94 ford escort fuel cutoff indicator light came on???

[Davescort97]

The engine in your Escort isn't interference. You should have no damage, but to check you could turn the crank pulley by hand. If the piston is hitting anything you should be able to feel it.

[indyattic]

Originally Posted by Jim@HiTek

We just had this problem and fixed it by disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes to reset the EEC. Perhaps running out of fuel triggers some kind of EEC shutdown as well?

I don't know about any of this, but my husband ran our 1993 Escort out of gas. He added gas, but it wouldn't start. Google landed me here, and the suggestion above, disconnect the battery then reconnect the battery, worked. Woot!

[heylolly]

My 1994 Ford Escort station wagon sat in the driveway for a couple years. Before that it was used regularly and fairly dependably. The shop I had it towed to figured out that when you turn the key, sometimes the "fuel cutoff" light would be lit and sometimes the "check engine" light would be lit. If you crank it when the "check engine" is lit, it starts right up and runs mostly fine, although I have experienced a "burp" 2-3 times, where it seems like it is going to cut out. If "check engine" is not lit, the "fuel cutoff" light is lit and, naturally, it will not turn over. If you leave the key in that pre-cranking position, in a few seconds "check engine" lights up and you can start the vehicle. I did just go out and disconnect the battery for over 5 minutes but everything seems the same as before... Any ideas?

[hakachukai]

FYI: I'm having a similar issue. Because this post became somewhat confused and cluttered I started a new similar post here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1087028

I found out there there are different ways to reset trouble codes on different models of Escorts:

1995 and older models:

1.8L engine: Disconnect the - battery cable and press the brake pedal for 5 to 10 seconds.

1.9L engine: Start the KOEO (Key On Engine Off) test. Remove the STI jumper wire when codes being to appear. DO NOT disconnect the battery.

1996 and and newer models:
Apparently only an OBD-II scanner tool can reset these codes.

I hope this helps

[heylolly]

Luckily I have a patient and inquisitive mechanic! I had forgotten all about posting on here almost a year ago. My problem turned out to be a relay which he found down under the center console. Once that was replaced, I haven't had a speck of trouble with the car. He said that once, when the relay was removed and he was holding it in his hand it clicked open (indicating that it was sticking pretty badly).

[hakachukai]

My problem seems to be solved.

The last thing that I did before the car had this problem was clean the IAC with WD-40.

I read on the Internetz that a wet IAC can cause the computer to malfunction, but give no trouble code.

So I went out in the morning (after it had a good 12 hours to dry off). It started right up!

[heylolly]

I don't know what an IAC is but I'm glad yours is running now!

[hakachukai]

IAC = Idle Air Controller

It is a little air control plunger that manages that Idle speed of the engine.
It bolts on right on top of the throttle body on the 1.9L SEFI engine.