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1998 Ford Escort Car won't start - new battery

Tiny
CK407
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,300 MILES
Just bought this used. No problem starting anywhere until I got it home. Dead. Replaced battery with brand new one. No change. I jump started it with my truck and it started right up - runs with no problems. Everything seems to be working correctly while it's running. Just won't start and shows me the "service engine soon" light and makes some funny "relay switching type" sounds. Any ideas?
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Thursday, January 8th, 2009 AT 12:50 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the computer scanned for OBD2 code/s if any comeback with it. Autozone provides this service for free.

Also when you turn key to run do you hear the fuel pump-get back asap
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Thursday, January 8th, 2009 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
CK407
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
After some thought - it seemed odd that when the ground from the 'jumper-car" was connected to the engine block I got a solid start. I checked the negative battery terminal and cable and found corrosion inside the copper strand cable which was preventing solid contact. It appears the small charge I was getting (triggering the relays) was through a secondary wire connected to the negative terminal. I disassembled the cable connection, cut and cleaned it and vehicle starts right up. I was prepared for hundreds of dollars for repairs - I'm pleased it was so simple. Thank you for the quick response.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2009 AT 9:10 PM

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