Please help! My 99 Escort has been awesome- one of the best used cars we've ever had but now it's having its first problem: I noticed a new ticking noise so checked the oil & it was fine. Drove about 3 miles (to the store) & it started back up normally. Got about halfway home & it stalled. Now it cranks but wont turn over. Obviously Im hoping it's something easy/cheap to fix. Someone told me maybe it was a timing belt. What else could it be? Thanks!

My first thought was timing belt.:2cents:

Just replaced my timing belt on my 02 escort, Ticking I had went away, I would look at the timing belt for cracks or it may have snapped if it's stalling. :2cents: Good luck! keep us updated

If the timing belt still looks like its in place and turning the cam - i would try a compression test. All 4 cylinders should be nicely above 125. More like 150 after the engine has rotated for six 'compression pulses' per each cylinder.

Unplug your MAF sensor and try to start it. My 91 Escort did similar to same thing (except it would turn over, attempt to start and run for a second or two very poorly and die) and I replaced fuel pump, coil, wires, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, checking timing belt, all sorts of stuff and it turned out to be the MAF sensor.