97 Ford Escort wont start

Tiny
DUSTYR
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD ESCORT
  • 130,000 MILES
I have a 1997 ford escort that wont start, when I put the key I can get the auxilary to come on but it will shut off if I tap the brake, I cant get the car to start, it has been sitting in mildy cold weather for about a month, so I think either the battery is dead or its just cold
Sunday, February 26th, 2012 AT 6:09 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
You need to test the battery under load. With a multi-tester, or Auto Zone or Advance Auto will do this for free, test the battery voltage. It should have 12 volts. Then turn the key to the RUN position, it should stay at 12 volts. Then turn the key and see if the voltage drops when starting. If it drops significantley, more than.5 volts or even less, the battery needs to be replaced.
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Sunday, February 26th, 2012 AT 6:14 PM

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