Starting problem-Ford escort-1998

Hello everyone:
this is my first time getting in to the Forum. I am not big knowledged person about cars. I own a 1998 Ford Escort bought in 1998. It has 95,000 milage. It worked good until now. since last week, whenever I started my car, it won't start first time. It makes starting sound and the engine stops. I have to try second time, and the engine starts. Does anybody, helps me?????Please....Is this a serious problem....

No it shouldent be a big problem it sounds like your starter is starting to go bad..to make sure just take to a auto part store and they will be able to test it...

As You said, this morning I took my 1998 Ford Escort to the Ford Dealer (Fullerton, in Somerville, NJ) He charged me $90 for the Computer Diagnostic and told me that needed Fuel Pump and Presure Regulator, which costs $ 760. I am not sure, how much it really costs. Now I am not comfortable to spend this much money with out knowing the actual problem. OHO, the other thing, today when the machanic started the car it started with out any problem. I am not sure, how serious this problem. Do you have any suggestions-----thanks a lot

good luck finding a fuel pump for less than $250. Not sure about the pressure regulator. If you have a friend that is mechanically inclined, changing those two components on a 3rd gen is a breeze.

Thanks for the help--

I have the same problem wiht my 98 escort, I know its not the spark plugs, starter, fuel quality, or air filter, and i have other problems that relate to a bad fuel pump, i.e. hesitating and low power. Im guessing this is a relatively common problem with 98 escorts. As for that cost, yeah unless you have someone you know do it for free it's an arm and a leg for labor on that kind of job.

I had another car with an expensive problem. What I did was to get an overall check of the engine for $50 to help decide- I found out nothing had ever been replaced in the car (older car too), including simple stuff like the belts. So it was likely that even if I spent the hundreds to fix the one problem, other things would definitely start falling apart - so not worth putting the money out.

My 98 Ford Escort ZX2 has a starting problem every now and then. All the dash lights come on and the headlights work but it won't start when I turn the ignition on. Checked the fuses, reset the fuel pump switch (in the trunk, and moved it through gears and tried to start it in neutral and in park but nothing worked. However, when I disonnected the battery for a few minutes, the car started once the cables were re-connected. Might have been a coincidence but I suspect that it re-set whatever was preventing the car from starting.
I suspect the after-market alarms system was the cause. I bought the car at an auction a few weeks ago and the only paperwork that came with it is the pink-slip. I would like to disable the alarm system permanently, but I'm not sure how to go about it or who installed it.