Questions and Answers

Ford Escort Starts Fine But Dies In Gear Q. Hi, my name is Cres and I'm having car trouble. I suspect the fuel pump. I drive a 1997 Ford Escort 2.0 liter engine, and 140,000 miles. My question is what happens when the fuel pump stops working or does not work properly? My car starts but as soon as you put the car in drive and you step on the gas is does not want to take off.

It sounds as if the car is stuck and it starts making this strange sound like you are forcing it. Also the speedometer does not work. The speedometer starts working as soon as the car running properly. One more thing that I want to mention is that if you warm the car up for five or more minutes, it run okay. I suspect the fuel pump. I will really appreciate a response.

A. If it feels like a manual transmission trying to move in a high gear, it maybe the torque converter is locked. I would try unplugging the transmission connector and driving it for a few days and see what happens.

If it sill happens, then I would put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what the fuel pump is doing.