I HAVE A 95 ESCORT WITH 1.9, 5 SPEED. left work the other day hit the key nothing, hit it again started just fine. then got home had to jump back in to run to the store and nothing again. turn the key nothing happens. able to jump the sileniod on the starter fires right up. so i broke down bought a new starter cause was thinking the sileniod was bad and starter was only $20 more. put it in today and still nothing anyone got any ideas what could be going on?

 

JUst got a 96 a few months back- and have to play with the tranny lever to get contact- and usually in Neutral-

I've adjusted the cable a little bit tighter and it has helped and need to play with it some more- you can see that it doesn't push it fully forward in PARK at the lever on the tranny side. When I push it by hand it'll start everytime- but not sure I can get that much cable adjustment out of it-

anyway- if it's AT maybe it's the console contact.

 

You may also look at the ignition switch. Maybe it is worn out and give intermittent contact.
Since yours is a manual 5 speed you may have a clutch safety switch. There could be an intermittent contact in that circuit.
Make sure all ground connections are good.