1997 Ford Escort Consumer Discussions

Ford Escort Electrical Problems

• Speedometer Lights not working 97 escort wagon

  Written by: twobig86 on Jan 26, 2009 3:23:13 PM

  Hi my 1997 Ford Escort Wagon's dash lights are not working...rather all the lights for signaling and warning lights are working just not the bulbs that light up the fuel guage and the speedometer and the engine temp. So basically I can't see how fast I am going at night... I lost my manual and by looking at the fuses they seem fine, I'm thinking of checking a test light but ... Read More

Ford Escort Engine Problems

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [orcabc]

  Written by: xwesx on Feb 27, 2010 5:47:06 PM

  That's funny (if not frustrating), but at least you have it resolved! Electrical gremlins are the worst; I could tackle mechanical problems one after the other and not mind it too much, but those electrical issues drive me up the wall. The voltage regulator had gone out, so I replaced it and all is good now (for now!). I am in Alaska (Fairbanks).

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx]

  Written by: orcabc on Feb 26, 2010 10:00:36 PM

  Spark related? Well aren't you just one smart cookie? LOL It turns out that the plug wires were not changed when I had the tune-up a few months ago. And, my daughter discovered it, not the mechanic. I think I will pay my daughter from now on. My car seems happy now :) I guess now it's to find the short (?) in the heat gauge, high beam indicator light, and ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [orcabc]

  Written by: xwesx on Feb 23, 2010 9:26:21 AM

  Fiesta - yes, sorry! As for sensors, not necessarily. They can be working well enough to satisfy the engine diagnostics (which is based on voltages and resistances) but still be providing erroneous information if they are fouled, dirty, or otherwise compromised. If the sensor is still "working" it often will not throw a code. You know, it does sound like the issue may be spark-related if your car had "hiccups" just ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx]

  Written by: orcabc on Feb 22, 2010 8:34:09 PM

  Wouldn't the 26 point diagnostic show that the O2 sensor had a problem? Same for the Mass airflow sensor, etc.? There was a check list that had a green check mark by these things. I have no idea how these things work.

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx]

  Written by: orcabc on Feb 22, 2010 8:29:23 PM

  I can't say I get the greatest gas mileage, especially so lately. And, today my car made a liar out of me. When I started it after work it hiccuped a couple of times just after starting it. So, it does not have to be warm to give me problems. Just how much money is too much when it comes to fixing up older cars? Sure can't afford a new one ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [orcabc]

  Written by: xwesx on Feb 22, 2010 12:54:00 PM

  Haha; I hear ya. While my escort, a '98 LX, is reliable, I have put 150% more into it than what I paid at the start and I have only had it for nearly 20 months now. Still, it is an incredibly cheap car to drive. With the new Festiva about to be released, I keep playing with the idea of replacing this one in another year or so....

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx]

  Written by: orcabc on Feb 22, 2010 12:47:02 PM

  There is no noticeable symptoms when it is cold. I can start the car, warm it up for a minute, and drive to work in the morning which is about 5 minutes down the highway and then about 5 minute city driving and it runs fine. It generally starts after the car has warmed up. It really doesn't like to sit at lights as it starts to idle rough and bucks ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [orcabc]

  Written by: xwesx on Feb 22, 2010 11:55:36 AM

  How long after starting it up does it start to show symptoms? If it is running fine before shifting to the "open loop," meaning it is using feedback from various sensors to adjust the fuel/air ratio, your problem may not be be mechanical but, instead, electrical. Once the engine is at operating temperature, it uses feedback from the mass airflow sensor, oxygen sensors, etc., so those may be worth checking. I ... Read More

• 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter

  Written by: orcabc on Feb 20, 2010 10:25:37 PM

  2.0L, automatic, fuel injected, A/C, having a few problems. First, when I start the car up it runs fine. As the car warms up is will start to run rough, not while highway driving (at least not yet), only while sitting at a stop light or while accelerating from a stop. At a stop light it will run a bit rough the longer it idles then it will start to skip. ... Read More

• ford escort

  Written by: bmach on Aug 29, 2008 9:24:17 AM

  00 ford escort 2.0 d.o.h.c. head cast #RF978M6090R74 trying to find out if the LIFTERs are Hyd. or Adjustable ? most all of our eng. catalogs tell us that up to 1997 {Hyd.} , almost has to be Hyd. , when cust. brought Lifters [1 was missing the top shim? or whatever they are called ! If are Hyd. Please send Vlv. Clearance & Torque Spec.s : cam caps & etc. ... Read More

ford escort cooling fan

• electrical problems(s)

  Written by: conquest on Aug 22, 2009 3:35:13 PM

  well guys here goes, I have a 1997 Ford Escort LX wagon, the fan motor runs constantly,i have to take out the green 40 amp breaker,when the key is on both the H 270 relays click repeatedly on the passenger side next to the dash, the shifter won't come out of park either, and the wipers run even though they are turned off at the switch, any ideas, any help won't ... Read More

• ford escort cooling fan

  Written by: fabien on Aug 17, 2009 3:14:25 PM

  my 1997 ford escort wagon not getting any power at all to the cooling fan,i tried to jump it and that will not work i tested the wires with a test light and there is no power.any ideas?

