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Question: 1998 Escort mileage: 104,000.  Last winter when it was very cold, around zero degrees F, the car would start fine but quit within ten seconds. It would start fine and quit again. The engine would quit running unless accelerator is" pumped". Holding it in any one position would cause the engine to die. Once the engine warmed it ran okay. This only happened a few times and went away over the summer. This fall a different problem started. The engine would not slow down for about thirty seconds after the accelerator was stepped on. This was whether it was in gear driving or in neutral. It acted similar having to a vacuum leak but vacuum is ok. A 1988 Escort had the same drivability problem and the PCV valve was the problem but this car doesn't have that problem. There is no problem with linkages binding. KOEO test showed not enough throttle movement/TPS. TPS was replaced and harness circuits are ok. Still had problem. I noticed the end of the throttle shaft looked corroded and thin so I built it back up with JB Weld. The engine continuing to run fast problem quit and the code cleared, but now the previous problem is back only worse, it doesn't get better when it warms up. KOEO code reads TPS. I took the old TPS and slotted the mounting holes so it could be adjusted. With very minimum adjustment, the codes change from TPS movement to throttle plate not closing completely. Like there is no middle ground to satisfy the computer. There is 4.9 volts into the TPS. Wires check ok to computer. KOER codes read TPS and Loss of SPOUT. TFI ignition module checks ok and new module does not help. Outside temperature is about 30. I have taken the computer out and tried warming it but it didn't help. Fuel pressure appears t be ok and can see good spray from the injector until engine dies. Engine did continue to run during the KOER test, while the scan tool was hooked up. Currently the engine starts easy, runs good at about 1200-1400 rpm and gradually slows after about twenty seconds like normal until it get to about 1000 rpm then it drops to about 400 rpm speeds up quickly to about 1300 rpm, stumbles while trying to slow and dies. I haven't checked the distributor pick up or tried changing the computer. Is there a way to check the computer or do you have any ideas? A parts guy said he had the same problems and a FORD mechanic had it three days and couldn't fix it so he sold it during the summer when it ran. I have tested resistance on the temperature sensors and they checked ok. Timing belt was changed 20,000 miles prior to these problems and hasn't been checked but have no indications it jumped.

Answer: The idling and dying problem is probably due to a faulty idle speed motor. A fuel delivery problem is most likely causing the stalling. Check the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel pump.

Question: 1996 Ford Escort mileage: 136,000.  My car was running pretty good until my girlfriend's dad replaced the sparkplugs and wires. It drove fine for thirty minutes then the engine started to shake and vibrate then it died. I tried starting it later. In still shakes and vibrates. It will not idle. You have to constantly push the gas pedal to keep it running and it vibrates like crazy.

Answer: Double check the sparkplug wires to make sure they are on securely. Also check the spark plugs for a cracked or broken one and check to see that no vacuum lines were knocked off during the tune-up.

Question: 1991 Ford Escort mileage: 116,000.  I'm having trouble with the cruise control on this otherwise good-behaving car. It started varying its speed when engaged (pulsating strongly), then would seem to disengage intermittently, but would occasionally come back on remembering its speed setting. The speed control amplifier was changed and it worked for a while (two brief test outings) then completely stopped with no resumption. The servo was changed, then another speed control amp (junkyard variety -- good condition). I check the ohms out most of the connections, and nothing appears to be shorted to ground (steering wheel switches, etc. I have a Haynes manual with wiring diagrams). The big mystery to me is troubleshooting the Vehicle Speed Sensor, where is it located and is this a possible cause of the trouble? Is it a simple connection to the speedometer or some other type of connection?

Answer: Yes, the cruise control problem could be the vehicle speed sensor. It is located in the end of the transmission. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1997 Ford Escort mileage: 98,000.  I have a problem, I ran out of gas and now can't get started again, what do I do? (Yes, I put gas in it)

Answer: Test for fuel pump pressure. Running out of gas is not a good idea for more than one reason. When a fuel pump runs with no gas in the vehicle it can damage the pump beyond repair.

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Question: 1999 Ford Escort mileage: 107,000.  I have had to replace the cooling fan relays about three times within the past year. What do you think could be causing the relays to go bad so quickly?

Answer: If the cooling fan motor is starting to fail, it will pull extra AMPS through the relay causing it to fail prematurely.

Question: 1999 Ford Escort mileage: 98,000.  I had my car towed to a repair shop when my fuel pump failed. The tow truck driver put it in neutral and towed it to the shop (two miles away, 35 mph speed limit) with the front wheels on the ground (it is a front wheel drive car.) Now, my car will not shift out of first gear. This is the first time anything has gone wrong with my transmission and I don't think it has failed. Could incorrect towing be at fault?

Answer: It is never a good idea to tow a car with the drive wheels on the ground. A bearing could have been damaged, or it can be a simple as a cable being out of adjustment.

Question: 1998 Ford Escort mileage: 115,000.  My car has always run like a charm. The other day when I went to start it, it wouldn't turn over, but everything else worked. I keyed it a few more times and it started right up. Today it did it again and I decided to take a look at it. When I popped the hood and keyed the engine, the positive battery terminal began to smoke. Any ideas?

Answer: Sounds like you have a poor connection at the battery or the battery itself is starting to fail.

