Intermittent starting

JEFF2000

MEMBER
2000 FORD ESCORT
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
185,000 MILES

I know very little about auto mechanics. Please excuse me if I don't use correct terminology. I'll do my best to explain the issue.

My car listed above ZX2 model has intermittent starting problems. Most the time it starts right up, takes about 2 seconds after turning the key, and seems to be have full power on the starter. In other words, it doesn't have a slow start like you'd hear with a low battery. But every once in a while, the starter won't engage when I turn the key there is 100% no solenoid click. There is a short pump noise, presumably the fuel pump?

When the starting problem occurs, the car cannot be jump started -- have to compression start (push/pop the clutch).

I had a vacuum leak (low idle/varying RPM idle/frequent stalls) and figured it was related. But I had the vacuum leak fixed a few weeks ago (idles great now and never stalls!), And the intermittent starting problem continues.

The car just passed California smog test.

The problem has occurred in all weather conditions; heat, cold, and rain. It's also started just fine in all of those weather conditions. The problem has occurred on a cold start, and has also occurred when I've been driving the car all day.

I've fiddled with the clutch switch, and the ignition switch when it doesn't start, and that hasn't made any difference. Fuses are okay. When it doesn't start, I still have lights, radio, ventilation, and power to all electrical components. This doesn't seem to be electrical.

I've been told to replace the starter and the battery. But why? If it's starting just fine 85% of the time, why would I need to replace the starter or battery?

Thanks for any ideas.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

First, your terminology is better than most. LOL Honestly!! Now, it doesn't sound like a battery issue. However, I do recommend that you confirm the the battery terminals are clean and tight. This is an electrical issue and I was always taught to start at the beginning, the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Since we know that the battery is good, then I honestly either suspect there is a bad connection or the starter solenoid is going bad. When this type of problem would happen years ago, people would hit the starter with a tool and it would work again. That isn't what I'm recommending, but I do need you to do a check for me.

This check will need to be done when the starter doesn't work. You will need a helper. Basically, there are two terminals on the starter. One is a heavy gauge wire direct from the battery. That has battery power all the time. The second wire is a smaller (thinner) wire that only gets power when the key is turned to the start position. I need you to have a helper turn the key to start (when nothing happens) while you check if there is then voltage to the smaller wire.

Here is a link that will help you do this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If you find there is power at the smaller wire when the key is in the start position, then the starter solenoid is bad. If there is no power, then we have to work backwards which we will do once the test is completed and it is determined the be required.

Here are a few links that you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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If the starter is determine to be bad, here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2000 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3

Vehicle Starting and Charging Starting System Starter Motor Service and Repair
PROCEDURES
REMOVAL

CAUTION: When repairing the starter motor or performing other under hood work in the vicinity of the starter motor, be aware that the heavy gauge battery input lead at the starter solenoid is electrically hot at all times. Failure to follow these instructions could lead to personal injury.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Battery.
2. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube. For additional information refer to Fuel Delivery and Air Induction.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
4. Remove the lower bolt retaining the starter motor.
5. Lower the vehicle.

pic 1

6. Remove the two bolts.
7. Raise the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
8. Remove the starter motor from block mounting surface to gain access for wiring.

pic 2

9. Remove the integral connector.
Remove the nuts.
Remove the integral connector.
10. Remove the starter motor from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

pic 3

pic 4

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

___________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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