2017 Ford Fusion Jack Points – Locate Safe Lift Spots For DIY
Knowing the precise location of the reinforced lift areas on your vehicle is essential for any repair or inspection. This guide details the 2017 ford fusion jack points to ensure you avoid structural damage and maintain maximum safety while the car is in the air.
We have all been there—standing in the driveway with a floor jack, peering under the rocker panels, and wondering exactly where it is safe to lift. Using the correct 2017 ford fusion jack points is the difference between a successful brake job and a costly trip to the body shop to repair a crushed floor pan.
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the factory-approved lifting locations and the best practices for supporting your sedan. Whether you are rotating tires or performing a full oil service, these steps will keep you and your vehicle secure.
By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to lift your Fusion like a pro, utilizing the right tools and safety protocols. Let’s dive into the mechanics of getting your Ford safely off the ground.
The Critical Role of Proper Jack Placement
Modern vehicles like the Ford Fusion utilize a unibody construction, which means the frame and the body are integrated into a single structure. This design provides excellent safety and handling, but it also means the car has very specific load-bearing areas.
If you place a jack in the wrong spot, such as the thin sheet metal of the floor pan, you risk puncturing the cabin or bending the frame. This can lead to interior leaks, misaligned doors, and significant structural instability over time.
Locating the 2017 ford fusion jack points ensures that the weight of the vehicle is supported by reinforced steel sections designed for this purpose. These points are engineered to distribute the thousands of pounds of pressure without deforming the metal.
Safety is the most important factor when working on any vehicle. A car that is improperly supported can shift or fall, leading to catastrophic injury. Always prioritize finding the designated lift spots before you begin any work.
Essential Tools for Lifting a Ford Fusion Safely
Before you even touch the 2017 ford fusion jack points, you need to gather the right equipment. Using the wrong tool for the job is a common mistake that leads to accidents.
A high-quality floor jack is your primary tool. Look for a low-profile model, as the Fusion sits relatively close to the ground, especially if you have the Sport trim or aftermarket lowering springs. A 2-ton or 3-ton jack is more than sufficient for this sedan.
Never rely solely on a jack to hold the car up while you are working. You must use jack stands. These mechanical supports provide a fail-safe in case the hydraulic jack fails, which can happen without warning.
I highly recommend using pinch weld adapters or “jack pads.” These are rubber or plastic blocks with a slot that fits over the metal ridge of the jack point. They prevent the metal-on-metal contact that often scrapes off paint and leads to rust and corrosion.
- Floor Jack: A 2.5-ton low-profile hydraulic jack is ideal.
- Jack Stands: Always use a pair to support the weight evenly.
- Wheel Chocks: These prevent the car from rolling while you lift one end.
- Pinch Weld Protectors: These save your paint and prevent bending.
How to Identify the 2017 ford fusion jack points
Finding the correct spots is straightforward once you know what to look for. On the 2017 Ford Fusion, the primary lift points are located along the pinch welds running between the front and rear wheels.
The front jack points are located approximately 6 to 10 inches behind the front wheel well. You will see a reinforced section of the metal ridge where the floor pan meets the outer body. Often, there is a small notch or an arrow in the plastic rocker molding pointing to this spot.
The rear jack points are located about 6 to 10 inches in front of the rear wheel well. Similar to the front, these are reinforced areas of the pinch weld. It is vital to place the jack head directly on this reinforced ridge to avoid body damage.
If you are unsure, consult your owner’s manual. Ford provides a diagram specifically for emergency tire changes that highlights these four primary locations. However, for DIY maintenance, you may need alternative spots for jack stands.
Always clear away any debris or road salt from the area before lifting. A clean surface ensures the jack head makes firm contact and reduces the chance of the jack slipping during the process.
Front Jack Point Details
When you look under the front door area, the reinforced section is usually thicker than the rest of the pinch weld. This area is designed to support the heavy weight of the engine and transmission assembly.
If you are using a floor jack to lift the entire front end, some mechanics use the front subframe. However, you must be extremely careful to avoid the aluminum components or the oil pan, which will crack under pressure.
Rear Jack Point Details
The rear points are slightly easier to access. Because the rear of the car is lighter than the front, the pinch welds here are robust enough for most standard jacks. Ensure the jack is centered on the reinforcement to maintain balance.
For those performing suspension work, the rear lower control arm mounts can sometimes serve as support points, but only if you are using a flat-top jack stand and have verified the stability of the mount.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Your Fusion
Preparation is the key to a safe lift. Start by parking the car on a flat, level concrete surface. Never attempt to jack up a car on an incline or on soft ground like grass or dirt, as the jack can easily tip.
Engage the parking brake firmly. If you are lifting the front of the car, place wheel chocks behind the rear tires. If you are lifting the rear, place the chocks in front of the front tires. This prevents the car from shifting as the angle changes.
- Position the floor jack under the designated 2017 ford fusion jack points.
