No power to starter moter - 1998 Ford Escort

Power will run from your ignition switch to neutral start switch on automatics, or clutch safety switch on manual transmissions. Those items, along with a starter relay, are all wired into your starting circuit, the start wire going to the starter solenoid on the starter. Of course, make sure your battery is fully charged. Use a multimeter and verify you have 12 volts to the big cable end on the starter. Now see if any power is on at starter solenoid terminal, with key in cranking position. If is power, remove starter and repair. If no power when key is in crank position, you'll have to trace your ignition starting circuit back to your ignition switch. can be a hassle, but, persistence pays off. BTW, when key is on, your dash lites do come on, don't they? Asking because that verifies you have power to ignition switch.