Won't Start Sometimes

FACE

MEMBER
FORD ESCORT

95 Ford Escort; 92k miles. If not driven for a day or 2 won't start. Will jump-start. Same problem with new battery. Will turn slowly without jumpstart, but will only start with jumpstart. After it starts up, there will be no problem re-starting it for the next few days as long as I drive it every day. It seems to drive just fine after starting. Any ideas?
Maybe unrelated, it does have some leaks and I suspect transmission issues from a reubuilt transmission a few years ago.

5 Replies

LOVESCARS

MECHANIC
359 POSTS

Check the battery cables and clamps if worn or corroded replace

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Saturday, February 18th, 2006 AT 6:56 PM

FACE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Battery and alternator have both been checked out be me and 2 shops -- no problem there.

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Sunday, February 19th, 2006 AT 6:17 AM

LOVESCARS

MECHANIC
359 POSTS

Unusual at best?
Normally if the vehicle jump starts with another vehicle or pak it's the battery!
I read a post recently where an individual was having a similar problem and it turned out to be the starter solenoid not providing enough juice to throw the bendix but in my opinion yours points to the battery due to the fact the car starts with a jump.
Does it do it all the time or is it intermittent?
Is the battery the correct application or did you purchase a universal inexpensive one?

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Sunday, February 19th, 2006 AT 1:48 PM

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

The battery cables can also become corroded internally and create a voltage drop. If the insulation is bad or you see green replace it.
Next step would be to have the starter tested.

Good luck and let us know. :)

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Sunday, February 19th, 2006 AT 7:38 PM

FACE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for all the advice. It is intermittent. I'll check it out and let you know. I replaced the original battery with one from Walmart, so maybe that's got something to do with it. :) The shop that tested my battery says it's probably the starter. I"ll check it out.