2013 Ford Fusion Jack Points – The Ultimate Guide To Safe Lifting
Locating the correct 2013 ford fusion jack points is the most critical step for any DIY maintenance task, from simple oil changes to brake pad replacements. This guide provides the exact locations for factory-approved lift points, ensuring you protect your vehicle’s structural integrity while maintaining maximum safety.
Lifting a modern unibody vehicle like the Ford Fusion requires more than just a jack and a bit of luck. If you place your equipment in the wrong spot, you risk bending the floor pans, crushing fuel lines, or causing the vehicle to shift while you are underneath it.
In this guide, I will share my experience as a technician to help you identify the reinforced areas designed to carry the weight of your car. We will cover the specific 2013 ford fusion jack points, the essential tools you need, and the safety protocols that professionals use every day.
Whether you are a seasoned weekend mechanic or a first-time owner looking to save on shop fees, this walkthrough ensures your car stays stable and your body stays safe. Let’s get your Fusion off the ground the right way.
Locating the Primary 2013 ford fusion jack points
The 2013 Ford Fusion uses a unibody construction, meaning the frame and body are one integrated unit. To lift this type of vehicle, you must use the reinforced 2013 ford fusion jack points located along the rocker panels.
These points are known as pinch welds, where several layers of the metal body are welded together to create a thick, sturdy “lip.” You can find the front points approximately 6 to 8 inches behind the front wheel wells and the rear points about 6 to 8 inches ahead of the rear wheel wells.
If you look closely or run your hand along the plastic rocker molding, you will often find a small notch or an arrow stamped into the plastic. This indicator points directly to the reinforced metal section where the jack should make contact.
Identifying the Front Pinch Welds
The front lifting spots are designed to handle the heaviest part of the car, which includes the engine and transmission. Look for the area where the front subframe meets the body structure, as the pinch weld is exceptionally thick in this specific zone.
Always ensure your jack head is centered on this reinforced lip to prevent the metal from folding or sliding. Using a rubber adapter or a “pinch weld puck” is highly recommended to prevent the metal-on-metal contact from scraping away the protective undercoating.
Locating the Rear Lifting Areas
The rear lift points are situated just forward of the rear suspension trailing arms. Similar to the front, these are reinforced sections of the pinch weld that can support the vehicle’s weight without deforming the quarter panels.
Be careful not to place the jack too far toward the center of the car, as you may accidentally hit the fuel tank or the rear floor pan. Stick strictly to the outer edge where the vertical metal lip is most prominent and rigid.
Essential Tools for a Safe Lifting Procedure
Having the right gear is just as important as knowing where to put it. For a vehicle like the Fusion, a standard emergency scissor jack is only meant for roadside tire changes and should never be used for general maintenance.
A high-quality hydraulic floor jack with a minimum rating of 2 tons is the preferred choice for most DIYers. These jacks provide a stable base and allow for a more controlled lift compared to the wobbly jacks found in the trunk.
- 3-Ton Jack Stands: Never work under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack; always lower the car onto heavy-duty stands.
- Wheel Chocks: These prevent the car from rolling while you are lifting one end, which is a common cause of jack failure.
- Slotted Jack Pads: These rubber or polyurethane pucks fit over the pinch weld to prevent the metal from bending or rusting.
- Work Lights: A good LED shop light helps you confirm the jack is perfectly aligned with the 2013 ford fusion jack points before you start pumping.
Step-by-Step Methodology for Raising Your Fusion
Before you even touch the jack, you must prepare your environment. Always work on a flat, level, and solid surface such as a concrete garage floor or a paved driveway to prevent the stands from sinking or tipping.
- Engage the Parking Brake: This is non-negotiable, as it locks the rear wheels and adds a layer of stability.
- Chock the Opposite Wheels: If you are lifting the front, place chocks behind the rear tires; if lifting the rear, place them in front of the front tires.
- Position the Jack: Slide the jack under the car and align the head with the reinforced pinch weld.
- Lift Slowly: Pump the jack handle smoothly and watch the contact point to ensure nothing is shifting or bending as the weight transfers.
- Insert Jack Stands: Once the car is at the desired height, slide the jack stand under a secondary reinforced point or the pinch weld adjacent to the jack.
- Lower Onto Stands: Slowly turn the jack release valve to settle the car onto the stands, then give the car a “shake test” to ensure it is rock solid.
Identifying Secondary Support Areas and Subframe Locations
Sometimes you need to lift the entire front end at once, or your primary 2013 ford fusion jack points are occupied by the jack itself. In these cases, you can look toward the vehicle’s subframe for support.
