ignition problem

I have just bought a 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 with 50,000 miles on it. I am having a problem with starting it. It can only be started if I first push the unlock button on the remote. If I don't push the unlock button, it doesn't even make a sound when trying to start it and it won't turn over. This creates a problem since we only have one remote and nobody else in the family can start the car with just a key. The car doesn't have a lock/unlock button on the door so can only be locked and unlocked with the remote. The previous owner just put a brand new starter in it. I'm reading about alot of starter/ignition problems but haven't come across this one. Can anyone shed some light on this problem??

Thanks,
Kathy

sounds liek someone did some really bad wiring, or its a VERY odd security system

I have just bought a 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 with 50,000 miles on it. I am having a problem with starting it. It can only be started if I first push the unlock button on the remote. If I don't push the unlock button, it doesn't even make a sound when trying to start it and it won't turn over. This creates a problem since we only have one remote and nobody else in the family can start the car with just a key. The car doesn't have a lock/unlock button on the door so can only be locked and unlocked with the remote. The previous owner just put a brand new starter in it. I'm reading about alot of starter/ignition problems but haven't come across this one. Can anyone shed some light on this problem??

Thanks,
Kathy

Welcome on your first post on AF.
If it has a after market alarm system or remote start on it.
Take it off and drop it in the trash can.
MT

Sounds like the security system is wired up to disable the starter relay. You can double check that by taking a volt meter, and checking for a signal at the starter relay when the system is "locked", but the key is turned to the "start" position.

If you get no signal... that's because something is stopping it. (assuming that you dont have any other weird electrical problems)

Yep, just check under the dash at the wiring. Look up your car's wiring info at www.bulldogsecurity.com

Thanks for all the input. We are having the wiring checked and redone tomorrow. From what I'm reading and after talking to a local mechanic, the remote I have is not Ford issued so someone probably bought it off Ebay or something and tried wiring it themselves. Hopefully a new remote and rewire job will fix the problem.

Another thing, this car has automatic locks but doesn't have a lock/unlock button on the drivers side door, as shown in the Ford manual. When we mentioned this to a Ford mechanic, he thought we were crazy....that it HAD to have this button. The only way to unlock a door in this car from the inside, is to open it or to use the remote. Was this car made on a Monday morning by a hungover employee or is this usual?

Thanks again... I'll update everyone after the work is done.

I've never heard of a car without a manual lock/unlock button. I wouldn't be surprised if there are laws about it for safety reasons.

A ZX2 with factory power door locks will have the U/L button on the door panels. Is it possible that your 2000 ZX2 did not come from the factory with power door locks and they were added later? The power door locks were part of the 'Power Group' option which included 'All door remote entry/antitheft', power side windows, and power door locks. Does you car have power windows? Ive never seen a ZX2 without this option group, but Ive only seen a few.

Paul

I guess anything is possible. It does not have power windows. The car locks and unlocks using the remote. When locked, it's impossible to lift the buttons near the windows as there is nothing to grab onto. I didn't realize it was possible to add power locks to a car. That may be what happened. I, of course, didn't notice this when I bought the car... I'm glad I got a good deal on it!