Car will not crank sometimes unless you turn the key many times.

Thanks for choosing FixYa and welcome. Since your check engine light is on, you need to take it to Autozone or Advanced and have it scanned. They will do this for free and they will tell you why your check engine light is on. It is on because the computer in your card has detected a problem. The light will probably show why your car is acting up.

how many miles do you have on your ford explorer, if you have another new key try that,your old key is worn out,this just happen to me 1 month ago, the new key cured my problem!!!!

did you check the INERTIA SWITCH? above the right rear wheel? sometimes even slamming the door or trunk will set it off. power goes to that switch and then to the pump. Fuse OK? Relay OK? You always check for power at the pump before going through the trouble to take it out.

IAC (Idle Air Control Solenoid) Located on the throttle body, I would start by checking that out. Sometimes they can carbon up pretty bad and cause your issue.

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Car Radio Stereo Audio Wiring Diagram
Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Blue/Red
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Blue/Black
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Red/Black
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Green
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger: N/A
Car Stereo Amp Trigger Wire: White/Orange
Car Stereo Amplifier Location: Under the driver seat.
Car Audio Front Speakers Size: N/A
Car Audio Front Speakers Location: N/A
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Violet
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue/Orange
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Blue/White
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): White
Car Audio Rear Speakers Size: N/A
Car Audio Rear Speakers Location: N/A
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): White/Blue
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Red/Blue
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): White/Green
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue

Check compression. This car is fuel injected right? Check for fuel at injectors.
Timing belt good not loose (supposed to be changed approx every 60,000 mi.)

my 1994 ford escort 1.9 5speed will not start with the key but will start if you jump the starter. help

when you first get into the car, turn the key on all the way till all the lights come on on the dash, but not far enough to start it , wait a minute, then crank it over, if it starts right up, then it is a fuel pressure problem, possibly your fuel pump. if it still wont start right up, your fuel lines from the tank may be clogged.

get a spanner and tighten it ,

Try the electrical iginition switch, and the "candybar" on the front of the distributor.