Question: 1997 Ford Escort mileage: 70,885.  I just recently had a timing belt replaced and now the car hesitates to go over 50 mph. I talked to a mechanic and she said that my valves may have been damaged when the belt slipped. I want to get a second opinion before I pay out that much money.

Answer: Before you have the head removed and the valves reground, the compression should be check to verify that your problem is with the valves.

Question: 2001 Ford Escort mileage: 47,000.  My car has been sitting in a repair shop for a year now and the mechanic can not figure out what is wrong. The fuel injectors were messing up and he replaced all of the injectors and the computer and still there are two injectors that fail to ground and the car won't run. Any suggestions?

Answer: Check the computer output that operators the injectors. Also, check the wiring loam that runs from the injectors to the computer for damage and continuity.

Question: 1997 Ford Escort mileage: 64,033.  Customer came to my shop and had her thermostat replaced. It had overheated and her regular mechanic said it was her thermostat so that is what she wanted to replace. After replacing the thermostat and while the engine was running the service engine soon light came on the car ran very rough and started to stall. I hooked up the snap-on scanner and received codes for the "maf input to high" while running the koeo test. Started engine to run a koer test it ran fine but light still on. After running the koer test I got "maf not working. Have I lost you yet? So, I performed several different tests. And then removed the codes. As soon as the key is tuned, on the computer sets, the "maf input to high" everything is within specs and I am totally lost!

Answer: Try replacing the MAF (mass airflow) sensor.

Question: 91 Ford/Escort mileage: 90,000.  This has been a nightmare, I would appreciate any feedback you can give. My car has a white smoke/steam that comes out of the radiator. The temperature doesn't go up. The water level in the radiator seems fine. I have added coolant. I took it in to a mechanic because it appeared I needed a new upper and lower radiator hose. They told me they thought I also should get a new thermostat/gasket as well. They also recommended spending $700+ on a new water pump that they thought might be clogged. Well, I couldn't afford that so I had them do everything but the water pump. As I drove home from the shop, the car smoked again. Any suggestions? Should a water pump cost that much? I am taking it to a new mechanic tomorrow and would like any heads up you can give. Thank you.

Answer: The smoke-steam that is coming from your radiator would indicate a leak in the cooling system. The system should be pressure checked and inspected for leaks. Replace or repair what ever is causing the leak. This is very basic. To replace the water pump because someone thought it might be clogged does not sound very logical to us. Obviously if the water pump is leaking, it should be replaced.

Question: 1996 Ford Escort mileage: 140,000.  When leaving work yesterday, the car would not start. Today I checked that the fuel pump was working and with the air filter, cover off can see fuel being pumped into the carburetor. Checking the sparkplugs (with a screwdriver inserted into a plug wire and placing it near a ground, there is no arc. This escort is set as a typical "TFI" ignition according to the Haynes repair manual however I hesitate to replace the e-core ignition coil without further information on what may be wrong. Thanks for your suggestions and help.

Answer: Ignition coils normally do not fail on your model car. Check the ignition module, as it is probably your problem.

Question: 1994 Ford Escort mileage: 91,000. We recently installed a new timing belt on my car and it only has approximately five hundred miles on the new belt. The car has always pretty much run good, and started great. One day I tried to start my car and even till now it turns over great but won't start. So we pulled all the plugs out first of all under the hood it says to use only motor craft plugs and the previous owner had champions in it so we put in all new plugs cause the forth plug was real bad-the center part of the plug was burnt away that leads up to the l shaped top part of the plug. Even with new plugs it still turns over good but won't start so they removed the timing belt cover and it had teeth chewed up on it already after only five hundred miles. I was told by someone that a valve could be burnt or shattered but I am confused cause it ran good) could this be possible or what it your advice. I look forward to hearing from you real soon. Thank you

Answer: Check the water pump. The timing belt drives the water pump. If the water pump is frozen, it will strip the belt. There is a very chance that the valves may be damaged or bent.

Question: 1995 Ford Escort mileage: 85,000.  For some reason the pipe from the exhaust, manifold to the catalytic converter is glowing red. I replaced the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and changed oil. Verified that all cylinders are firing. Compression check on all cylinders was okay (150, 138, 148, 150). Exhaust is flowing well out the tail pipe. Carburetor is not dumping fuel and car runs well. I'm stumped.... Help!

Answer: Your problem sounds like too much fuel is being put into the engine from the carburetor. We would guess your gasoline mileage is down on your car. Have the carburetor overhauled and replace the float.

Question: 1996 Ford Escort mileage: 95,000.  If I fail to replace my timing belt, will it cause damage if it breaks? The car is running fine.

Answer: If you fail to replace a timing belt and it breaks, there is a chance that you will bend some valves.

Question: 1995 Ford Escort mileage: 120,000.  While driving down the freeway, seatbelt-sliding release in door would make single clicking sound, and engine Rpms would start to decrease. Later, while idling at a stoplight, seat belt device again made a clicking sound, engine Rpm's dropped, and car stalled. The car has not started since. The engine will turn over, and spark plugs have a spark, but engine will not start. Any ideas?

Answer: Your no start problem is probably cause by a faulty ECC relay. It controls the power to the computer and probably needs to be replaced.

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