diagnostic code through the SEL

Ok, my sisters 97 escort will crank but, won't start so I can't take it to have the codes checked so, I know this can be done but, don't know to check the diagnostic codes through the service engine light?? Any help would be appreciated

Can't be done on this car since it has an OBD2 computer. If it was a 94 or early 95 you could cross the pins and the light would flash. Try to find someone with a reader to pull the codes for you. This sounds like a fuel pump issue. If you want to try something, remove the air cleaner from the throttle body and spray starting fluid into the throttle body while someone cranks the engine. If it starts replace the fuel pump. If not check the ignition system. Possibly the crank position sensor or coil.

thanks, I used to use the sel until I bought a pda with software that reads the codes plus other sensor readings for my 94 DSM but, I just thought I could read the escorts DTC through the sel but, now I know that I can't. thanks and I'll check and see if the problem is the fuel pump. thanks

Don't forget the fuel filter, it could be plugged and good practice to replace, especially if you wind up replacing the fuel pump. Shouldn't you be able to check fuel pressure on this at a test valve on the fuel rail? At the very least you should hear the fuel pump come on every time you switch the key to run and after that you could carefully push in on the schrader valve at the fuel rail test valve(just like your tire stem valve )with a small pointed tool to see if it has much pressure, watch your eyes.

I forgot to add that it was cranking but, didn't untill I added heat to gas then it started fine but, the next day it went back to just cranking? I think my sisters car just hates winter.

Is the timing belt ok?
Do you hear the elctric fuel pump pressurizing when you turn the key?

yes, the timing belt is ok and I also hear the fuel pump

You need to confirm you are getting fuel to the engine. Like I said before, check at fuel rail pressure port or even pull a plug to see if it is wet with gas, which means all fuel systems including the injectors are working. Then it becomes other issues that are in question.

You need to confirm you are getting fuel to the engine. Like I said before, check at fuel rail pressure port or even pull a plug to see if it is wet with gas, which means all fuel systems including the injectors are working. Then it becomes other issues that are in question.

But, when it did that, I added heat to the gas and it started but, the next day it was back to just cranking so, I am sure it's not a fuel problem?

Maybe I'm not following. You got it to run after adding HEET water/fuel treatment? Or you are adding hot like heat? Could you clear up what is "heat"? Whatever it is, you are putting it in the fuel? Too much water in the gas when it's cold can keep it from running. So it has run for a day with the HEET, but the next day it won't start? Sure sounds fuel and or water related. If it's not fuel related, I'm not clear how you got it to start with HEET. If it runs with the HEET, then gas is being delivered some of the time, what we don't know if it is all the time. Pull a plug when it doesn't start. If wet, then you have a water/gas problem. I assume it is very cold where you are. You may need to add more water/fuel treatment to get it to work. All of this would explain your no fire problem.

oh, I'm sorry that I was unclear about this problem. I meant I put heet water/gas treatment in it and it ran for one day. I'll pull a plug when it doesn't start and see If it's wet.

If the tank is full you may need to add another bottle of heat. Use the red stuff as it works better. If the car ran for one day with the first bottle of heat that indicates that you probably have a lot of water in your fuel. If you were able to run the tank down some then add fresh fuel if you can and put another bottle of heat in and see what happens.