1999 Ford Escort died twice, wont start

[4thGen427CI]

I've looked it up and we see the valves are moving so its not the timing belt. A friend told me to disconnect the gas line from the engine for half an hour and then plug it back in and pump gas three or so times, then to start the engine. The battery isn't in the equation but we are also charging it to take it out of question for sure. Any clues what it is? We even can see the timing belt moving a little its a "Split Induction 2000" manual 5 speed.

[usa1camaro1969]

Are you getting fuel? Spark?

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by 4thGen427CI

I've looked it up and we see the valves are moving so its not the timing belt. A friend told me to disconnect the gas line from the engine for half an hour and then plug it back in and pump gas three or so times, then to start the engine. The battery isn't in the equation but we are also charging it to take it out of question for sure. Any clues what it is? We even can see the timing belt moving a little its a "Split Induction 2000" manual 5 speed.

Ignition module....take it out and go to an advance or auto zone, they can check it for you. I had a friend with an escort that had the exact same thing happen, it was the ignition module.

[4thGen427CI]

Originally Posted by usa1camaro1969

Are you getting fuel? Spark?

those are on the list to check later today

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

Ignition module....take it out and go to an advance or auto zone, they can check it for you. I had a friend with an escort that had the exact same thing happen, it was the ignition module.

Thanks, well check those today

[Angrybird 12]

Also you may want to check the fuel pump and fuel filter. did it just die or sputter and die?
Pumping the gas before starting won't do anything in a fuel injected engine.

[4thGen427CI]

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

Also you may want to check the fuel pump and fuel filter. did it just die or sputter and die?
Pumping the gas before starting won't do anything in a fuel injected engine.

I'm not sure its my fathers car, but we already replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by 4thGen427CI

I'm not sure its my fathers car, but we already replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter.

Is it one with the fuel pump cutoff switch in the trunk area? I have heard of them getting accidentally tripped. Fords were bad for that, especially escorts.

I got this info from E-How

Troubleshooting Ford Escort Fuel Cut-Off Problems

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The Ford Escort, like many Ford cars and light trucks, comes equipped with a fuel-pump shut off. This fuel-pump shut off, called an inertia switch, prevents fuel from being pumped to the engine in the event of an accident like a rear end collision or rollover. A defective inertia switch will cause the fuel pump to shut off and the engine to not start.

Circuit Function
This switch activates when a metal ball that is magnetically held against two contacts is knocked loose by the impact. Reset the switch by pushing the reset button located in the trunk or under the right side of the dash.

Power to the circuit is supplied to the switch by the fuel pump relay when the relay is energized by the on-board computer. The ground circuit is through the switch first, then through the fuel pump.

Testing the Switch
To test the switch and determine if it's a bad switch and not a bad fuel pump, push the reset button. These switches can be tripped by a sharp blow to the trunk lid---sometimes all that is needed is a reset

If the vehicle still fails to start, unplug the wiring connector at the switch and test for power on one side of the connector and ground on the other side. This is the normal state of the circuit. Power comes from the fuel-pump relay, and ground is found through the fuel pump. If there is no power, but there is ground, the fuel pump relay or fuel pump fuse could be the defective part. No ground indicates a wiring problem to the fuel pump or a defective fuel pump.

If you have power and ground, install a jumper wire to bypass the switch. If the engine will start and run normally, then the switch can be called defective.
If the engine still does not start, check for power at the fuel pump. If there is power and ground at the fuel pump, then the fuel pump can be called defective.

[TOMS1SS]

Why are you driving an old Escort?

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by TOMS1SS

Why are you driving an old Escort?

It's his fathers

[TOMS1SS]

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

It's his fathers

Ah