1995 Ford Escort Won't Start Sometimes

FORD ESCORT
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FACE
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95 Ford Escort; 92k miles... If not driven for a day or 2 won't start. Will jump-start. Same problem with new battery... Will turn slowly without jumpstart, but will only start with jumpstart. After it starts up, there will be no problem re-starting it for the next few days as long as I drive it every day. It seems to drive just fine after starting. Any ideas?
Maybe unrelated, it does have some leaks and I suspect transmission issues from a reubuilt transmission a few years ago.
Feb 18, 2006 at 9:01 AM
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LOVESCARS
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check the battery cables and clamps if worn or corroded replace
Feb 18, 2006 at 10:56 AM
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FACE
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battery and alternator have both been checked out be me and 2 shops -- no problem there...
Feb 18, 2006 at 10:17 PM
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LOVESCARS
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Unusual at best?
Normally if the vehicle jump starts with another vehicle or pak it's the battery!
I read a post recently where an individual was having a similar problem and it turned out to be the starter solenoid not providing enough juice to throw the bendix but in my opinion yours points to the battery due to the fact the car starts with a jump.
Does it do it all the time or is it intermittent?
Is the battery the correct application or did you purchase a universal inexpensive one?
Feb 19, 2006 at 5:48 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
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The battery cables can also become corroded internally and create a voltage drop. If the insulation is bad or you see green replace it.
Next step would be to have the starter tested.

Good luck and let us know. :)
Feb 19, 2006 at 11:38 AM
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Thanks for all the advice. It is intermittent. I'll check it out and let you know. I replaced the original battery with one from Walmart, so maybe that's got something to do with it. :) The shop that tested my battery says it's probably the starter. I"ll check it out.
Feb 19, 2006 at 9:34 PM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect the battery cables and clamps for wear, damaged insulation, or external or internal corrosion that can cause a voltage drop, and replace them if needed. Have the starter tested, and confirm the replacement battery is the correct application.

Conversation Summary

A 1995 Ford Escort with about 92,000 miles sometimes will not start after sitting for a day or two. It cranks slowly and starts only with a jump, then restarts normally if driven daily and runs fine once started. The battery and alternator were checked and reported good, including after a replacement battery. Experts advised checking the battery cables and clamps for corrosion or voltage drop and having the starter tested. A shop also suspected the starter, and the owner said the problem is intermittent.

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