I don't own a 95 Ford Escort. But if I did, and the motor turned over but would not start, I'd look at either the ignition module or fuel pump first.
Check the fuses. By hooking it up backwards, you may have blown many fuses, and/or completely damaged the vehicle wiring system, and/or shorted out the starter motor.
Check all fuses to include those in engine bay, then all connections of battery cables - not just the ones at the battery posts. Start using a little logic and find out what's wrong before replacing more parts. Power directly to the low side of the solenoid should force the starter. If that works but the starter doesn't work with the keyswitch, it might just be the neutral lockout.
Dead battery? Loose or dirty battery cables? Bad starter solenoid? Bad starter? Neutral switch?
have you checked the relay on the starter? and check the wire that runs from the started relay to the starter.
Wires connected to the starter incorrectly or defective ignition switch.
I have a 1996 ford escort that will not start and it has a new starter on it and a new battery in it but it still will not start
try the starter relay.
Start simple- check the fuses and battery. If those are good check the starter.
The battery, cables and starter may be bad.
Bad starter Bad battery Bad connection on battery cables. Faulty ignition switch
There could be several reasons why a 1997 Ford Escort will not start. A few reasons could be the starter, the battery, spark plugs and wires, or even a blown engine.
if the battery is good, it is not the regulator.i would check all fuses first,then check starter solenoid and starter
your battery is flat Could be that your starter is dead. The clicking is the starter solenoid. That's a good thing that it is at least clicking. Replace the starter.
Seized engine? Loose or corroded battery cables? Weak battery? Bad starter solenoid? Bad starter? Bad neutral or clutch safety switch?
Then it is a defective ignition switch.
Check ignition relay. Jump the battery directly to the starter and see if the starter is any good.
Loose or corroded battery cable? Bad starter solenoid? Ignition switch?