alright does anyone know on a 1998 escort which wires (colours) behind the stereo are the live, earth, ect... :confused: need to hook up new stereo.

Here ya go dude (posted from www.the12volt.com):

1998 Ford Escort Stereo Information
Constant 12V+ (Blue/Red)
Switched 12V+ (Blue/Black)
Ground (Black)
Illumination (Red/Black)
Dimmer n/a
Antenna Trigger n/a

Antenna Driver's Pillar
Front Speakers 5 1/4" Doors
Left Front (+) (Purple)
Left Front (-) (Blue/Orange)
Right Front (+) (Blue/White)
Right Front (-) (White)

Rear Speakers 6" x 8" Rear Deck
Left Rear (+) (White/Blue)
Left Rear (-) (Red/Blue)
Right Rear (+) (White/Green)
Right Rear (-) (Blue)

It may be alot easier if you just go to best buy and buy a harness. This way you don't have to splice the factory wires.

Hope this helps,
Scott