The front subframe, or “cradle,” is a massive steel structure that holds the engine and suspension components. You can safely place a floor jack under the flat sections of this cradle, provided you avoid the aluminum components or steering rack.
In the rear, the suspension mounting points where the lower control arms meet the body can often serve as secondary support locations. However, you must be extremely precise to avoid damaging the bushings or the suspension geometry.
Avoiding Dangerous Contact Zones
Never place a jack or a stand under the engine oil pan, the transmission housing, or the fuel tank. These components are made of thin metal or plastic and will crack or collapse instantly under the weight of the car.
Additionally, avoid the middle of the floor pans. While they may look solid, they are designed for interior space, not structural support, and you will end up with a massive dent in your floorboards if you try to lift there.
Common Pitfalls and Structural Risks to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I see is owners “eyeballing” the lift point and accidentally placing the jack on the plastic rocker molding. This results in the plastic snapping and the jack potentially slipping into the door skin.
Another risk is rust. If your Fusion has spent its life in the “salt belt,” the pinch welds may be weakened by corrosion. Always inspect the metal with a flashlight before jacking; if the metal looks flaky or thin, you should seek a professional’s help or use a more robust subframe point.
Finally, never trust a single point of failure. Hydraulic jacks can leak or blow a seal without warning. If you are under the car without jack stands, you are betting your life on a 50-cent O-ring inside that jack.
Measuring Success: The Stability Check
How do you know if you have used the 2013 ford fusion jack points correctly? The “Shake Test” is the industry standard for verifying vehicle stability before beginning work.
Once the car is resting on the jack stands, grab a sturdy part of the bumper or the frame and give the car a firm push. If the car wobbles, creaks, or shifts on the stands, it is not safe. Lower it back down and reposition your equipment.
A properly supported Ford Fusion should feel like it is part of the ground. If you can’t confidently shake the car without fear of it falling, you should not be crawling underneath it.
Expert Tips for Advanced DIY Maintenance
If you plan on doing frequent work, consider investing in a set of low-profile ramps. Ramps are often safer and faster for tasks like oil changes where you don’t need to remove the wheels.
For those performing suspension work, remember that once the car is in the air, the suspension will “droop.” If you need to simulate the car’s weight to tighten a bushing, you can use the jack to carefully lift the control arm—but never lift the whole car this way.
Keep a small piece of 2×4 wood in your trunk. In an emergency, placing the wood between a jack and the frame can help distribute the load, though this is a “last resort” tactic and should be done with extreme caution to prevent slipping.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2013 ford fusion jack points
Where is the emergency jack stored in a 2013 Ford Fusion?
The factory scissor jack and lug wrench are located in the trunk, underneath the floor carpet, usually nestled inside or next to the spare tire. This jack is specifically designed for the pinch welds and should only be used for changing flat tires.
Can I lift the front of the car using the center of the subframe?
Yes, the front subframe crossmember is a valid lifting point for a floor jack if you want to raise both front wheels at once. Ensure your jack has a large enough saddle and that you aren’t putting pressure on the plastic splash shields or the radiator support.
What happens if I bend the pinch weld?
Bending a pinch weld can lead to rust because the paint often cracks during the deformation. If it happens, you should straighten the metal with pliers, sand away any cracked paint, and apply a rust-inhibiting primer to protect the exposed steel.
Are the jack points different for the Hybrid or Energi models?
The primary 2013 ford fusion jack points remain the same across the Hybrid and Energi trims. However, you must be extra careful of the high-voltage orange cables and the battery casing located toward the rear of the vehicle.
How high should I lift my Fusion for an oil change?
You only need enough clearance to reach the drain plug and the oil filter, which is usually about 6 to 10 inches of lift. Lifting the car too high can actually make it harder to drain all the oil if the car is at a steep angle.
Closing Thoughts on Vehicle Safety
Taking the time to identify and utilize the correct 2013 ford fusion jack points is the hallmark of a responsible and skilled car owner. It protects your investment, prevents costly body damage, and most importantly, ensures that you return from your garage in one piece.
Automotive work is incredibly rewarding, but it demands respect for the physics involved. By using the right tools, following a consistent methodology, and never cutting corners on safety, you can tackle any maintenance task with the confidence of a professional technician.
Always double-check your stand placement, keep your workspace clean, and never hesitate to ask for help if something doesn’t feel right. Stay safe, keep your tools sharp, and enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining your own ride!
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