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Ford Escort 1998 P0117 P1117 P1000 Fault: ECT Sensor Issues and Cold Start Problems

Model: Ford Escort Fault Code: P0117 Posted: 2006-07-22 16:07

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and glad I found it. I recently had issues with my 1998 Ford Escort (2.0L SPI engine). After replacing the electric radiator fan, the fan still wouldn't engage. I then replaced the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, but the problem persisted. The check engine light started coming on after the replacement. While I didn’t notice immediate performance issues, the car became difficult to start in cold weather and idled roughly for about 30 seconds before stabilizing—a behavior that continues today. I took the vehicle to a parts store, where they used their code reader and retrieved three diagnostic trouble codes: P0117 (ECT circuit low input), P1117 (ECT sensor circuit intermittent), and P1000 (readiness test not complete). I’ve already replaced the ECT sensor twice—using aftermarket parts—but the issue remains unresolved. I’m looking for advice on how to properly diagnose or fix this. Could it be a wiring issue, a faulty sensor, or perhaps a compatibility problem with non-Ford parts? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0117P1000P1117
Comments (2)
Anonymous 2006-07-24 09:59

Check the electrical circuit connected to the ECT sensor for continuity and proper grounding. Consider using an original Ford part if available—aftermarket sensors, especially on older models like the 1998 Escort, can sometimes cause intermittent faults. I’ve replaced ECT sensors on multiple Escorts in the past and found that Ford-branded parts consistently resolve these issues.

Anonymous 2006-07-26 20:35

Jeff is correct—after spending money to get a genuine Ford ECT sensor from an authorized dealer, I discovered there are two different versions for the 1998 Escort model year. The parts store had provided me with the wrong part. Once I installed the correct one, the P0117 and P1117 codes cleared and the cold start and idle issues disappeared. This experience highlights the importance of using OEM or correctly matched parts for older Ford models.