Hoping someone will be able to solve mystery that has mechanic stumped and me tearing my hair out. Have 2001 escape v6, 130kms. About 3 weeks ago, coolant light would come on when starting cold, then go off after a couple of minutes. One afternoon, car would start, then engine die when trying to shift into gear. Roadside assistance found a collapsed air hose, replaced, and car started. Took to mechanic and had full service. Then, for the next day coolant light started coming on and off - back to mechanic who said they hadn't bled the coolant lines enough - topped off the coolant. Now, at cold start it takes 6 or more attempts to turn it over. If it parked for less than 3 hours, starts fine first time. Mechanic says they've checked all the vacuum hoses, and topped off the coolant again

I had some success turning the key to ON 5 or more times before trying to start it - so had the fuel pump replaced on theory it was a back flow valve. But it actually seems worse now. It's not showing any codes, so have no idea what to do now.
Any help would be so appreciated - can't keep not knowing if the car will start when I'm driving little kids around

Celia

 

Hate to see people throwing good money after bad.

I think if your mechanic is having a problem locating the source of the problem, it may be time to take to Ford and let their guys look at. They may be able to pinpoint the problem right away.

 

ever changed the spark plugs? fuel filter?