Ford Escort Electrical Problems

• Escort door problems!

  Written by: chrisg88 on May 2, 2008 6:10:52 AM

  Hi, thanks before hand to whoever is reading! Recently had a smash on my, 1.4 ford escort lx (1997). The doors were destroyed, when the insurance came through, i bought another 1.6 ford escort zetec (ghia 1998. I decided to change the doors, when realizing they where electric windows/mirror central locking was what i already had!, didnt have the other 2 I first stripped the floor from the 1.6 version and ... Read More

Ford Escort Engine Problems

• Re: 1997 ford escort first car help!!! [jasmine26868]

  Written by: rirish7780 on Nov 17, 2007 8:17:25 PM

  check your iac sensor (idle air control) that could have something to do with your throttle problem. As for the coolant leak you might want to either put a stop leak mix in or see a mechanic.

• Ford Escort 97 idles rough when starting the engine

  Written by: mstaevski on Nov 9, 2007 11:59:44 AM

  Hi guys, I have Escort 1997 and I have some extraordinary vibration and noise when I start the engine. It does occur random (not each time when started), and disappears in 20-30 seconds. There is no engine check light on, but a noise as from a vacuum leak. The car runs good,there is just this strange noise, that is making me think something with the air intake might be wrong. Any ... Read More

Ford Escort Electrical Problems

• Re: 1997 Ford Escort Wagon "No Gauges working" [grabase]

  Written by: smcbirney on Oct 9, 2007 3:38:10 PM

  try this 1, take the plug off the temp sender and see if the gauge goes down, if it does then the sender is the problem if not thake the plugs off the back of the clock pod in the dash and check the wires for continuty if the wires are o.k then you need to check which wire are giving a live feed, you should only have a pink wire ... Read More

Ford Escort Engine Problems

• Re: 1997 ford escort first car help!!! [jasmine26868]

  Written by: token2 on Jul 15, 2007 9:47:48 AM

  where was the fuild leaking form? but i would get a compresion test and find out if all you cylinders are good, after that i depends on how it did on the test

Ford Escort ZX2 Transmission Problems

• It's the tranny

  Written by: ogilthorpe on Jun 18, 2007 12:20:15 PM

  I have a 2000 ZX2, with manual transmission. Today it is in the shop for the 6th time for transmission-related problems, with only 117k miles on it. Just got quoted a repair bill in excess of $1300 to replace the entire clutch assembly. This in spite of an entirely rebuilt transmission going in just before 80k miles when Ford Motor Co. finally owned up to my powertrain warranty and "fixed" the ... Read More

Ford Escort Engine Problems

• 1997 ford escort first car help!!!

  Written by: jasmine26868 on Jun 1, 2007 7:25:01 AM

  Hi!! i'm new first car on the road its a 97 ford escort only 79K miles on it, here it the problem. after driving for awhile the car seems to decelerate or should i say not accelerate as it should, there was a point in time where i put the accelerator almost to the floor and it was only going 30mph. and then at the same time the brake gets stiff. ... Read More

Ford Escort Electrical Problems

• 1997 Ford Escort Wagon "No Gauges working"

  Written by: grabase on Apr 10, 2007 10:40:24 AM

  My fuel and Temperature Gauges are not working the Fuel is at center and the Temperature has exceeded the Red Line with a cold engine and does not move even when the coolant is hot. The engine is NOT overheating. I replaced the Fuse and disconnected the Fuel sensor with out any luck.

Ford Escort Wagon

• Can anybody help? Water leak inside car

  Written by: jescort on May 31, 2006 7:17:58 PM

  Looking for ideas on solving a water leak in the passenger compartment. Water is leaking from the housing for the ventilation fan which sits below the glove box on a 1997 Ford Escort Station Wagon. I found the drain for the Windshield wipers was clogged and cleaned it out but water is still gathering after a rain storm and pours out of the housing when I turn corners. I pulled the ... Read More

• Ford Escort Wagon 1995 1.9 ltr

  Written by: martyn1 on Aug 20, 2005 10:13:06 AM

  I ran this car for two years in New York with regular trips to Toronto. In 1997 I brought it back to the UK and its been great when you realize I can't get spare parts here.The only problem has been the warning bleeper comes on before I even put the ignition key in the lock and I cannot find any reference in the workshop manual to when,if ever, the timing ... Read More

Ford Escort ZX2

• Is ZX2 a Mazda MX3? or 323?

