97 Escort Not Starting Good Spark.

[Allswell20]

My g/f recently bought a 97 Escort with under 80k miles, one month later it died and wont start again. I checked the spark on all 4 cyldrs has great spark blue and everything. Engine is getting plenty on air, I'm not sure how to check if the engine is getting fuel or not. Could it be the fuel pump?. If anyone has a few sugestions please reply. Thanks

[GTP Dad]

This sounds like a fuel problem to me. Have your gf sit in the front seat while you lay under the back of the car and listen for the fuel pump to come on when she turns the key. You should hear a sound in the tank when the key is turned. If no sound the fuel pump is bad and will need replaced. If you hear the fuel pump then change the fuel filter as it may be blocked. The only other thing to try before changing the fuel pump is to check the inertial shut off switch to see if it is in the run mode. I am not sure where it is located on your car but on my 1999 it is located just below the fuse panel on the left hand side near the drivers feet. If the car was bumped hard this will open and not allow the fuel pump to work. If it is open then reset it and the fuel pump should work. If not fuel pump will need replaced. Good Luck!

[bamahubby]

my wifes did something like that last week. got two things for you to check,,,,in the fuse box(drivers side by the door) you have a fuse that says engine,,,check it. anothing we had trouble with, if your cable wires are corroded, it won't get a good ground and i promise the fuel pump will not kick on. these new cars are very tempramental about their ground. found out the hard way