Need Help?

1997 Ford Escort Base 4dr Sedan

1997 Ford Escort
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Compact
28 mpg city / 37 mpg hwy
Other Trims
Do you own this car?
Estimated Mileage
 Miles
Enter current mileage for most
accurate info about this vehicle


Track Your Service Records
Get Recall Alerts
Get Updated Value Estimates on Your Car.

back to question list

Ask the Community

Ask Our Auto Mechanics


January 28, 2013, 5:30 am

Chloe S
 

Question: Whats wrong with my car battery, and why is it hard to steer?

I got into a car accident and now my battery light is on, and I have no idea what's wrong with it. The passengers side of my car was hit and dented in by a poll. Also, it is extremely hard to turn my wheel. How could the steering of been messed up?


January 28, 2013, 1:25 pm

Tyler O
Expert Mechanic

Probably bent control arms or steering system components. You should tow it to a repair shop. Driving it is probably unsafe.

The battery light is probably indicating a bad connection or other charging system issue as a result of the collision.


0/0 users found this helpful.

Ask our panel of certified auto mechanics a question. We pay for their advice so you don't have to



My Auto Score

See the free AutoCheck score

Meet The Experts
Kim Perrin
Kim Perrin is our resident mechanic here at DriverSide. Kim worked as…
Tyler Orr
Tyler Orr is an expert in German and Japanese cars and has been a mechanic …
Elizabeth Kriesten
Elizabeth Kriesten worked as an automotive technician for several years at Dodge…
Tips on Servicing

Car Brakes: How Do You Know When to Change Them?

By Zach Bowman For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle's braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until ...

Read more…