Two problems related to ignition module have been reported for the 1997 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Heater core is leaking causing fluid to get into air bag sensor and as a result the air bag light flashes off/on, the engine stalls while driving dealer replaced the computer, some electrical wire were replaced because the car began to smoke.
While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. Vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. Also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. Three sensors were also replaced.