- Slowly pump the jack handle until the jack head makes contact with the pinch weld.
- Check the alignment one last time to ensure the jack is centered on the reinforced ridge.
- Continue lifting until the tire is off the ground or you have enough clearance for your work.
- Slide the jack stand into place next to the jack, ensuring it is also on a reinforced section of the frame or pinch weld.
- Slowly lower the jack until the weight of the vehicle rests entirely on the jack stand.
Once the car is on the stands, give it a gentle shake. This is a crucial safety check. If the car feels unstable or wobbles, lower it back down and reposition the stands. It is better to find an instability now than when you are underneath the vehicle.
I always leave the floor jack in place as a secondary backup, just barely touching the frame. It provides an extra layer of security without taking up the space you need to work.
Alternative Lift Points and Subframe Locations
Sometimes you need to lift the entire front or rear of the car at once. In these cases, using the side 2017 ford fusion jack points one by one can be tedious. Professional mechanics often use central lift points.
For the front, the large steel subframe crossmember is a viable option. You must ensure your jack has a large enough saddle to distribute the weight. Avoid any plastic shields or cooling lines that may be nearby.
For the rear, the center of the rear subframe (near the suspension mounting points) can be used. However, you must avoid the rear differential if your Fusion is an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model. Lifting by the differential housing can damage the seals or the casing.
Always verify these alternative points with a flashlight. Look for thick, structural steel. If the metal looks thin or is made of plastic, it is not a lift point. When in doubt, stick to the four primary pinch weld locations.
Identifying and Mitigating Common Lifting Risks
The most common risk when lifting a 2017 Ford Fusion is “jack slip.” This occurs when the jack moves horizontally as the car is lifted, often because the wheels of the jack are stuck or the surface is uneven.
Another risk is the “folding” of the pinch weld. Over time, rust can weaken these areas. If you notice the metal crumbling or bending excessively, stop immediately. You may need to find a solid part of the inner frame rail to support the car instead.
Never work alone if you can avoid it. Having someone nearby who can help in an emergency is a standard safety practice in the automotive world. If you must work alone, ensure someone knows you are under the car and check in periodically.
Avoid using “cinder blocks” or wood scraps as jack stands. These materials can shatter or compress under the weight of a 3,500-pound sedan. Only use ANSI-certified jack stands that are rated for the weight of your vehicle.
The Evolution of Automotive Support Structures
As vehicle technology advances, the way we support them is changing. The 2017 Ford Fusion represents the peak of traditional unibody design, but newer electric vehicles (EVs) have battery packs that cover the entire undercarriage.
In the future, we may see more integrated lifting systems or specialized pucks that are required for every service. For now, the Fusion relies on the tried-and-true pinch weld system that has been a staple of automotive design for decades.
Understanding these structures helps you appreciate the engineering that goes into vehicle safety. These points aren’t just for convenience; they are integral components of the car’s crash management and structural integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 ford fusion jack points
Can I use the emergency scissor jack for an oil change?
No, the scissor jack included with your car is only intended for emergency tire changes. It is not stable enough for maintenance work. Always use a hydraulic floor jack and jack stands for any repair where you will be under the car.
What happens if I bend the pinch weld?
Bending the pinch weld can lead to rust because the paint often flakes off during the process. If it is badly bent, it may make it difficult to use the factory jack in the future. You can often straighten them with a heavy-duty pair of pliers, but it is best to avoid the damage by using a rubber jack pad.
Where should I place jack stands if the jack is on the pinch weld?
This is a common challenge. You can place the jack stand immediately adjacent to the jack on the reinforced pinch weld. Alternatively, you can lift from a subframe point and place the stands on the designated 2017 ford fusion jack points.
Are the jack points different on the Fusion Hybrid or Energi?
The primary pinch weld locations are the same across all Fusion models, including the Hybrid and Energi. However, be extra cautious of high-voltage orange cables running under the chassis. Never place a jack or stand near these cables.
How high do I need to lift the car?
For most DIY tasks like oil changes or brake work, you only need to lift the car 10 to 15 inches off the ground. Lifting it higher than necessary increases the center of gravity and can make the setup less stable. Only lift as high as needed to perform the task comfortably.
Summary of Actionable Takeaways
Lifting your vehicle doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these professional guidelines, you can ensure your 2017 Ford Fusion remains in top condition while you perform your own maintenance.
Always remember to prioritize a level surface and use the 2017 ford fusion jack points specifically reinforced by the factory. Invest in a quality floor jack and a set of sturdy jack stands; they are the most important tools in your garage.
Take your time, double-check your placements, and never take shortcuts with your safety. A few extra minutes of preparation can prevent a lifetime of regret. Now that you know exactly where to lift, you are ready to tackle your next DIY project with confidence.
Stay safe, keep your tools organized, and enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining your own ride. Happy wrenching!
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