It's got spark...it turns over...timing belt is moving properly...rented a code reader...no codes. While I'm very glad to know that nothing is wrong with it, it still won't start.

AAARRRGH.

Any ideas? How does one check the fuel pressure?

Edit. OK, I haven't gone to purchase a fuel pressure gauge yet. Yes, I CAN hear the fuel pump trying to pressurize the system.

 

Bueller? Buelllller?

Argh. It's got spark, fuel, and air.

Timing belt is moving and appears healthy.

Still no start.

Replaced plugs, wires and coil. Check resistance on injectors...there's no way to correctly install a fuel pressure gauge on this system, but I did remove the supply line from the fuel rail and it shoots fuel at a pretty decent range...

Still no codes.

Any ideas?

 

I am guessing you have no Anti-Theft light flashing and you checked the IFS (inertia sw) and you can hear the FP run in the 1st few seconds KOEO (key-on). If not look for VREF at an easy sensor (5V). As for fuel pressure testing, I recall we used to check FP by opening the fuel line at the spring lock coupling and inserting an adapter. They come in the Snap-On FP Kit, but may be pricey. Most shops will have the adapter. You had it off and saw fuel flow, but were you cranking then or how did you get the fuel pump to run. The PCM looks for a CKP signal before it will turn on the FP, after the inital KOEO prime of the fuel system. So, No VREF, No CKP signal = no fuel pressure.

 

tcbofade... This was 'all of a sudden' it just doesn't start? No symptoms previous? If you have access, you can use a 'noid' to check the injectors, or, if adventurous, put your finger on an injector and feel for the pulse to eliminate them from the problem set.
I'd check the actual pressure as the 1st step. Old fuel filter? Any problems going up hills or on freeway on-ramps that would indicate a lack of fuel?
tom

 

No compression on three of the four cylinders.

I'm thinking the timing belt jumped.

 

The belt will chew off a few teeth when it goes, and then slip. Gates Rubber Co has a PDF file that lists all the engines for which they manufacture timing belts, indicating if they are interference engines or not. Given that you have some compression, I am taking it that if they are interference, they don't interfere enough to kill the compression.
If you can, remove the covers or inspection plates and see if the cams are timed to the crankshaft. I am making the assumption that there are visible marks on the cam sprockets and nose of the crankshaft or the flywheel. That would tell you if the cams were in time.
tom

 

Thank you, Tom.

For the record, this particular engine does not have a mark on the crankshaft, per Haynes.

To be perfectly honest, the words "timing belt" inspire me to call a tow truck.

Which arrived and carried the Escape off to the mechanic yesterday...we should have it back tomorrow.

(Yes, the 2.0 is a non interference engine...no bent valves for me!)

 

What did you have done to your escape at the shop? I am experiencing something like you describe.

 

New timing belt installed. $500ish.

Good luck.

 

Oh, Shucks I put a new one on, and it still won't fire. It just sputtes. anyone else have any ideas?

 

Wyld ... start a new post and describe what happened, what you diagnosed, what you did and what it does after your work. Your problem could be as simple as crossed wires, or mistimed cams/crank.
tom

 

Thanks tomw I'll have to do that.