautions when jump-starting. Wear eye protection, avoid sparks near the battery, keep the clamps from touching each other, and never lean over the battery during connection. If you’re unsure about the exact points for your trim, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealership for guidance.
Summary
To jump-start a 2017 Ford Fusion, identify the correct positive jump-start point in the engine bay (or the positive battery post) and connect the red clamp there, then attach the black clamp to a solid engine-ground point away from the battery. If the car’s battery sits in the trunk, use the under-hood jump-start terminal provided by Ford and follow the standard sequence: red to positive, black to ground, start the donor, then the Fusion, and remove cables in reverse order. Always verify location specifics for your exact trim in the owner’s manual and prioritize safety during the process.