Hi Sarah. The light on your Escort should flash all the time, the only time it should not be on is when the engine is running. To test if it is operating ok is to watch it when you lock the car. I am not sure of the exact build date of your car, but it should do one of the following. When the door is locked the light will flash quickly for a short while then settle back to a steady flash, or the light will be on steady for a short while then return to a steady flash. Once again depending on the build year, if you open the tailgate with the key when the car is locked, the light should flash quickly or stay on, if the alarm goes off, dont worry, just unlock the car to stop it.
Paul
February 2008