1999 Ford Escort need advice

KKATZ

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT

Engine Performance problem
1999 Ford Escort Automatic 80,000 miles

Out of nowhere I drove fine and when I got to the park I waited with my car on for friend and car gave a jerk so I turned it off really quick. When I went to turn it on the engine would start but the car wouldnt drive forward or reverse. I left and came back the next morning to get it and it turned on and drove so I tried making it home but it stalled and I had to pull over. The engine went from running but car not going to engine not going at all. Towtruck driver was telling me to take it to junkyard for 150$ and took me only to his friends autoshop one kid came out and said theres still compression it can be salvaged may just need a header but then driver said wait and got his friend to tell me it was not salvageable. Seemed like he jsut wanted my money so I said iw ant to fix it he took me somwhere else they said its looking good just probablly needsd header then call me and tell me it needs a new engine for $3190 now I dont know if I get it towed to a more trusted autoshop or if I have it bought and towed as junk for free and buy a cheap used car. Any help would be sooooo much appreciated! Thanks ps this car has never been in an accident but it also did have fluid leaking out of the bottom

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

First, I doesn't sound like an engine problem at all. The problem started with the transmission and led to the engine. Not being there makes it hard for me to diagnose, but I would guess there is a problem with a computer, the EEC relay. Did the check engine light come on? Is there oil in the engine and transmission?

Also, let me know if you know how to check for spark and fuel to the engine. I really feel something simple has happened. If it is a computer, it could run a couple hundred dollars, but it wouldn't be over 3K. The car doesn't have many miles on it.

Let me know if you can check those things. If not, I can send directions.

Joe

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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 10:58 PM

KKATZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Your right my friend even said the same thing it was a problem with the transmission but im not sure if there is oil in the engine or anywhere else it was leaking oil and it seems like no oil is left in the car. The check engine light was on but I had ignored it bc my dad had said he just had everything done. I think I overheated the car. I'm ready to sell the car for w/e I can get at this point, but I wont if you think it is a simple fix. I do not know how to check for a spark or any of that. I wish I did! =( Are you local? My car is on linton and dixie and I already have to pay $40 for towing the first time so I dont know what to do, but your right it barely has any miles on it so it would be a shame to throw it away if it is a simple fix. Thanks again.

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Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 AT 4:05 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

First, sorry about the delay in responding to you. I lost a family member and things have been...

As far as checking for spark and fuel, here are how to's. The only tool you need is a fuel pressure gauge. Most parts stores will lend them to you. Check it out and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

Let me know if you have questions.

Joe

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Saturday, September 25th, 2010 AT 1:34 AM