1996 Ford Escort: check engine light

Filed Jun 21, 2008 · Electrical · 20,734 miles · CA

I am not sure if this is the correct section to file this in. I am being unsuccessful in a continued effort to correct a malfunction in the check engine light sensor. I have done all I know to correct this matter including changing the light bulb with no success. This malfunction is continuing to cause me not to pass a simple smog test. Is there any record of there being a manufacture defect to this part.

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Acceleration · 55,500 miles · VA

Clicking sound coming from the front left side of the car. Had it looked at by mechanic and was told it had something to do with the speedometer cable. The sound is getting louder and can be very annoying. *jb was shocked and surprised to learn that left rear coil spring was broken and had to be replaced. Check engine light comes on and the code reads 1443. Mechanic could not find any problem and said it might have a been loose gas cap. He reset the light. Check engine light came back on after driving 15 miles, took it back to service station and got same code. Mechanic could not find the problem and has asked me to take it to the dealer for a smoke test.

Filed Jan 13, 2002 · Engine · CA

Check engine light came on, mechanic diagnosed it as a misfire on one of the cylinders. Replaced plugs and wires, and two days later the engine "dropped a valve" destroying engine. This has happened a number of time on this engine according to the federal safety agency website. Went to ford and stated it was a defect in the engine, they refused all help or compensation. Cost was over $4,000. To repair. This definitely a factory defect, and should be picked up by ford. No line of engines should be failing at 60-70,000 miles, like these are. $4,000. To repair.

Filed Feb 24, 2001 · Seat belts · MI

Power seatbelt stopped halfway in track, will cost over $600, check engine light comes on intermitantly, while everything checks out okay mechanically, can't figure what's causing it to come on

Filed Aug 25, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Consumer has multiple problems with vehicle. Engine light stays on & the vehicle won't pass inspection if the dealer can't find out what was wrong with it. There were gas smells coming from hatchback. However, dealer couldn't determine were it was coming from. *ak as of this date 9-13-00 engine light still on, consumer replaced oxygen sensor, timing belt and water pump. Kink was found in gas line caused smell coming from front of the car. Bracket off of motor mount.

Filed Aug 7, 2000 · Engine · CT

Engine light has came on repeatedly, dealer never found major problem, the light started coming on again and vehicle would cut off when put in to gear, at 73000 miles engine failed.

Filed Jul 3, 2000 · Body, Engine · IL

Seat belt became stuck midway on numerous occasions, finally it came off the track. I do not have a seat belt to wear now. Engine check light problem began at under 10,ooo mi vehicle was brought into dealer was repaired (maybe? Or was it only reset?) oxygen sensor' s (2 )had to be replaced to pass emission test. Not covered under warranty. Passenger door had problem took to dealer who sort of fixed it. At least one could open it from the inside. But it was difficult. Eventually problem resurfaced. I have noticed that many of the problems I have had with the seat belts and with the check engine light are not an uncommon occurence. I am a chicago police officer and I notice that the check engine light is always on in the ford squad cars. There are problems which needs to be addressed. The seat belt issue needs to be addressed immediately. Until I saw your web info in a magazine, I was not aware there was any recourse other than to complain to the manufacturer which is fruitless. Perhaps your number and information need to be listed on the vehicle information books that are supplied to new car buyers. I only wonder how many other consumers have had similar problems that have not been reported other than to ford's customer service. *ak .

Filed Dec 3, 1999 · Engine · IL

Would have no compression in ford engine cylinders. This causes engine to sputter & finally stall out. Couldn't restart vehicle & took to dealership. Mechanic indicated a problem with the compression to engine. Check engine light also came on before vehicle stalled out.

Filed Jun 11, 1997 · Engine · OH

Check engine light: check engine light came on while driving and vehicle cut off. Had vehicle towed. Last week check engine light came on again, drove vehicle about five miles and it cut off again. Had the vehicle towed to the house, called zone office next morning and was told to see what color light was, and light was yellow. Vehicle started the next morning. Third failure has occurred and dealer has called and said come pickup the car because ford cannot fix this problem at this time.