98 zx2 escort won't start

esquile · 05-09-2009, 11:22 PM

I was driving my car and it was just fine. I stopped at the store shut off the ignition. I got back in the car and it started up. Once i pulled onto the road the car shut off completely. It cranks but it won't catch. I tried starter fluid but it won't catch. It was running great just before that. Can anyone help me out here.
I'm going to try a to borrow a diagnostic tool tomorrow. I would appreciate any advice from someone who might have an idea.
thanks

Ford Man 59 · 05-10-2009, 11:26 AM

When you turn the ignition to the on position without trying to start the car do you hear a humming that lasts about 1-2 seconds? If not the fuel pump isn't working, which could be the inertia switch has got tripped, a bad fuel pump relay (inside the CCRM) or the fuel pump has gone out. Another likely thing it could be is the timing belt broke. You can check that by removing the timing belt cover. Be sure to check it good, because sometimes they just shear off a couple teeth and the engine jumps time. If that is the problem don't let anyone tell you that it has ruined the engine, because the Escort engines are non interference, therefore seldom causing damage when a timing belt breaks. Check these things and if it's neither of these things let us know and maybe we can come up with some other ideas.

esquile · 05-10-2009, 12:10 PM

I do not hear the hum, I don't think it was the inertia switch because I think I reset it. I ran a diagnostic code check and it came back as a pass with no codes found. I am following a haynes manual to check the timinbelt issue, it seems to be alot of work. Can anyone tell me a super easy way?

esquile · 05-10-2009, 04:24 PM

So I figure it's the starter, timing belt is good. the starter whines but the engine won't spin. oil is good. diagnostic codes passed. I just can't seem to find the starter. I'm pretty sure I'm halfway to it. I just don't see it

Ford Man 59 · 05-11-2009, 03:57 PM

If it's not starting using starting fluid if the engine is turning over then it's most likely not getting fire. Could be the crankshaft position sensor went out on it or a bad coil pack. Might also try checking the compression on the cylinders to make sure the compression is good on all of them and that it's not an internal problem. If the starter isn't turning the engine over check all the connections at the battery, ground and starter to make sure they are all clean and tight.