Hello.
First post and unfortunately I have a problem.
I would imagine anyone with a bit of knowledge about mechanics should be able to help with this one.

The car is a N reg Escort 1.6 Zetec [awesome car] lol.
While on a journey the car cut out mid drive. This has never happened before and it would not restart.

On turning the key the usual dash lights appear but it won't turn over.
[obviously not a starter problem as it cut out mid drive]
On the turn of against spring tension the lights on the dash dim and flicker.

I am thinking it is the starter switch as the spring mechanism in it has been iffy in the past. Perhaps a faulty internal connection here?

I have taken the switch out and it has a Red, Black, Blue and Yellow wire to it.
To eliminate the switch what wires should I bridge to try and start the car?

Any thoughts. Thanks

 

What is the battery voltage with the ignition on?

With the ignition on and the headlamps on, turn the key to start the car. Do the headlamps dull or go out or no change in brightness?

Sounds to me initially (without seeing the car or having more information) that the alternator may have given up or the alternator warning light was defective and that it may simply have run out of power.

What fuel is in it, i.e. how much?

 

The headlamps do dull slightly when trying to start the car but the battery is almost new and showing 12v+

Not fuel related as the starter will not turn at all.

 

Then it is most likely not the ignition switch.

Are the battery terminals tight?

 

As said it's not your switch as you said the headlights work and headlights are switched via ignition. When you turn ignition on do you hear pump prime and warning lights illuminate? When you turn to starter position do you hear the solonoid click or is there just nothing at all? If nothing you need to check power to starter. Get underneath and check the big heavy feed to the starter this should read battery voltage followed by checking power to starter solonoid with someone turning key to starter position why you do so, again should see power.

Also should mention the starter may be jammed as I noticed you said the light dull slightly which would indicate power is getting to starter. Try putting car in top gear and rocking back and forth see if it frees it, although can't see how it would jam when it's not engaged mid drive.

Martin.

 

The fuel pump can be heard to prime when turning the key aswell as the starter solenoid clicking.

I have been advised that is is common for the starter motors to 'run on' after starting and then burn out. [this could be the case as the ignition is iffy so the key has to be turned backwards after starting as the spring mechanism is fooked]
If the starter has burnt out then the car will not bump start.

As above [marty] I ill have to get underneath it to check power to the starter etc.
Thanks

 

That seems strange as you would have noticed if the starter was still turning the engine over?

And if the starter motor has gone the car will still bump start, you could even remove the starter motor and still be able to bump start.

You can hear the starter solenoid clicking so this indicates there is power there, so it is a starter motor issue, have you tried what I mentioned and rocking the car back and forth in top gear as it may just be jammed and this will free it.

Martin

 

An RAC mate of mine tells me that the starter on this car has to be connected and working correctly to run/bump. Removing the starter as you said, then the car will not run.[This is specific to this car and perhaps others apparently]
It would appear to be the starter but why did it cut out mid drive? Thats why I have been advised that it is possible the starter that 'ran on' and burnt out.

Update to follow.
Thanks

 

Your RAC mate is talking crap. Period.

I am still wondering whether you have checked the battery terminals are tight.

 

Have you checked your ignition switch then.

 

It would appear my RAC mate is talking crap or I have misunderstood him.

I managed to bump start the car and it ran fine. The starter will still not turn over at all though. Atleast now it is on my driveway I can get under it and have a look round.

Thanks

 

Yes it is rubbish, I would suggest buying another starter motor, you can open it up and have a look at brushes etc but easier just to buy a new one and fit.

Martin

 

Well there was power going to the starter motor so I took it off and connected it up to a battery and its fooked.
I'm on the look out for a replacement.