Introduction
As a professional Auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Escorts that won’t to start. And I can assure you, I understand how irritating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all!
But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to guide you through the most usual explanations why your Ford Escort won’t start. I’ll discuss all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer useful troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Ford Escort starting and moving as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Escort Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s important to initially have a grasp of the problem. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Escort won’t start”, this could be because of different issues being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not cranking at all, potentially it is cranking partially however then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, but ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can be indicative of various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Escort Won’t Start
There are numerous reasons that an Escort refuses to start up. These issues usually consist of a dead or weak car battery, a broken alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, in addition to electrical or wiring failures. Every one of these issues can show up as various symptoms and require different solutions to identify and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Escort That Won’t Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in discovering the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your vehicle still won’t start, it can be an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Escort Won’t Start
The initial step to finding a practical solution to the problem is getting to grips with the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most common factors why your Escort won’t start.
Ford Escort Battery Issues
In most cases, the most common reason why your Ford Escort won’t start is often because of the battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you need to charge up your car’s battery or replace it. The car’s battery supplies the electric needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Escort. Signs of a bad battery problem in a Escort, are things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on the dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Ford Escort Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can certainly prevent your Ford Escort from starting as it will not have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it’s totally dead and you don’t realize it until you get in your Escort and it won’t start. Signs that your Escorts alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it’s running.
Ford Escort Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Escort, the starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine won’t crank, and your Escort can’t start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding sound throughout the startup, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Escort Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Escort uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Escort problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the vehicle going. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Ford Escort Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Escorts rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a damaged ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical reasons that your Ford Escort won’t get started. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can differ widely but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Escort can start however only intermittently or numerous warning lights show on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and fix these kinds of problems, you will need the abilities of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have figured out what the cause of your car failing to start is. The next logical step is of course to attempt to repair it. Here are some pointers for the typical problems we’ve covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Escort
If you think it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason why your Escort has difficulty starting, then the first thing you need to do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Escort’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will likely run out of life again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs swapped out for a new one. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Ford model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Ford Escort, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Escort’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Mobile auto repairs.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Escort
If the alternator is what you suspect is the culprit, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery. If you notice your Ford Escort is dying pretty quickly, then it’s most likely due to a problem with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might harm the sensitive electronic components in your vehicle, so in this case best to talk to a reliable mechanic local to you or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Escort
It’s most likely an issue with your starter motor if you are able to hear the clicking sound but the engine does not crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Problems in a Ford Escort
If you think the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You ought to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. If you are unable to hear this noise, then it may be there is an issue with the fuel pump. If you notice your Ford is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could possibly be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to effectively repair. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Ford Escort
If you think it’s a wiring or electrical system problem, initially examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Ford Escort starts after this, then it was a successful, simple and low-cost repair! If the vehicle doesn’t start, even intermittently, it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it could be a faulty sensor. These problems can be very complicated and a reliable car mechanic is likely required to diagnose and repair it. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you hopefully avoid any Ford Escort starting problems again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Ford Escort:
Routine upkeep of your Ford Escort is of the utmost importance to avoid future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, checking your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and having your car inspected by a professional car mechanic regularly. You can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online if you find yourself uncertain or confused about the regular maintenance tasks needed for your specific car.
Drive Your Ford Escort Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Escort in your garage for long periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may drain as it’s not getting any charge from the engine being used. Try your best to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery full of juice. If you remember you haven’t driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to make certain there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything odd like uncommon noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights lit up on your Ford Escorts dashboard, don’t disregard them. These are usually early warnings of a problem and it’s best to be attended to ASAP so that they don’t end up being much bigger problems down the line. Chat with a car mechanic locally or online about these issues and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you’re either short on time, want an expert Ford mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you’ve attempted to resolve it by yourself, however regardless of your best efforts your vehicle can’t start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start rapid clicking” all day and still getting no where.
Benefits of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous benefits. You can get skilled Ford mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially helpful if your car won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much less expensive than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer rapidly, which is great if you’re in a rush, need a 2nd opinion, or you just like having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with accredited expert mechanics who can offer instant help, guidance and advice with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Equator won’t start or it’s your Escort that you’re having issues with, we’ve got the mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You’re able to describe the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them via online chat or by telephone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic will help you identify the problem, guide you on the best course of action for your individual scenario and even guide you through simple maintenance and repairs step by step.
So feel free to try out our Ford expert live chat service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Escort is unable to start, it will likely be a complete bummer and a massive hassle. However, having an understanding of what may be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Bear in mind that regular upkeep is crucial for avoiding all kinds of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Escort can’t start?
First off, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that could show an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely one of the main causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Ford mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Ford Escort won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery issue in a Escort consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to just change it.
How can I prevent my Ford Escort not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never occurs again, regular upkeep is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Ford Escort inspected by a mechanic frequently. It’s also an excellent idea to drive the car routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Escort fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instantaneous professional Ford mechanic assistance and guidance, without you needing to leave your house. This is particularly beneficial if your vehicle fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Escort is unable to start?
We link you with accredited expert Ford mechanics who can provide recommendations on your particular situation. You can inform them about your car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can correctly demonstrate the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
