96 escort intermitantly wont start

My daughters 96 escort 1.9 L intermitantly wont start. It cranks hard but wont turn over. I changed the fuel pump it ran fine . She took it out ,shut it off went to restart, it cranked but wouldnt turn over. She tried it again it tried to to start but didnt. She let it sit a minute it fired right up. She drove it home and i went started it several times no prob. The next morning i went out and tried it and it cranked but woulnt turn over. Two hours later it started fine. Also the power seat belt motor on the drivers side runs all the time but the belt doesnt move. And the drivers dome light switch is inop.I'm not sure if these could be related to an ignition prob.

Reply to
krcarmel
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Sounds like the engine might be flooded. Next time this happens, press and hold the gas pedal to the floor while cranking the engine. This will clear out the unburned gas. Release the pedal and start normally and it should start right up. Letting the engine sit a minute if it's warm has the same effect if the flooded cylinder happens to be in a position where one or both valves are open when it's off.

You might have a leaky fuel injector. Or, if you haven't changed the spark plugs and wire set in a few years (or 60K miles), you could have a weak spark.

And tempting as it might be to claim otherwise, no, the seat belt motor and dome light have absolutely nothing to do with the starting problem.

Bob

Reply to
Bob Bailin

Get the engine trouble codes pulled. That should pinpoint the problem(s) in a hurry.

Reply to
Sharon K. Cooke

First, just for the record, cranking and turning over are the same thing. It means the starter is turning the engine but for some reason it doesn't start and run. When this happens intermittently, like in your case, it's either a fuel or ignition (spark) problem. Check for fault codes in the diagnostic memory. That may direct you to where the problem lies. Otherwise you need to be sure whether the failure to start is because no fuel is reaching the engine or you don't have any spark at the plugs. The other electrical problems you mention are not likely to be related to the intermittent starting problem. Hopefully the codes will provide the clue.

Reply to
Fordfan

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