Ford Escort Common Problems and Solutions
Cold Engine
Problem:
The engine isn't able to warm up, making it harder to start and for performance to drop.
Solution:
Your engine is overcooling. This means that either the thermostat has failed or that the bypass that’s built into the thermostat housing has opened. You can replace the thermostat housing easily enough, but be ready to face the fact that the bolts are surprisingly delicate and can be very prone to breakages. If the problem is just the thermostat, then you can order that from us using our registration number search.
Difficulty level
Thermostat
Metallic Grinding Noise From Engine
Problem:
The engine is making a loud grinding metal sound. If you look at your spark plugs, one or more may look like they have a chewed-up tip.
Solution:
It’s likely that you have a faulty valve seat drop. You are going to have to install a whole new engine, which we can deliver directly when you order from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Engine Complete Full
Clunking Sound
Problem:
There is a clunking sound coming from the steering wheel, and you can physically feel it.
Solution:
The outer tie rod ends on the Escort are extremely tough, but they can develop faults. You can install these yourself, but you will need to make sure that you align them correctly. They are a very low-cost part to order from us.
Difficulty level
Tie Rod End
Low Rear End
Problem:
The back of the car is sitting very low.
Solution:
You have broken rear springs. You’ll need to find a quick strut set on our parts page for the Escort, but installation is fairly simple.
Difficulty level
Stuck Seat Belt
Problem:
The seat belt is stuck halfway in its track.
Solution:
Remove the small round plastic cover snapped into the B-pillar next to the seat. Disconnect the single wire plug and then hook in the access hole at the motor shaft. Manually spin the motor until the seat belt locks. This is all very fiddly, and it needs to be done right if you want you and your passengers to remain safe.
Difficulty level
Stalling At Idle
Problem:
The engine stalls when running idle, and you have problems starting the car from cold. The engine may hesitate when you accelerate.
Solution:
It’s likely that you have developed a fault with your idle air bypass valve. This is considered a case of normal wear and tear, so the only option is to replace it. Check our parts list for a new valve and order for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Damp smell from air conditioning
Problem:
If you have noticed a damp musty smell coming from the air conditioning, then this is usually caused by a build up of bacteria in the evaporator.
Solution:
To solve this problem you will need to purchase an anti bacterial deodorising agent. Spraying this onto the evaporator will help to solve this issue and kill the bacteria. Switching the A/C off a good few minutes before the end of the journey also helps to stop this problem, as it allows the evaporator to dry off.
Difficulty level
Aircon Evaporator
Engine idle problem
Problem:
This problem is common on the 1.8 Endura diesel engines and causes a high idling engine. This is caused by a broken idle speed return spring.
Solution:
This problem can be fixed by installing a revised spring. Check out the video below.
Difficulty level
Idle Speed Control Stepper Motor
Fuel injection pump problem
Problem:
The Escort 1.8 Endura before April 97 was known to have problems with starting and running. The timing on the fuel injection was out due to a faulty pump cam actuator.
Solution:
This problem is fixed by fitting a new pump cam actuator.
Difficulty level
FEAD belt problems
Problem:
The FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) belt on a 1996 Escort can be prone to a really high pitched noise. This is due to lack of tension on the belt.
Solution:
This can be solved by fitting a new belt and tightening the tensioner.
Difficulty level
Radiator hose problems
Problem:
These problems were common on diesel engines from 1996 to 1998 which led to the engine overheating and coolant leakage at the top radiator hose. The radiator fan shroud was known to damage the hose.
Solution:
To rectify this you have to trim the shroud down and fit a new top hose.
Difficulty level
Radiator Hose
Blower motor problems
Problem:
This problem is common on Escorts between 1992 and 1998 where the motor doesn't work giving off a smell of melting plastic. This is caused by corrosion on the blower motor resistor contacts or could even be by a missing cover.
Solution:
This is resolved by fitting a new blower motor resistor or fitting a motor cover if there isn't one already fitted.
Difficulty level
Heat Blower Motor
Noises from underneath the vehicle
Problem:
The Ford Escorts has been commonly known to hear noises from below the vehicle. This is due to a worn flexible joint gasket.
Solution:
This can be fixed by fitting a new gasket.
Difficulty level
Cylinder Head Gasket Set
Bumpy Driving
Problem:
The suspension on your Escort feels worn, and you can feel every bump in the road.
Solution:
Check your shock absorbers and your suspension bushes. Both will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced. This tends to happen at the 50,000-mile point. Both parts are available in our online store, and installation is fairly straightforward.
Difficulty level
Shock Absorber
Ticking From Engine
Problem:
There is a ticking noise from the engine while it’s running. The engine may also misfire, and the check engine light may come on.
Solution:
You need to change the timing belt on the Escort every 36,000 miles, which is what’s causing the ticking sound. Replacing the timing belt is a little fiddly, but the belts themselves are very low-cost when you order from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Timing Belt
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating, and there is white smoke coming from the exhaust. There is also bubbling in the radiator and coolant reservoir.
Solution:
This is the result of not enough maintenance, and it’s caused a blown head gasket. We have replacement head gaskets available to order, and although it’s a big job to tackle, there are plenty of online guides available to watch.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Non-Responding Starter Motor
Problem:
The starter motor isn’t responding, but your battery power is fine. You may lose some accessory functions too.
Solution:
This will be a problem with your ignition switch, which will need to be replaced. It’s an easy job to do yourself, and you won’t need to remove the entire lock cylinder. We always have replacement ignition switches available to order.
Difficulty level
Ignition Switch
Clutch disc problem
Problem:
The Escort from 1995 was known to have problems with the clutch in either cold or wet conditions. This is due to an over-sensitive clutch disc in these types of weather conditions.
Solution:
It is remedied by fitting the revised clutch friction disc.
Difficulty level
Bouncing Speedometer
Problem:
The speedometer needle is acting erratically, especially when driving on the motorway.
Solution:
Have a look at your speedometer cable. It’s prone to binding, and you may be able to solve the problem by simply applying some lubricant. If it’s too damaged, then you will easily find a replacement in our store.
Difficulty level
Speedo Cable
