1993 Ford Escort Droning Noise, Slow Start

[200PlusClub]

Hi there,

I have a 1993 Ford Escort LX 2-door hatchback (205,000 km, 1.9L engine). I don't know much about cars so could really use some help, as I have put in over $2,000 in repairs in the past 6 months for new brakes, struts, battery, spark plugs & wires, positive crankcase ventilation valve, air filter, fuel filter, radiator, and fuel system decarbonizing. I really try to take car of this car and hope to make it to 300,000 km.

The latest problem I am having is that I can hear a loud droning noise. At first I only noticed it when in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear. A couple days later I could hear it even in 5th gear and also when idling. I was hoping it is only a loose connection underneath but am not so sure, as the sound seems to be coming from the engine area. I wasn't sure if I need to be concerned, so I haven't driven the car this weekend but I need it to commute.

Another intermittent problem is that the car won't start unless I push on the accelerator when I turn the ignition. I thought replacing the spark plugs & battery would resolve this. I can hear the fuel pump pressurizing when I turn the ignition, but I suspect there may be a problem with the electronic fuel injection or with the fuel pump. I did try a higher grade of gas with no improvement. Lately this problem has not occurred but I don't want to bury my head in the sand and would rather perform preventative maintenance. On the other hand I'm strapped for funds since the last round of repairs was much higher than expected -- am I causing any damage by pushing on the gas while I turn the ignition?

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Ken

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by 200PlusClub

Hi there,

I have a 1993 Ford Escort LX 2-door hatchback (205,000 km, 1.9L engine). I don't know much about cars so could really use some help, as I have put in over $2,000 in repairs in the past 6 months for new brakes, struts, battery, spark plugs & wires, positive crankcase ventilation valve, air filter, fuel filter, radiator, and fuel system decarbonizing. I really try to take car of this car and hope to make it to 300,000 km.

The latest problem I am having is that I can hear a loud droning noise. At first I only noticed it when in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear. A couple days later I could hear it even in 5th gear and also when idling. I was hoping it is only a loose connection underneath but am not so sure, as the sound seems to be coming from the engine area. I wasn't sure if I need to be concerned, so I haven't driven the car this weekend but I need it to commute.

Another intermittent problem is that the car won't start unless I push on the accelerator when I turn the ignition. I thought replacing the spark plugs & battery would resolve this. I can hear the fuel pump pressurizing when I turn the ignition, but I suspect there may be a problem with the electronic fuel injection or with the fuel pump. I did try a higher grade of gas with no improvement. Lately this problem has not occurred but I don't want to bury my head in the sand and would rather perform preventative maintenance. On the other hand I'm strapped for funds since the last round of repairs was much higher than expected -- am I causing any damage by pushing on the gas while I turn the ignition?

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Ken

Try to isolate the 'droning noise'. Your narrative suggests a drivetrain problem i.e. clutch or transmission. Have you checked your transmission fluid?
Pushing on the accelerator to start the car will not cause any damage, but it indicates other problems. Have you tried any diagnostics (codes)?
It would also help if you can identify what type Fuel Injection you have.

[Jim@HiTek]

With all due respect to Alvin, I'd check ALL the tires for balance, side wall blow outs, etc. (I just had fixed a tire that had a screw in it but no air leakage, made a weird clicking noise in first gear, then road noise drowned it out).

Tire balance is generally the cause of a droning that increases in loudness over time. Oh, and did you change your driving route lately? A road can cause droning too, and you can get 'sensitive' to the noise so it seems to you to be increasing in how often it happens or in loudness.

After that (and a balance check is usually free), check the stuff Alvin mentioned. My bet is a badly balanced tire on the drivers side, front.

Next the other problem. Take the throttle position sensor off and replace with one from a junk yard. Probably yours is going bad. And the $10 won't hurt too much.

JMHO

Jim@HiTek