I have a 97 Ford Escort. I was driving today at about 50 MPH when the car engine died.
I tried to start it but it will not start. It cranks, but no spark. It showed no problems at all before this.
I have an idea what is wrong, and am looking for confirmation, and an idea as to how damaging this will be.
If the engine stalled as if the ignition key were turned off, the first thing I’d suspect is a faulty ignition module.
Tester
That is exactly right. The engine was running fine, then just shut off. This may be a better alternative. I was thinking timing belt.
If the timing belt gave out, the motor will simply whirr at one constant speed instead of the chugga-chugga-chugga you hear when normally trying to start it. Is this how it sounds?
Thanks.
It sounds like the starter is going, but nothing else is moving.
If it has 140,000 miles on it, I say to get rid of it if it is an Escort. That’s where I draw the line. It may not be able to spark with a broken timing belt. It’s a 97 Escort and it could be a disposable car. It depends on your point of view. A mechanic has to check it. It won’t take long and you should ask how much it will cost to check. If your engine is one that gets damaged by a broken timing belt, you shouldn’t bother to have it fixed.