1995 Ford Escort ignition problem

STEVE CARDIASMENOS

MEMBER
1995 FORD ESCORT

I have a very low mileage (under 60,000) 1995 Ford Escort. Recently, I have noticed when the car has been sitting for a while (30 minutes or more), it takes a longer time, perhaps 3 seconds or more, to start. The car always started immediately before. Sometimes, it won't start on the first try, and then on the second try, it starts up immediately (always). Thereafter, if I turn it off and start again a few minutes later, it starts up fine until it's been sitting again for a while. I though perhaps the battery was old, and it was, so I changed it. No difference. I needed new spark plugs and wires, so I changed them. No difference. Then I stumbled onto something. If I leave the ignition switch in the "run or on" position for a second or two before starting, it always starts without delay! What else could this be? Could it be the Ignition coil pack that the spark wires connect into or something else? The tip off is if I leave the key in the on position, it seems to be charging something a while longer to allow for the correct power start. And. After the start, it seems there is residual power left over to help start it over again during that 30 minute period. (I'm assuming the coils in the ignition pack stores some power between starts to do this). Any ideas? Thanks!

3 Replies

BACKYARDMECHANIC

MECHANIC
337 POSTS

From what you have said so far it seems to me it may be more of a fuel problem then a ignition problem. The reason I say this is because of what you mentioned about turning the key on for a few seconds and then starting without incident. BTW this was a good observation on your part. When the ignition key is turned on power is sent to the fuel pump to allow the fuel pressure to build up. The injectors need a constant high pressure to operate properly. The first thing to do is inspected the entire fuel line from tank to injectors rails checking for leaks or kinks in the line. If there is none you may want to change the fuel filter. When was it changed if ever?Also you may want to throw some fuel injector cleaner in the tank in case the injectors are dirty. If you still have the problem then I would test the fuel pressure with a pressure tester. (Maybe you can borrow or rent one if you don't have one). After testing the pressure to see if it is within specs only then you will know if the presure is proper or not. If this all checks then you probably have a ignition problem which will be harder to find. Let me know how it goes and if you need anything else. Hope I'll been helpful :)