97 Escort Won't Start - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

ibanez697 · 03-18-2007, 11:20

First of I own a 1997 Escort SE Wagon 2.0L. When I first purchased the car used, it ran fan until one day it stalled out. It kept wanting to go but eventually just cut off. It didn't do it again for a long time. Then all of a sudden it won't run without it happening every now and then. Sometimes it won't crank for hours after it stalls and other times it cranks right up. I took it to a shop and the mechanic said it didn't stall for him once, so he replaced what he thought was wrong. As soon as I paid the man and left, it stalled. About a week later it stalled in my driveway and it has never started since. It rotates, but won't start. I've notice that the Cooling Fan Module makes a buzzing noise. Could a faulty Cooling Fan Module keep my car from starting? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sand1 · 03-18-2007, 15:37

Its sounds like its a sensor or a relay. The best starting point on it would be to have the codes ran and go from there. Around $60.00 to have it done and on the newer cars will normally pinpoint a problem. It doesnt sound like it's a mechanical problem. Anytime a newer model car is having problems like this it's best to have the codes ran before doing anything. Process elimination is way to expensive on one. I'm surprised the mechanic you took it to didnt do this already.

ibanez697 · 03-18-2007, 17:15

The mechanic did run the codes and charged me around 60 bucks. He said nothing showed up except for the problem with my power steering, which I already knew needed to be fixed. I might get it towed to a shop that specializes in electrical work. I just don't know if it's worth it or not.

Sand1 · 03-18-2007, 17:51

well, there are a few things you could try. First verify that its getting a spark. An inductive timing light is good for this if you have one. Check all the wires. Also check the fuel rail and make sure its getting fuel. There will be a little cap on the fuel rail you can remove and it has a valve similar to a tire valve. With the key on, push it in and if fuel squirts out its ok. Be careful not to spray yourself in the face. You may have a pump trying to go out or a bad connection. Possibly even a clogged filter. You should be able to bypass the fan relay so the fan runs all the time. Just for test purposes, hook it back up normal afterwards. That shouldnt keep it from starting but its a free check. Its hard to trouble shoot one without putting my hands on it. You may also want to check the timing. If by chance it did get hot because the fan didnt kick on, it may have jumped time.

ibanez697 · 03-18-2007, 18:24

I'll try that stuff first thing tomorrow. I replaced the fuel pump assembly just the other day and I didn't have to releave any pressure because there wasn't any. I don't know if that's normal for a car that hasn't been running for a while or not. I was suspecting it not getting any fuel, but I haven't checked to see if there was a spark.

And if this helps any when I would remove the Fuel Injector fuse the Cooling Fan Module would stop buzzing. I thought that was weird.

Thanks for the help so far and I'll post back what I find out.

ibanez697 · 03-19-2007, 07:19

Alright, I checked the fuel rail like you said and just a little gas leaked out, that's it. It didn't spray or anything.

Sand1 · 03-19-2007, 19:18

Yeah, I would guess the pump is bad or the filter clogged. If its all in the tank and probably is, replace the whole thing while your in there. Make sure the connections are tight and when putting it back together be sure the o-ring on thetop of the tank is in place correctly. That should solve your problems.

ibanez697 · 03-20-2007, 10:17

I changed the pump and filter and the pump isn't turning on. Even when I'm cranking the car it's not doing anything.

thefonz · 03-20-2007, 15:05

Have you checked?:
Fuel pump relay
inertia switch
all fuses
for power going to the fuel pump
also check grounds.

ibanez697 · 03-20-2007, 15:23

I've checked to see if the inertia switch was tripped but not if it was broken. I checked most of the fuses as well. I've checked for power to the pump and it's getting 5v on a crappy battery tester with the key on. I don't know where the Fuel pump relay is on my car though. I've looked for it in the Haynes manual and it only breifly talks about relays in general.