I have a 98 Ford Escort ZX2. It has about 103,000 miles on it. Within the past couple of days the car has been acting funny. When I start the car it has been idling at about 1500 RPMs for about 10-15 seconds then it acts like it is going to stall (it goes to about 500-700 RPMs). I notice it when the car is stopped, but also when I'm driving it, I can feel the RPMs fluctuating. Kinda like if I was flooring it I could feel it kinda bogging down. This is without and air conditioning or heat on. The "Service Engine Soon" light has just come on also.
Can anyone give me an idea of what's going on?
Thanks.
2006-10-05 11:00:55 · 9 answers · asked by toac 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like something is going on with the fuel injection system!! The check engine light is on so bring it to a mechanic to read the code and it will pin point were the problem is coming from instead of guessing what it could be because it could be many things!! Good luck!!
2006-10-05 14:04:25 · answer #1 · answered by SOLUN macedonia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your car is having trouble breathing. Check out your air filter, and exhaust system for cracks, or escaping air.
I had a Taurus that acted the same way. I had to change out the muffler, oxygen sensor and some other stuff.
I'm not so sure about the fuel system being the problem, but before I would just replace the fuel filter-- I would definitley check out the injector. Simply replacing the filter, seems like a band-aid if anything, and not a real fix.
2006-10-05 18:52:28 · answer #2 · answered by Clark W Griswold 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did the "check engine" light flash first, BEFORE it came on and stayed on? If yes, it means you have one of the cylinders dead (which could be caused by numerous things, spark plug(s), ignition wire(s), coil pack, fuel injector(s), valve timing out, low compression). If not, you have a DTC (diagnostic trouble code) present for some other reason. The only way to find out is to take it to the Ford dealer (the preferable solution), and have them perform an EEC test, and take it from there.
2006-10-05 18:06:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try changing the fuel filter. I drive a Ford Crown Victoria at work, and it did the same thing. After changing the fuel filter the problem ended.
2006-10-05 18:06:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
when you accelerate is it steady? it may be your injesctors if so other than taking them in (dont try to clean them at home) get a bottle of high power ingector cleaner and run it through the tank. when was your last tune up? your plugs may also contribute to under/over idle
2006-10-05 18:07:06 · answer #5 · answered by thebestintraining 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't tell you off of that, although a mechanic has a machine that they can hook up to it, and it will tell them why the service engine light is on.
2006-10-05 18:10:37 · answer #6 · answered by bipolargandolf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I was a betting man, I'd bet it's your fuel filter and/or air filter.
For the few bucks it costs, try replacing them.
2006-10-05 18:05:30 · answer #7 · answered by Jack 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sounds like maybe the O2 sensor. or a vacume leak.
2006-10-05 18:03:06 · answer #8 · answered by doogie494 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
thermostat....get a garage to fix it...shouldn't be too expensive.
2006-10-05 18:05:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