My 1999 Ford Escort zx2 cranks but won't start...?

Question

I have tested the battery ITS OKAY... we replaced the spark plugs, ignition coil, camshaft position sensor... still won't start... cranks like it wants to though... i'm thinkin that its the timing belt... any other ideas? PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 1

Not sure if it has one but how about the TFI module?

Answer 2

I don't own an Escort, but did anyone check the distributor? Sometimes there is a crack in the case, and moisture builds up, which keeps the distributor from working properly. Your plugs etc might have been fine...they just might not have been getting the spark.

Edit: You can check this by removing the plugs, but leave the spark plug wire attached and checking if they do indeed have spark while the engine is cranking. Be cautious as you do this, and it might be better to check them one at a time rather than having the wires laying all over as the engine tries to start. I've done it before, and it turned out the problem was indeed the distributor.

Answer 3

did you check the fuel system IE injectors fuel pump etc if you did bring the number one cylinder to top dead center and check the position of the piston there are several ways to do this including removing the spark plug and listening for the real ease of compression then there is removing the valve cover pan and making sure all valves are in the closed position when the #1 piston is at top dead center and the best way using a TDC Gage on the # 1 cylinder if the mark on the crank is on TDC the #1 piston should be at its highest point

Answer 4

Check to see if the cam is turning. You may be able to look into the oil filler hole, I can't remember if you can see the cam or not.

Remove th front timing cover and verify the timing marks. That is a fairly easy job.

Do you have fuel reaching the engine?
You replaced a lot of electrical stuff, do your plugs fire?

Remember, fue+air+compression+fire in the proper order means it will run. Check the basics.

Answer 5

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RE:
My 1999 Ford Escort zx2 cranks but won't start...?
I have tested the battery ITS OKAY... we replaced the spark plugs, ignition coil, camshaft position sensor... still won't start... cranks like it wants to though... i'm thinkin that its the timing belt... any other ideas? PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 6

Sounds like you're trying to 'save money' by throwing parts at the vehicle and just replacing things until it happens to start. Unless the parts you've replaced were bad, all you have done is waste time and money. Take it in, find the problem, fix it.

Answer 7

Is your check engine light coming on/is it giving you a code?

Maybe your fuel pump is not running...can you hear it "prime" when you first turn the ignition key to the first position? If it does not run, it could be a bad fuel pump, or the fuel pump relay is bad. The relay is a cheap and quick fix (<$15) as compared to the fuel pump.
Is your fuel filter plugged?

Give those a go.

Answer 8

The first step in trouble shooting should be to check to make sure your getting spark. Next, check to make sure your getting fuel. These seem simple, but are common causes of failure to start. It is not typical for the timing belt to jump timing, it would be more likely that it was broken. You should be able to check this easily.

Answer 9

timing belt is a good start. if it is the timing belt, might wanna take oil pan off as well to check for metal shavings that need to be cleaned out.

Answer 10

FEW THINGS TO CHECK. DISTRIBUTER CAP AND ROTOR, LISTEN FOR FUEL PUMP KICKING ON, IGNITION MODULE LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE DISTRUBUTER, CHECK FOR SPARK. IF FUEL YOU CAN SPRAY STARTING FLUID IN THE AIR FILTER COMPARTMENT TO CHECK.