  Written by: rickgonz on Jun 22, 2002 5:52:22 PM

  Don't follow me yet? Should we start calling the ZX2 a Mazda MX3? Here are the cars derived from the same Mazda 323 chassis: - Escort LX and GT 1997 and years before that. - Year 1998+ Escort and 1998 ZX2 and Mercury Tracer - Mercury Capri convertible in USA (Ford Capri in Australia where it was made) - Ford Laser and Lynx in Asia and South Africa. - Mazda MX3 ... Read More

Ford Escort Wagon

• 1997 Escort Wagon

  Written by: cnsjjc on Mar 12, 2001 2:20:28 PM

  I have a '97 wagon which I purchased as soon as they were available - one of the first off the line. I couldn't be more pleased with its performance and reliability. It now has 74,000 miles and has had no problems except rear spring replacement - probably because I overloaded it several times. Why did Ford stop producing the Escort? Is the Focus wagon as good? Any recommendations for a ... Read More

• escort wagon roof rack

  Written by: twill84 on Apr 17, 2000 4:46:16 PM

  I am considering purchasing a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon. It is a 5 speed with 26,509 miles on it. The only thing I don't like is that it was a fairly base model when new so it has no roof rack. Does anyone know if I could get one put on it and if so for how much? Thanks

• I've driven two wagons........

  Written by: classic1 on Aug 28, 1999 1:59:28 AM

  a 1962 Rambler station wagon with the flat-6 and pushbutton automatic transmission, and a 1982 Nissan Sentra wagon. I now own a 1997 Escort 4 door LX. I've driven earlier Escorts (primarily from a car rental place in cities on business), and I've got to say that I thought they were rather asthmatic cars. In many instances the car couldn't even get out of it's own way. When I was considering ... Read More

• dmartin1

  Written by: dmartin1 on Jun 13, 1999 2:23:28 AM

  I wanted to add this to the list. I do a paper delivery route, and deliver 1200 papers every monday night in a rural area of paved and gravel roads. I have been doing these routes since 1986. During this time I have used a 1983 and a 1985 escort wagon, they were darn good cars and held up very well with some maintence of course, but I sure Ford didn't ... Read More

• rdeschene

  Written by: rdeschene on Sep 19, 1998 3:25:49 AM

  mckee. As has already been pointed out, the previous poster's prices were Cdn$ (Canuck bucks). jfs. The Sept. 1997 Consumer Reports had a review of 5 wagons: Ford Escort, Subaru Legacy, Ford Taurus, Subaru Impreza, Volvo V70. An eclectic mix to say the least. The average car has fewer "sample defects" (i.e. obvious ones, right from the factory) and better reliability than the average car of 10-15 years ago. So, yes ... Read More

• TruckHunter

  Written by: TruckHunter on Aug 25, 1998 11:44:45 PM

  I own a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon LX, which I purchased in 1996. It's my first wagon and I love it. Unfortunately, for a family of 4 (which includes two carseats) there isn't much elbow room, especially with talk of more children in the near future. We are looking into purchasing either a minivan or conversion van. So if anyone in Michigan wants to buy a great wagon please contact Sheri ... Read More

• shelleyk

  Written by: shelleyk on Jun 14, 1998 1:57:17 AM

  I have shifted from considering a 1994 Subaru Legacy to searching for a 1995-1997 Ford Escort. I wasn't impressed with the Legacy after driving a VW Passat. Since I can't afford the Passat, I decided to go for the efficient Escort. However, I am worried about safety in a lighter, smaller wagon. Does anyone have any recent information on how the newer Escorts hold up in crashes? Thanks

• 1995+1997 Escort Wagons

  Written by: billdeane on Mar 16, 1998 11:16:12 PM

  We have both these wagons; the 95 with 55k miles the 97 with 10k.They were both trouble free and both had 2 drivers--regular oil changes help but after Honda's and VWs their reliability was better than expected.We paid $11600. for the 95 (new) and $13475.for the 97 in Sept 97.The latter included a $1000.Ford rebate.The 97 has a much more power than the 95 but both are Ok on the highway ... Read More

• liskee

  Written by: liskee on Feb 14, 1998 11:55:49 PM

  Hi, I've just joined this conference and want to know if anyone has experienced that same as I have. In Sept. '97 I leased a 1997 Ford Escort LX Wagon and traded in my 1985 Ford LTD mid-size wagon, which I had used to pull a small light-weight trailer. I did not take advantage of the sound and rust proof package as it was $1,000 at the time. I would like ... Read More