Any Ford mechanics in Pittsburgh, PA? Need diagnostic help on a '99 Escort

[Tim_K]

I have extensive experience with 1960's-80's Dodge and Plymouth cars, but know nothing about Fords.

My mother has a 99 Escort with about 70,000 miles on it. About 1 month ago, she said the car just plain quit while driving. My brother and I towed it to a mechanic who had no good answers.

I've looked at it. The oil is clean, the engine cranks over, I pulled the valve cover (single cam 2.0 motor) and watched the rockers move, so the timing belt isn't broken. Engine will not fire up, even a little bit. She said it just plain quit running all of a sudden.

Could it have jumped time?

I need someone with a diagnostic scanner to look at this thing so we can figure out what died on it. Can anyone help out here? She needs her car running again.

Email me at loudmouthtim.com or post a message here.

[cpujunky]

Are you getting spark?

I haven't dealt with the escorts but I have messed with other models, f-150, tempo, thunderbirds, mustangs, ect.

What about fuel?Do you hear the fuel pump in the tank coming on when the key is turned?check to see if its getting fuel pumped to the motor.next check if it getting spark.
No spark then back track till you find the coil or ignition control modual.

Basically check simple things first...fuel....then fire.

or buy a Haynes repair book for it at any autoparts stores......CHECK HERE

www.autozone.com

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by cpujunky

Are you getting spark?

I haven't dealt with the escorts but I have messed with other models, f-150, tempo, thunderbirds, mustangs, ect.

What about fuel?Do you hear the fuel pump in the tank coming on when the key is turned?check to see if its getting fuel pumped to the motor.next check if it getting spark.
No spark then back track till you find the coil or ignition control modual.

Basically check simple things first...fuel....then fire.

or buy a Haynes repair book for it at any autoparts stores......CHECK HERE

www.autozone.com

I had an older Escort and my TFI Ignition module used to go about every 2 to 3 years. I was able to buy a new one at Walmart and they lasted longer than the original Ford versions. This fault would result in no spark