Hi all.Ive posted this question on the Escort owners club section but im desperate for a bit of advice.I started the car up the other morning and drove about 100yds down the road and the engine just cut out a wont restart.The engine wont fire up but just makes a whirring noise when the key is turned.Have checked the cambelt and all seems ok.Any ideas plz.

Could be the starter motor not engauging. Tae it off and check all the teeth

Cheers vinnyvangough,i will check that out.I had a good look around the internet and found out it may also be the Crankshaft Sensor.Whats your thoughts on this?

If your starter motor is just whiring and not turning the engine over it is likely your starter motor is not engaged with the flywheel.

If the engine is turning over but very easily, it could be the cambelt.

If these are normal but it is a case of it just not wanting to fire up, it could be the crankshaft sensor. Although normally these start playing up by cutting out when the engine is warm. Once cooled down they often restart for a while. Id check the wireing to it. It may have got wet or there is some oxidation on the contacts.

Good luck

If your starter motor is just whiring and not turning the engine over it is likely your starter motor is not engaged with the flywheel.

If the engine is turning over but very easily, it could be the cambelt.

If these are normal but it is a case of it just not wanting to fire up, it could be the crankshaft sensor. Although normally these start playing up by cutting out when the engine is warm. Once cooled down they often restart for a while. Id check the wireing to it. It may have got wet or there is some oxidation on the contacts.

Good luck

btmaldon,many thanks for your comments.The starter motor is just whirring and not turning the engine over,so i will take a good look tomorrow.Weather permitting.

Thanks again and have a good Christmas.