2016 Ford Fusion Jack Points – Safely Lift Your Sedan For DIY
To safely lift your vehicle, locate the reinforced pinch welds identified by small notches on the rocker panels, situated roughly six inches behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels. Always use a flat, level surface and secure the car with jack stands at these specific 2016 ford fusion jack points before performing any under-car maintenance.
Lifting a modern sedan like the Ford Fusion can feel intimidating if you are staring at a sea of plastic underbody shields and painted metal. You know you need to get the wheels off the ground for that oil change or brake pad swap, but one wrong move can result in a crushed rocker panel or, worse, a car falling off its support. Identifying the correct lifting locations is the most critical step in any DIY project.
In this guide, we will walk through exactly where to find the factory-approved lift spots and how to support the vehicle safely. We promise to provide the clarity you need to work confidently under your car without damaging the chassis. By the end of this article, you will be able to identify, prep, and execute a safe lift for your Fusion every time.
Whether you are a seasoned weekend warrior or a first-time owner looking to save on maintenance costs, understanding the structural layout of your vehicle is key. Let’s dive into the specifics of the 2016 ford fusion jack points so you can get to work safely.
Locating the 2016 ford fusion jack points for Safe Lifting
The 2016 Ford Fusion utilizes a unibody construction, which means the frame and the body are manufactured as a single, solid unit. Unlike older trucks with heavy steel rails running the length of the vehicle, a unibody car has specific reinforced areas designed to handle the concentrated weight of a jack. Lifting anywhere else can lead to structural deformation or cosmetic damage to the floorboards.
The Front Pinch Weld Locations
To find the front lift points, look approximately six to ten inches behind the front wheel opening. You will see a vertical metal flange extending downward from the rocker panel. This is known as the pinch weld. Ford has reinforced this specific section to support the vehicle’s weight. Look for a small triangular notch or a flat indentation in the plastic trim that aligns with this reinforced metal strip.
The Rear Pinch Weld Locations
The rear points are located just in front of the rear wheel wells. Similar to the front, you are looking for the reinforced section of the pinch weld flange. It is typically found about eight inches ahead of the rear tire. Using these designated 2016 ford fusion jack points ensures that the pressure is distributed through the strongest part of the vehicle’s pillar structure.
Identifying the Notches and Arrows
Ford often includes subtle visual cues to help owners. If you run your hand along the plastic rocker molding under the doors, you will feel small cutouts. These cutouts provide clearance for the head of a scissor jack or a hydraulic floor jack. Always align your lifting equipment directly with these notches to avoid cracking the plastic side skirts.
Essential Tools for Lifting Your Ford Fusion
Having the right gear is just as important as knowing where to put it. You should never rely solely on the emergency jack found in the trunk for routine maintenance. That tool is designed for emergency roadside tire changes only and lacks the stability required for extended work.
Choosing a Quality Floor Jack
Invest in a high-quality hydraulic floor jack with a minimum rating of 2 tons. A low-profile jack is particularly useful for the Fusion, as the car sits relatively low to the ground. Look for a jack with a wide base and a large saddle. The saddle is the circular part that contacts the car; a larger saddle distributes weight more effectively across the pinch weld.
The Importance of Jack Stands
Never, under any circumstances, put your body under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack. Jacks can fail without warning. You must use jack stands. For a 2016 Fusion, a pair of 2-ton or 3-ton ratcheting jack stands provides the necessary safety margin. Ensure the “V” or “U” shaped top of the stand securely cradles the pinch weld at the 2016 ford fusion jack points.
Wheel Chocks and Safety Gear
Before you even touch the jack, you need wheel chocks. These are heavy wedges made of rubber, plastic, or metal that you place against the tires remaining on the ground. If you are lifting the front of the car, chock the back of the rear tires. This prevents the car from rolling or shifting while you are pumping the jack handle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Your Vehicle
Success in DIY mechanics comes down to a repeatable, safe process. Follow these steps to get your Fusion in the air without any drama. Preparation is 80 percent of the job when it comes to vehicle safety.
- Park on Level Ground: Always work on a flat, concrete or asphalt surface. Never jack up a car on a slope or on soft dirt/grass, as the jack can tilt and slip.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Set the electronic parking brake to lock the rear wheels. This is an essential secondary safety measure.
- 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 your floor jack under the car and align the saddle with the front or rear 2016 ford fusion jack points. Ensure the pinch weld sits in the center of the saddle.
- Lift Slowly: Pump the jack handle steadily. Watch the contact point as the car begins to rise to ensure nothing is shifting or bending.
- Insert the Jack Stand: Once the car is at the desired height, slide the jack stand into place next to the jack on the reinforced pinch weld.
- Lower the Car onto the Stand: Slowly turn the jack release valve to lower the vehicle until its full weight rests on the stand. Give the car a gentle “shake test” to ensure it is rock solid.
