Intermediate starting issue: 00 Ford Escort 2.0L

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Hi,

A few months ago when trying to start, the car would crank over but not start. When I turn the key off and turn back on, the car would fire up. This happen about 2 more times over a 3 week span. I took the car to the mechanic where the problem did not replicate. Mechanic said it could be a fuel pump but said to bring it back when the issue was constant. Yesterday the issue came up again.

Any ideas on what it could be? I don't want to take the car in if the problem won't reappear while at the shop.

Thanks.
 
Sounds like a marginally operating fuel pump. Someone needs to check priming and operating fuel pressure with a gauge. By working the key you are repriming and building up pressure.You might have to leave the car at the shop overnight so they can check it from a cold start. I am assuming the fuel filter has been replaced already.
 
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I bought the car used about 10+ years ago. I have to believe that the fuel filter has yet to be changed.
 
Start by doing so basic diagnosing before starting, check for power to the ignition and pump, check grounds, etc.
This can be a pain because its intermittent and it does fire the next turn of the key. You may also be dealing with a wonky ignition switch.
 
Theres a check valve built into most fuel pumps that prevents fuel from leaking back from the fuel rail into the tank while shut down. Yours is probably leaking back. So, it sounds like a fuel pump replacement will fix that. In the meantime, toggle the key a few times before you start it up to get the fuel pressure up.
 
Anyone who keeps old cars nowadays needs a fuel pump pressure tester. They are fairly cheap and essential for modern old cars. Fuel systems are the Usual Suspect with these cars. Same goes for some sort of code reader. These two things will solve many of your old car issues and the partes are expensive and painful enough that just throwing parts at problems doesn’t work anymore.
 
Had this same problem with one of my old Civics-got the wiring diagram, checked relays, put the meter on the fuel pump leads whenever it did it. Futzed around with it for 2-3 weeks, finally put a fuel pump in it, never screwed up again. My rationale is, if it's an older car, it's probably bad anyway. Also never let it get below 1/4 tank on the gauge!
 
Originally Posted By: Popsy
Does it have some sort of anti-theft system?
Also +1 with fuel filter, try changing it to see if it helps.


No anti theft system
 
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
Had this same problem with one of my old Civics-got the wiring diagram, checked relays, put the meter on the fuel pump leads whenever it did it. Futzed around with it for 2-3 weeks, finally put a fuel pump in it, never screwed up again. My rationale is, if it's an older car, it's probably bad anyway. Also never let it get below 1/4 tank on the gauge!


Gas gauge was just over 1/4 before I filled it up then the issue happened. Come to think about it the issue has only occurred when the gauge reads 1/4. I like to fill up at 1/2.
 
Originally Posted By: miteclipse
Originally Posted By: Popsy
Does it have some sort of anti-theft system?
Also +1 with fuel filter, try changing it to see if it helps.


No anti theft system

I meant no « code » system with a chip in the key?
since it happens with tank around 1/4, I’d double check fuel pump and fuel filter though
 
Originally Posted By: Popsy
Originally Posted By: miteclipse
Originally Posted By: Popsy
Does it have some sort of anti-theft system?
Also +1 with fuel filter, try changing it to see if it helps.


No anti theft system

I meant no « code » system with a chip in the key?
since it happens with tank around 1/4, I’d double check fuel pump and fuel filter though


Ah, yea the car does not have that.


Does anyone have any tips for checking fuel pump and filter? I do have a volt meter, just not too familiar with testing.

Thanks to everyone for all the help so far.
 
Check your crankshaft position sensor. On the Focus you can reach it on the passenger side back of the engine, the Escort has the similar 2.0 SOHC. Try unplugging and re-plugging. Our Focus had intermittent issue's with misfiring that would be cured by turning it off and back on. My money would be on that before fuel issue.
 
Originally Posted By: Popsy
Does it have some sort of anti-theft system?


I always figured that the Escort name plate on the car was enough of a theft deterrent.



Originally Posted By: Popsy
Also +1 with fuel filter, try changing it to see if it helps.


The Motorcraft filters for these cars have a case that's stainless steel, and that s enough of a reason to prefer them. I am assuming that they would be using the same filter as my 1995 Escort.
 
Originally Posted By: miteclipse
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
Had this same problem with one of my old Civics-got the wiring diagram, checked relays, put the meter on the fuel pump leads whenever it did it. Futzed around with it for 2-3 weeks, finally put a fuel pump in it, never screwed up again. My rationale is, if it's an older car, it's probably bad anyway. Also never let it get below 1/4 tank on the gauge!


Gas gauge was just over 1/4 before I filled it up then the issue happened. Come to think about it the issue has only occurred when the gauge reads 1/4. I like to fill up at 1/2.


Do some research over the FEOA.net http://www.feoa.net
 
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