Because AF provided valuable information while I was troubleshooting and repairing a intermittent crank but no start condition on a 97 Escort 2.0L sedan with 108k miles, I am posting suggestions for troubleshooting this problem. I hope it saves someone else time and money.

The symptoms: Usually crank but no start, but occasionally it would start and run at least for a little while. Fuel pressure at fuel rail was zero. No sound of fuel pump in KOEO. There was usually relay chatter in the key on engine off (KOEO) position that was, I later learned, coming from the CCRM.

At that point I did not check spark or investigate the relay chatter because it appeared to be a fuel issue.

First, search AF for similar problems and fixes. Print the posts and have them on hand as you troubleshoot. Something that seems insignificant (and easily forgotten) now may become very important as your troubleshooting progress. Also, keep notes of what you do. (I preach that, but don't always practice.) That will help you document in case you yelp for help on AF.

Thoroughly check the electrical connections, particularly at the battery posts. I think a bad ground at the battery was the root cause of my problem. Because the engine would turn over readily (the battery had just been replaced), I did not think of a possible ground problem until I had spent considerable time (and $232 replacing a CCRM that was probably good) :banghead:. In hindsight, the relay chatter was probably a good indication of a bad ground. There is an extra little connector at the negative battery post; be sure to clean it. I stole a nail file from my wife :licka: to clean the terminals and slots on those connectors (which had a fair amount of build-up on them).

Check fuel pressure. A fuel pressure gauge, available at many parts stores, is a valuable diagnostic tool to have on hand. My research indicates that 30 - 45 psi is expected.

Check for spark - even if you suspect a fuel problem. A combination of low/no fuel pressure and no spark is an indication of an electronic control problem. I performed the old method by removing a spark plug and holding a 1/8" to 1/4" from an engine ground (intake manifold in my case) while someone jogged/cranked the engine. The Haynes manual says to use a calibrated spark tester; I don't know how important that is, but of course I did the most expedient thing.

Test the fuel pump, accessible under the rear seat. I did this using a battery charger at the suggestion of another post. When the fuel pump turned on and generated 40 psi at the fuel rail, I began to suspect something other than the fuel pump.

Check the signals into and out of the CCRM, located under the air intake. After the fuel pump test, I had a strong suspicion of the CCRM (or IRCM). We owned an 87 Taurus for about 15 years, and the CCRM (called an Integrated Control Module ICM, then) and its wiring harness was the source of several problems and frustrations. I concluded that the CCRM had a failure, and if not now, it would sometime soon (relays wear out!). So I bought a new one from Ford. There are other AF posts that describe how to potentially repair the CCRM, so you might save $ doing this. I also found a partial schematic of the CCRM via an AF post which was helpful.

I have usually purchased shop manuals and electrical/vacuum troubleshooting manuals (from Helm, Inc) whenever I buy a car. I did not do this for the Escort, and now wish I had. I do have a Haynes manual, but it covers ten model years and leaves out significant detail for my car :runaround: . The schematics are very valuable and probably worth the $30 to have on hand.

Other suggestions of which I read but did not perform include checking the timing belt and checking the correct calibration is flashed in the EEC (ECU?). Because the car would occasionally start, I was pretty sure I didn't have a timing problem. And I could not find the EEC/ECU or PCM and would not know how to check the calibration data stored in flash if I could have found it. For future reference, where is the EEC and PCM?

I think the problem is resolved - I'll be more confident after a few days without trouble. Thanks to all those previous posters and respondents that provided valuable information.

Cheers,
Doc

Doc, the EEC (electronic engine control) is mounted on the firewall about in the middle on top. The PCM (Power control module) is located inside the passenger compartment at the front of the console. Thanks for the information. It will help if any of us have a no start problem.