21st Jan 2005, 05:15
I have a 98 Escort GTI and am experiencing a really annoying 'squeak' on every revolution of the front drivers side wheel, the faster I go the quicker it gets!!
Any ideas as to how this could be solved as it's driving me crazy!
Apart from that everything is fine with the car.
Cheers.
4th Feb 2005, 12:07
I have recently brought a 1997 Escort GTi and have found the following 'features' with the car:
- The boot lock is broken, so the car will only open with the electric release switch inside the car. Had exactly the same problem on my old XR2i, these locks must be really poorly built!
- Idling speed varies between about 800-1100 rpm, seems to be constantly hunting around, will try replacing the Idle Speed Control Valve I think at some stage to see if this cures the problem.
- When coasting on no throttle at reasonable speeds, you can feel the car sort of slowly repeatedly hesitating / holding back. May be due to the EFi as fuel is shut off during overrun conditions, but then again I may a problem somewehere. Anyone else have the same problem I wonder???
- Handy tip, when buying one of these cars, try to make sure it comes with the RED Master Key, or at least two standard BLACK keys. Due to the PATS immobilizer fitted to this car, you cannot start the car unless your key has a valid transponder built into it, and cheapish spare keys are only really copyable from the RED Master Key itself.
I brought my car with just a single Black key, and to get a spare key cut/programmed cost me a whopping £65 from a specialist locksmith. A spare key from Ford in the same situation will set you back £100 + VAT!!
Even with the above problems though I am very pleased with the car overall. A lot of car for very little money!
24th May 2005, 03:02
Hi I have a 1998 GTi I just bought may 2005 4 2k its mint serviced every 1000 miles since new! it drives like a dream 1 problem tho when I put my foot right to the floor it holds back at 3k reves to 4k revs it juder's then its fine? really annoying I've changed the valve the air filter, but no luck? its like a blockage somewhere can anyone help me thanks.
4th Aug 2005, 14:17
Great car almost. Main problem is stalling when cold and coming to a stop. Another problem is ABS warning light coming on when exceeding 105 mph apart from that got a good one on a 97 plate and only 54000 miles.
24th Dec 2005, 17:37
I have a Escort GTi 98 model lovely car, but when I start up it go's to 2500 reves then down it lasts for about 40 seconds I no its the idel control valve, but how do I fit this? please some 1 get back to me!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TOO!!!
30th Dec 2005, 16:49
I have a 1998 gti 36k mint con main problem heated rear window slow to clear other than that pleasure to drive.
13th Jun 2006, 14:53
I have the same problem - when I am at a steady speed and hold it at that speed, I can feel the car pulling back on me. It only has 32k on clock, and I've replaced most things to resolve the problem, but still no luck. Please help.
10th Aug 2007, 18:14
Escort GTi... What a car, a 1.8 that can do 130 mph without breaking its back. You name it, I have had an RS Turbo and an XR3i, but the GTi is far better for style, and it's no slow chicken. Just ask the Lotus I overtook tonight like it was standing still.
The light blue colour is the best.
The cars don't rust if looked after, and the engine will go for 200 000 miles if serviced.
25th Feb 2008, 15:33
Hi! I've got a 1997 escort GTI. it's a excellent car, very fast and responsive, but when I turn my lights on, the INTERIOR LIGHTS don't COME ON, but eventually do when I switch the switch about 2 or 3 times. Can someone let me know what I can do to fix it? it is very annoying when I'm driving in the dark and they don't come on.
Thank you.
23rd Jun 2008, 07:48
I've had a lotus and an ecort GTi. Trust me, the lotus wasn't playing mate!!! Probably didn't even know you were there.
6th Feb 2011, 06:02
Hi, I have a GTi, and having a problem with squeaking from the front left wheel. When I drive in a straight line and I put a bit of throttle on, it squeaks? When I let off the accelerator, it stops... or if I put my foot on brake... really confused as what this could be, and is very annoying when I have my windows open. If anyone can help, I would be very happy. Thanks.
27th Oct 2004, 05:44
I have a 1.6 16v 1998 finesse, I found that the car does like to rev hi, this is I found due to the car being cold, one trick is drive until the car starts to get warm then come to a complete stop and keep your foot on the break, you will hear the engine revs drop dramatically, hope it helps.
Also I was told this was due to the automatic choke.