94 Escort wagon starting problem

[Dawna]

Hi. Nice to find a forum like this. I have a 94 Ford Escort Wagon that I've been having a problem with in the summer. It just started this week. Periodically when I try to start it, I get all the 'bells and whistles' but when you turn the key to the ignition point, nothing happens. The power goes dead. If you keep trying it, eventually it will start. However yesterday I tried for 20 minutes and only succeeded in wearing out my fingers. My mechanic started it by jumping the solenoid and starter with a screw driver. He had it all afternoon and said there was an old security system in there that he thought was causing the problem. He cut out all those old wires, replaced a neutral safety switch I think he said. It was fine last night, but then this morning I had to try six times before it started. When it does start, it fires right up. Any ideas anyone?

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by Dawna

Hi. Nice to find a forum like this. I have a 94 Ford Escort Wagon that I've been having a problem with in the summer. It just started this week. Periodically when I try to start it, I get all the 'bells and whistles' but when you turn the key to the ignition point, nothing happens. The power goes dead. If you keep trying it, eventually it will start. However yesterday I tried for 20 minutes and only succeeded in wearing out my fingers. My mechanic started it by jumping the solenoid and starter with a screw driver. He had it all afternoon and said there was an old security system in there that he thought was causing the problem. He cut out all those old wires, replaced a neutral safety switch I think he said. It was fine last night, but then this morning I had to try six times before it started. When it does start, it fires right up. Any ideas anyone?

The indications suggests: 1. The ignition switch is faulty. 2. The starter solonoid is faulty and/or not properly grounded.
All three conditions can be checked easily with a VOM or DVOM.