So I was able to finally get my hands on the Escape. I reran all the previous tests myself and all tests were okay.

So after I had discovered the switch issue with the 08 Escapes, I tried starting it and pushed in on the switch and BINGO! it started right up. I cut it back off and tried it again. When turning the switch as far as it will go nothing happens. But when I turn it and then push in on the switch I hear a click and it starts right up. I've been using this technique now for about 4 days and it starts every time AFTER I push it it and get the click. So it has something to do with the switch. I'm not sure what is not making contact but I plan on researching this further and possibly putting in a new switch.

Again thanks for your help.

 

That's this switch on the left hand side under the column most likely. It's 90% of the time the electrical switch and 10% of the time the tumbler that you actually put the key into. What was probably happening is when you'd force the brake pedal to the floor you were pushing in on the key.