1994 Ford Escort 1.9

1994 FORD ESCORT
Avatar
DIANAAD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I took my car in because my cooling fan was not engaging. We finally determined it was my ECM after replacing the relays, sensors, etc. They found that the ECM wasn't telling it to engage at low until it was already overheating.The shop told me it was $700 to replace it. I found the part for $50 - $150. I find it hard to believe that there is $650 worth of labor involved. What should I do since I obviously can't drive an overheating vehicle?

It's a 1994 Ford Escort LX Wagon 1.9 Manual Transpission. Around 161,000 miles.
Dec 7, 2006 at 2:45 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WYNRYPEN
  • MEMBER
  • 52 POSTS
For us to be able to assist you, it is absolutely necessary for you to include the make, model, year and mileage of your car.
Dec 7, 2006 at 3:07 PM
Avatar
BRUCE HUNT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,754 POSTS
You know I wonder what level of confidence they put on replacing the computer will have in fixing problem. I would hate to put out that kind of money to not have it be the problem. I guess I look at that and wonder why other problems haven't surfaced.

The price is crazy, but bet they don't shop for the prices like you did. They have a source and go with that price plus a padding of labor.

Don't get me wrong the problem could be ECM.
Dec 7, 2006 at 3:33 PM
Avatar
DIANAAD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
[quote:321bc74623="Bruce Hunt"]You know I wonder what level of confidence they put on replacing the computer will have in fixing problem. I would hate to put out that kind of money to not have it be the problem. I guess I look at that and wonder why other problems haven't surfaced.

The price is crazy, but bet they don't shop for the prices like you did. They have a source and go with that price plus a padding of labor.

Don't get me wrong the problem could be ECM.[/quote:321bc74623]

Thats why I'm a little wary to even buy the part and have it replaced. The $50 ECM was through a salvage yard but even new the most expensive one ran about $300. One of the honest mechanics there offered to put it in for me outside the shop for no labor, but I'd like to be sure I'm replacing the correct part.
Dec 7, 2006 at 3:41 PM
Avatar
BRUCE HUNT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,754 POSTS
Your problem is getting the fan to come on and the sensor for that was replaced? You mentioned "ECM wasn't telling it to engage at low until it was already overheating" At LOW what?

On my daughters old car I hot wired the fan to just run whenever the engine turned on and that worked fine. Just a thought!
Dec 7, 2006 at 3:46 PM
Avatar
DIANAAD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
[quote:f34656d737="Bruce Hunt"]Your problem is getting the fan to come on and the sensor for that was replaced? You mentioned "ECM wasn't telling it to engage at low until it was already overheating" At LOW what?

[/quote:f34656d737]

The fan isn't turning on at its low speed setting until its already at the high range of normal and the high speed setting of the fan probably wouldn't kick in until I redlined. I don't know for sure we didn't test that! :)

I'll check to see if my mechanic will hotwire it. That would be a great solution since I only plan on keeping the car another month or two.
Dec 7, 2006 at 4:00 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.