Three problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 1996 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Check engine light came on, mechanic diagnosed it as a misfire on one of the cylinders. Replaced plugs and wires, and two days later the engine "dropped a valve" destroying engine. This has happened a number of time on this engine according to the NHTSA website. Went to Ford and stated it was a defect in the engine, they refused all help or compensation. Cost was over $4,000. To repair. This definitely a factory defect, and should be picked up by Ford. No line of engines should be failing at 60-70,000 miles, like these are. $4,000. To repair.
Would have no compression in Ford engine cylinders. This causes engine to sputter & finally stall out. Couldn't restart vehicle & took to dealership. Mechanic indicated a problem with the compression to engine. Check engine light also came on before vehicle stalled out.
Check engine light: check engine light came on while driving and vehicle cut off. Had vehicle towed. Last week check engine light came on again, drove vehicle about five miles and it cut off again. Had the vehicle towed to the house, called zone office next morning and was told to see what color light was, and light was yellow. Vehicle started the next morning. Third failure has occurred and dealer has called and said come pickup the car because Ford cannot fix this problem at this time.