that sound is most likely your starter engaging. a starter has two components an electric motor and a solenoid that pushes the gear into contact with your fly wheel as the electric motor spins the gear. sometimes just one one component will fail and still allow the other to operate, Hench the clacking of the gears engaging but no spin.
Your neutral safety switch-try putting car in neutral and trying it
replace ignition switch
i would check the cranking circuit,starter,starter relay,ignition switch,neutral safety switch.
92 Escorts are known for having a bad ignition switch. When trying to start the starter won't quit after you release the key from start to run position. Replace the ignition switch.
Wires connected to the starter incorrectly or defective ignition switch.
you need to have ignition switch checked,if switch is good then you need to replace starter motor. a bad ford starter will keep draawing power regardless of key being on or not
Either the starter, starter relay or ignition switch are failing.
It probably is the key switch.
I would suspect the ignition switch has failed. This is the ignition switch not the tumbler assembly that you insert the key in.
The problem lies in the ignition switch - had a Nissan pick-up that did the same thing.
Sounds like a bad ignition switch. It could also be a bad starter solenoid. If you can find the solenoid you can unplug one of the small wires while it is trying to crank over and see if it stops. If it does it is probably the switch. If it doesn't then it is probably the solenoid.
Start with the basics. Is the battery fully charged? Are the battery post clean and tight. If you answer yes to both of these and the engine will not turn over and you hear nothing, suspect the starter, starter solenoid, or ignition switch is defective.