1992 Ford Escort No Spark No Start

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DRAGONWITCH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have a 92 Escort GT, 1.8 DOHC, 5 speed, 173,000 miles. Never had ANY kind of problem.....the other day it just died, no warning, nothing...in fact it was so nothing, it took me a few seconds to realize the car wasn't accelerating. I couldn't get it restarted. Didn't know about you guys, yet, so I checked the repair guides/troubleshooting at AutoZone.com, and the list was extensive. Was needing to replace the battery anyway.. brand spanking new battery,still no go. Checked a bit further...no spark. It's not the starter, because it turns over, it just won't catch. I was told it had to be 1 of 3 things...rotor control module, coil, or ignition control module. I am on a shoestring budget, but I replaced the first two, still no spark. I have to special order the ICM, 5-7 days, and having no other transportation, I bought one used ( while waiting), still, no spark. I realize the used ICM might not be any good, but with 3 kids, etc...I'm starting to hyperventilate here. Even after several attempts to start, however, I don't smell fuel. I am assuming the fuel pump is ok....but since I couldn't hear it running before, not hearing it now isn't odd. But the way it acts when i try to start it is similar to trying to start a car that's bone dry. But that doesn't explain there being no spark. My plugs are less than 1 month old, i do have gas in the car. Please help....becoming desperate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :?
Jun 22, 2006 at 5:21 PM
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SYNCRAIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 235 POSTS
are you grounding the plug while your looking for spark?..... have someone lay on the ground with their ear to the gas tank while you just turn the key to acc and listen for a whirring of the electric motori would try having someone turn over the engine while someone else uses a rubber mallet and strike the gas tank squarely in the middle.... this may help get the pump to un seize if this works i recommend replacing your fuel pump asap.... good luck :)
Jun 22, 2006 at 11:13 PM
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DRAGONWITCH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
thanx.....i was kind of afraid it might be going that way....i also just found out that what i THOUGHT was the used ICM i replaced couldn't have been any further away from what i actually did replace, so i think i'll try your suggestion first, then go from there. wish me luck, and thanx again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Jun 23, 2006 at 2:03 AM

Suggested Repair

Ground a spark plug while cranking to confirm there is no spark. With the key on, listen at the fuel tank for pump prime. If the pump may be seized, a careful rubber-mallet tap at the tank center while cranking may free it temporarily; replace the fuel pump if that restores operation. Also verify that the ignition control module was actually the part replaced.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1992 Ford Escort GT reported a sudden no-start with no spark after replacing the battery, coil, and parts believed to be the rotor and ignition control module. They later realized the used module was the wrong part and also noted no fuel smell. The expert advised grounding a plug to check spark, listening at the tank for fuel-pump prime, and tapping the tank to free a seized pump, followed by pump replacement if that works.

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