1994 Escort Wont Start!!!

[Lilbubblebutt]

I have a 1994 Ford Escort, It was runnig great one day then i went out to move it the next and it wouldnt start... Then a few weeks later I went out to try it for giggles and when I pushed the clutch in, It would turn over with out the key's?!!? Now its back to doing nothing... I thought at first it might be the fuel shutoff but i checked that... I was told it was most likley the starter but there is hardly any juice going to the start... PLEASE HELP... I really need this car?!!?

[mightymoose_22]

I would suspect trouble with the ignition switch.
I am guessing you aren't handy with the electrical aspects of taking the switch out and hot wiring it... but see if you can bypass the ignition switch and get it to start.

[Selectron]

Has the battery been recharged during that period of several weeks? If not then it will be badly discharged (i.e. flat) by now, so any symptoms which you observe at the moment aren't necessarily too meaningful.

If it still shows the same symptoms with a freshly-charged battery then I'd agree that the ignition switch would be high on the list of suspects, but I'd like to hear an update on the symptoms after charging the battery so I'd suggest you make that the first task, and then get back to us eh?

[Lilbubblebutt]

The battery is fully charged and has been keeping a charge. I dont particulary know how to "HOT WIRE" a car but i am some what car smart...

[Selectron]

The starter solenoid is fed like so: fuse - to clutch pedal position switch - to ignition switch 'Start' contacts - to starter solenoid. If any part of that path fails then the starter won't operate. By the same logic though, neither should it start without keys inserted, even if the clutch pedal is pressed, because that path should be incomplete. That does strongly suggest a faulty ignition switch.

Do the dashboard warning lamps illuminate normally when the key is turned to the 'On' position? Do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds as it primes the system? If that's all normal, then my next step would be to run a wire from the starter solenoid 'S' terminal up to near the battery and try starting it with that. If it then started and ran normally, then I'd replace the ignition switch.

Your starter solenoid has three connections - the 'B' and 'M' connections have heavy, large-diameter cables connected to them - you aren't interested in those. You're looking for the third terminal - the 'S' terminal, which has a real thin wire connected to it. What you need to do is get a length of wire and hook it onto that terminal. Route the wire so that the other end sits close to the battery, but don't actually connect it to anything - just have it sitting there ready.

You're going to bypass the starter safety circuit (which is there to prevent the engine from being started whilst the car is in gear) so ensure that the gearbox is in Neutral, and the handbrake on. Now turn the ignition key to the 'On' position, then go around to the battery and touch the bare end of that wire to the battery positive terminal. The starter should crank the engine and with a bit of luck it will fire and run - remove that lead from the battery as soon as it does, and tie it out of harm's way.

If that worked out as planned, then I'd fit a new ignition switch.

[jeffescortlx]

Post pictures of your Lilbubblebutt and I'm sure I can help you Diagnose Your Problem.


Could be as simple as loose battery cables, or bad ground.

[Lilbubblebutt]

well I wanted to thank you all for your help... But I fixed the Problem... it was the Ignition Starter Switch... As far as posting pictures jeffescortlx, I am married...