Escort wont start!!

[spytek]

I am having problems starting my 1994 Escort L. I turn the key as normal but nothing happens.. it dosnt make any sound whatsoever but the lights on the dashboard come on. I tried jump starting it but this did not work. So I am going to rule out the battery since the lights, wipers and stereo work fine. What could the problem be and how much would it cost? I'm thinking it could be the immobiliser or starter motor. It has always started up at the first attempt without problems.

[Cockney_si]

Check the front grill, if there's a blue oval then that's half the problem....

Seriously though there are lots of things that this could be and there are countless suggestions within the pages on this site about other cars that are not starting.

[Waggers]

Hi,

I think you are probably right. If there is no sound at all when turning the key it is probably electrical. It might be a fuse in the starter motor circuit or a poor connection somewhere. If you have a haynes manual and a multimeter you could quite easily test the circuit. Are you a member of the AA? They are pretty good at sorting problems like this. If it is a wiring problem jump starting will be no good because all that does is upply power to your (already working) battery. What should work is BUMP starting it. Clutch down, second gear and get a mate to push it. Good luck!

[Jay70]

I wouldn't follow waggers suggestion of bump starting your car if its fitted with a cat as is my 1994 Escort as you could well cause damage to it.

[spytek]

I managed to push start it with a friend who suggested that the starter motor had died so I drove it (being careful not to stall it) to a local shop that sells reconditioned starter motors. The guy swapped it out and the car now starts up fine. He didnt exactly say what was wrong with the old one apart from saying it didnt work at all when he tested it inside his workshop. I spent �45 in total and hopefully it will last a while.

[Waggers]

Good job!

Bump starting will not damage your car. It just uses the power of the spinning transmission to turn the crank.