Intermittant Starting Issues
 

Hi Everyone,


My girl drives a 97 Escort, 2.0 engine with an auto trans and just over 100k miles.


Recently, she started having starting issues. She turns the key and nothing happens. Not even a click. I told her to jiggle the shifter into neutral, and back to part, then try again.


Now, I don't know whether this is coincidental, but it's been starting up after she does that.


Are there any known issues with starting in these models? I'm thinking the linkage may need to be adjusted, or if there is a neutral safety start switch, that may be it as well.


Thanks in advance to any and all who help me figure this out. I am truly appreciative to whomever wants to play the "why won't it start" game.


I do not believe this is a battery or starter problem, but I could be wrong.


Please advise.


Thanks!


Maitai

If she just tries to start it in neutral the first time , does it start OK ?

Hi Hanky,


She is actually starting it in park, like usual. If it doesn't start, then she moves the shifter to neutral and back to park. Then, it starts.


Thanks for your inquiry


Maitai

It is a common problem where the bolts at the bottom of the shift tube become loose.If you google, "shift lever bolts getting loose fords" you can see exactly what it is and an easy way to correct it.

Thanks, Hanky:


Can you provide a link? Everything I have come up with relates to column-type shifters, and this one is on the floor. Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.


Maitai