how do i install a new car battery?

[ArtP]

I owned Escorts for most of my driving career until I got my 2000 Honda CR-V. It is probably the starter solenoid (sp) they frequently go BAD after a while and give the symptoms you describe. It happened to 2 of the 4 escorts I've owned in the last 15+ years.
Found some info here:

http://www.carcare.org/Electrical/solenoid.shtml

USUALLY Less than a $50 part if I remember.