91 LX Problems

[alxdgr8]

I have a 1991 Escort LX(5spd.) and when i turn the key to on, sometimes the check engine light doesn't flash, my fuel pump doesn't run, and it won't start. I must turn the key between off and on till the check engine light flashes and then my car will start. I ran the codes and it comes up with a faulty neutral switch/clutch engagement sensor. I am going to replace that, but i have yet another problem. My car usually idles ok, sometime high. But sometimes when i'm driving down the road or sitting there, my car will either completely die (even in gear) or my rpm's will drop and my car will lurch forward like the car is starting to die, but doesn't. I have changed the air filter/fuel filter/spark plugs/plug wires/belt(accesory)/changed oil/ran fuel system cleaner. My only other guess is the alternator or something else electrical. Anyone have any other ideas. Thanks-Alex

[daleb9]

There's a rod between the ignition switch and the lock cylinder that is subject to break.

There's a relay in the underhood fuse box, I used to jumper the two contacts towards the front of the car together to get it to run. The rod finally broke entirely and I got another assembly, $150.

[daleb9]

Maybe the first sign of a failing keyswitch was that the radiator fan quit coming on, and the motor would overheat at prolonged idle or around town. I gimmicked that with a jumper between the "Hot in run" connector on the high spped relay and the fan low speed connector at the relay connectors ( under the air cleaner intake flex hose on my '93 ).

I removed the jumper and put the relays back, now the fan comes on low when the gauge gets to the line immediately below the N in Normal.

So if you're not having overheating problems, too, this probably isn't your solution.

[alxdgr8]

Would the fan/ignition problem have something to do with it dying?

[daleb9]

Possibly. Mine died a few times, but started back up after a minute or two before the run circuit went entirely kaput.

Sounds loco, I know, but that's how it happened on mine. Still haven't figured how the start would work when the run was dead, but that's what happened.

I did a google groups on escort radiator fan some months ago, and on about the 20th page I found somebody who had a similar problem, but it seemed rather far out to me.

Why the radiator fan didn't come I really do not understand, but there are quite a few wires going to the switch, and Ford has them better ideas.

[alxdgr8]

Do you think changing the ignition coil would help? I'm kinda hesitant on spending $40 on a part that i don't know will fix it or not. Can you get them tested? Thanks.

[daleb9]

No. The way to test if the problem is the keyswitch is to replace it, a $150. proposition unless you can get it at a wrecking yard. But then it's already half worn out, and you got to drill out the break off bolts which hold the switch/cylinder assembly to the steering column.

Here's an idea. There is a relay in the fuse box under the hood, it has four blades. Figure out which ones are for the relay coil, and which are for the contacts. Take the relay out and jumper the contacts, and ride around a bit, long enough where you would expect to have some trouble for sure. If you don't then that would indicate a failing key switch mechanism.

To figure out the contacts on the relay you need an ohmeter, the two which have 30 - 200 ohms resistance are for the relay coil and the other two are the contacts.

Ignition coil??? Hey did you check the fuses under the dash, there's one for the run circuit.

[alxdgr8]

Thanks. I'll try that idea to test the switch.
And yes i checked all the fuses under the dash. My fan relay is good too. Funny thing about my fan, when my check engine light doesn't come on, my fuel pump doesn't run, and my car won't start, my fan will come on?????Thanks.

[daleb9]

Give the test a shot but from your 09-29-2004, 06:55 AM message description it don't look like the same problem I had, but I guess that a failing ignition switch can go more than one way.

[alxdgr8]

I changed the ignition switch and the fuel pump and i still have the same problem. This is getting really annoying. I have a feeling it's something electrical. Any help is appreciated.