What's wrong with my 2001 Ford Escort??

Question

On Saturday, I just had all four tie rods replaced, the transmission fluid flushed, the coolant flushed, the oil changed, the AC charged, and the serpentine belt replaced. All in all, it cost over $700, but now the major problem is that the car doesn't start sometimes. I try to start it and it just makes a single click noise. I wiggle the shifter (automatic) a little a couple of times and eventually it starts. However, it doesn't do this every time I try to start the car. It is hit or miss, sometimes even going days without any starting issues. Starter? Neutral Start Switch? Circuit Board? Any ideas as to what the problem really is before I spend a ton of money that may or may not fix the problem??

The battery & alternator have already been tested and are working properly.

Answer 1

I am absolutely sure that the problem is the starter selonoid. 100%
Good luck.

Answer 2

I've got two potentially easy and inexpensive fixes/tests for you to try before spending any kind of real money. First off check your solenoid. There is a good chance that due to rusting or some other cause your ground wire is not properly grounded to the frame of your vehicle. My advice is to find a guy friend who knows something about cars to attempt to secure the ground wire against the frame while you attempt to start the car. If it works, then just go buy a new solenoid and attach it to a new place on your vehicle. Cost is about 15 dollars.

If that doesn't work have said guy friend crawl under the vehicle and give the starter a little tap with a hammer, then try to start the car. If this is successful than you have a dodgy starter and it's time to get a new one, it should run you about 200 bucks parts and labor.

If, however, I am way off base go ahead and attach the battery to a charger and see if it is holding a charge. You may at some point have "Deep Cycled" the battery which ultimately fries it beyond any good use. If you recall having to be jump started at some point after you tried starting your car over and over, then this is a good possibility.

I would say for the time being the alternator is not an issue. A pooched alternator is going to keep your car from running. You would be driving down the road and your car would quit on you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Usually if the starter goes "click, click" it's either - the battery is too low, or the starter solenoid is acting up. The fact that the car eventually starts usually means that the battery has plenty of juice, it's the solenoid - the little gizmo on the edge of the starter. Also, it should be obvious when you turn on the radio , headlights, or wipers if the battery is low.

It's what makes the gear from the starter jump out and engage the gear that turns your engine. (You know, if you try to start a car that's already running and it jumps out and hits the gear while it's already turning - makes that awful grinding noise.)

A simple test, as others have mentioned, is to have someone crawl under the car while it's doing the click-click and tap the solenoid with a hammer. Sometimes the piece that's supposed to pop out sticks. If that's it, you ned a new solenoid or starter.

I doubt it's the shifter. If your indicator light on the dash says "P" (Park - does the dash have a light, or is it mechanical?) then odds are the switch that tells the engine it's safe to start is working fine. Probably the solenoid is sticking randomly, and wiggling the shifter is the same as waiting and trying again.

Answer 4

So many guesses. Just get a test light and check the starter solenoid for voltage when you turn the key. It either will or will not have voltage.If it does, then check the battery cable to the starter for voltage. If both have power, and it wont start, then starter motor is bad. If power is lacking on any of those wires, then the circuit needs to be traced back to the power source. Whether it is the battery cable, the ignition switch, the neutral switch on the trans, all is simply a matter of tracking down where the power is being lost, with a 2 dollar test light.

Answer 5

It's probably the neutral start switch. Don't listen to the people making fun of you're Escort, I have a 1997 with 143,000+ miles on it and it has NO major problems with it. if your not sure what it is exactly the garage can run a computer check on it. The tumbler in the shifter could be gummed up or sticky,not allowing the release pin to engage. Ya didn't accidentally dump a soda or coffee on the shifter in the past eh ? As an Escort owner I can say I will miss this car when I trade it in, I'll have to with three growing kids.

Answer 6

Try to see of starting the engine in neutral (with your foot on the brake of course) makes any difference. If so then you may likely have an issue with what is called the transmission range sensor. Part of it's function is to provide your neutral safety switch. As for the Escort bashers, you have little idea how reliable a properly maintained Escort is. I had a 1990 that I got used with 125k on it. Paid $50 for the car. Put a clutch, tie rod ends and brakes in it. Nothing but regular oil changes after that. Got 35 mpg at 75 to 80 on the highway. Put it to rest at 330k because the rear shock towers finally rotted out. It still ran fine.

Answer 7

Sound like your battery has problems. Check to see that there's nothing wrong with the connection, (battery acid can corode the wires and other parts so your battery wont be able to connect. If you see lots of acid build up, you can dissolve it with coke.) If it's leaking you probably need a new one, and if you find that neither the battery or it's connection is the problem, you should look at the starter. But I think that it you hear that click, it means that your starter is working. Also the fact that you mentioned that it starts sometimes and has trouble starting, points to the battery. I had the exact same problem with my car. I replaced the battery and it was fine. Best of luck!!!

ps. Batteries cost around $50, you can get them at wal-mart. And don't forget to try charging your battery when it wont start!

Answer 8

The shifter thingy might be just a fluke. Check the battery cable ends for tightness and corrosion.
If you find them corroded, then you can take them off and use an old tooth brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Let that dry and use a coating of Vaseline on them before reinstalling onto battery...

Answer 9

For a female I am great with cars.I worked at an auto parts store for 3 years.It is one of 3 things,and all 3 are very minor! One it could be your altenator.The altenator is responsible for keeping your battery charged.If you have a bad altenator your battery will not stay charged therfore,your car will not start.Two, you just might need a new battery! Three you may need a new starter.One more thing you may have a loose coil wire! Goodluck with your car.

Answer 10

It could be either your starter or alternator. Take it to the mechanic that did all the work for you and tell them to check the starting motor wiring. Alot of times they will change the starting motor in the Escort but will not check the wiring.

Answer 11

If it just clicks your most likely not getting enough power to the starter take to an auto zone or pep boys have them check your bat and alt in most cases they will NOT charge to do this. I would also take it back to the shop and ask them to check it see if they will do the test for a freebie. You spent 7 bill's they should comp it.