1998 2.0L SPI Escort - won't start

[Aeryk]

Originally Posted by mightymoose_22

Well it sounds like an electrical problem. Spark is not firing and injectors are not spraying (if I understand correctly you have fuel pressure in the rail, but fuel is not reaching the cylinders).

My best guess for you now is that you need to check out the ignition module. This is an electrical component in the middle of everything that controls both fuel and spark. I am uncertain of how to test it other than to replace with a known good one.

That said- the same symptoms may occur if you somehow damaged the fuel cutoff switch. Though you verified it is in the down position, it will produce these symptoms if it is malfunctioning.

You should focus on those issues and leave your fuel rail and injectors alone. At this point, it might even help if you just focus on the spark issue. There is a good chance that if you fix spark, you will fix the fuel at the same time. Have a look at your diagram in the Haynes manual and look at the EEC and EDIS (and related fuses).

Sounds like the next likely place to try. Thank you for responding once again Mightymoose.

[Aeryk]

Originally Posted by mightymoose_22

Check out your relays under the hood... make sure the EEC is getting power.

I've only ever encountered relay testing in conversation with a local mechanic, years ago. He tested, and I think he replaced the relay. I was not present to see the relay testing and this is fairly new to me as well. My Haynes manual gives a 'typical location' of the EEC power relay, but once located, how does one test it exactly ? Are you testing it with a continuity tester or a volt meter ? OHM/resistance ? My manual isn't that specific. It just says to remove it and have a dealer service department or repair shop do it.

[Davescort97]

Just to back up for a moment. Did you check the fuel injection fuse and the engine fuse?

[Aeryk]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

Just to back up for a moment. Did you check the fuel injection fuse and the engine fuse?

Yes, they are both ok. In one of my earlier replies regarding checking things, I mentioned 'all' the fuses are okay. I failed to be specific and mention that this included under the hood, and dash inside the car. Thanks for asking.

[mightymoose_22]

A relay is easiest to check by swapping with a known good one and checking the results. Otherwise, using a multimeter you just have to check that it is putting out power when it is supposed to.

If you have a junkyard in your area you might have some luck swiping an EEC and a relay for pretty cheap. Then you could save a lot of hassle troubleshooting. However, you never know if the junkers have good parts....