Common Pitfalls and Areas to Avoid
Many DIYers make the mistake of thinking any “sturdy-looking” metal under the car is a safe lifting point. This is a dangerous assumption. Modern cars use thin-gauge steel in many areas to save weight, and these panels will buckle under the weight of the car.
Avoid the Floor Pans
Never place a jack directly under the floorboards. The sheet metal there is thin and designed for interior comfort, not structural support. Placing a jack here will result in a large dent in your floor and could potentially crack the interior carpet or trim. Always stick to the perimeter 2016 ford fusion jack points.
The Danger of Lifting by the Oil Pan
It might seem convenient to lift the center of the engine area, but the oil pan is made of relatively soft metal or even composite plastic. Attempting to lift here will crush the pan, destroy your oil pump pickup, and cause catastrophic engine damage. Similarly, avoid lifting by the transmission housing.
Suspension Components
While some older vehicles could be lifted by the lower control arms, it is generally discouraged on the 2016 Fusion. The control arms are designed to handle vertical loads from the road, but they can shift or bend when subjected to the concentrated point-load of a jack saddle. Stick to the frame-reinforced areas for maximum stability.
Alternative Lift Points: Using the Subframe
Sometimes you need to place a jack stand exactly where the jack is currently sitting. In these cases, you need an alternative lifting point. For the 2016 Ford Fusion, the front subframe (also known as the engine cradle) is a viable option if handled correctly.
Front Subframe Points
The front subframe is a heavy steel structure that holds the engine and suspension. You can often place a jack under the large bolts that secure the subframe to the main body. However, ensure your jack has a rubber pad or a block of wood to prevent metal-on-metal slipping. This allows you to lift the entire front end and place stands on the outer pinch welds.
Rear Suspension Crossmember
At the rear, there is a crossmember that supports the rear suspension. While sturdy, it is often curved, making it difficult to get a secure grip with a standard jack saddle. If you choose to lift here, proceed with extreme caution and ensure the jack is perfectly centered to prevent the car from sliding sideways.
Maintenance Tasks That Require Proper Lifting
Knowing your 2016 ford fusion jack points opens up a world of DIY possibilities. Many of the most expensive dealership services are actually quite simple if you can safely access the underside of the vehicle.
Brake Inspections and Changes
Brake pads are a wear item that every owner should monitor. By lifting one corner at a time, you can remove the wheels to check pad thickness and rotor condition. This simple check can save you hundreds of dollars by catching worn pads before they damage your expensive rotors.
Oil and Filter Changes
The 2016 Fusion requires the removal of an underbody splash shield to access the oil filter. This is much easier if the front of the car is securely supported on jack stands. Having the car level or slightly tilted back also ensures that the old oil drains completely from the pan.
Tire Rotations
Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is the best way to ensure even tread wear. To do this yourself, you often need to have at least one side of the car (front and back) in the air at the same time. This requires two jack stands and a firm understanding of the 2016 ford fusion jack points on both the front and rear of the rocker panel.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2016 ford fusion jack points
Can I lift the whole side of the car from one point?
While some professional-grade jacks can lift high enough to raise both wheels on one side, it is not recommended for DIYers. This puts immense stress on a single point and increases the risk of the car tipping. It is much safer to lift one corner at a time and support it with a stand before moving to the next.
What if I don’t see the notches on the rocker panels?
On some Fusions, road debris or aftermarket side skirts might obscure the notches. In this case, look underneath the car for the pinch weld flange. It is a visible “lip” of metal where the floor pan meets the outer body. The reinforced section is usually double or triple-thick and located near the wheel wells.
Is it safe to use a block of wood on my jack?
Using a small block of 2×4 wood can help protect the paint on the pinch weld and provide a bit more “grip.” However, make sure the wood is not split and that the pinch weld is biting into the grain. Never use a tall stack of wood, as this creates an unstable pivot point that could collapse.
Where should I place the jack stands if the jack is on the pinch weld?
This is a common challenge. If your jack occupies the reinforced notch, you can often place the jack stand immediately adjacent to the jack on the same pinch weld, provided that area is also reinforced. Alternatively, use the front subframe bolts as a secondary support location for the stands.
Final Thoughts on Safe Vehicle Lifting
Taking the time to correctly identify the 2016 ford fusion jack points is the hallmark of a responsible and skilled DIY mechanic. It protects your investment from unnecessary damage and, most importantly, protects your physical safety while you work. Remember that a car is a heavy, indifferent object; it doesn’t care if you are underneath it if the supports fail.
Always double-check your equipment, never rush the lifting process, and always perform the “shake test” before crawling under the chassis. By following the locations and procedures outlined in this guide, you are well on your way to mastering your own vehicle maintenance. Whether you are prepping for a cross-country road trip or just doing a routine check, do it with the confidence of an expert.
Stay safe, keep your tools organized, and enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining your Ford Fusion the right way!
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