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Hey all,
It’s like the title says. I have been experiencing frequent stalling at idle, and a very rough idle at times. It has had the rough idle issue for a while, but recently the stalling has become more frequent. It happens at idle only, like at a light or when stopped for a stop sign. The idle is so rough it causes the hood to rattle, and there’s a lot of vibration under acceleration (it’s a 5-speed). It’s had the vibration for a while too, but it wasn’t causing any problems so I left it alone.
It had a CEL a couple years ago (2012) for misfire on cylinder 3 and 4, but I installed new plug wires and spark plugs and it went away. It recently came back on, but it’s a P0171 for the O2 sensor. The stalling problem started happening after it came on, but I have never heard of that causing this type of problem?
Maintenance-wise, it needs a 120K service, timing belt/water pump. The power steering rack is leaking (not bad) and there’s an oil leak somewhere.
Other than that, it’s fine.
Any suggestions before I take it in? I had my dad (retired mechanic) look at it. He didn’t hear a vacuum leak, and checked the injectors (unplugged them one by one) and they seemed fine. I ran some Lucas upper cylinder lube fuel system treatment through it for several weeks last year.
It’s a 1999 Ford Escort ZX2, 134,xxx miles.
Thanks!
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The code you have is for a lean condition. That doesn’t mean the O2 is bad or that there is a problem with it. It’s more likely you have a vacuum leak or fuel delivery issue. More info here.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
This might also be helpful.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Keep us posted.
Thanks Eric. I love your videos. Very informative. My dad’s a retired mechanic of 21+ years and helps me out with questions, but I am always looking for second opinions.
I took the car to O-Reillie’s (not sure of spelling) and they scanned it and found no code, but after a week the light came on. Go figure. It’s due for tags and an emission test.
As far as the sensor, it will probably get replaced anyway as it’s old and only a $50 part. When he looked at the car, he said he couldn’t hear any vacuum leak, but we suspect that it’s a fuel problem. He said the diagnosis is to hook a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail while the car is running and watch the pressure as it chugs and stalls out. I don’t have one of those so that’s why it’s going to the shop. I am hoping it’s the filter and not the fuel pump, as the filter hasn’t been changed in who knows how long, and could be clogged. It’s a cheap part too, under $20 I think.
I also have a question about running “cheap: gas. Everyone says it will ruin your car, but I’ve been running it in my Subaru and no problems, and I can’t tell a difference between Chevron and Shell and the Arco. I will post a separate thread.
Thanks again!
Please read the articles I posted for you. That contain information that I believe will help you. Also, don’t replace parts unless you know their bad. There’s no reason to suspect the O2 sensor. The code was for a lean condition, not a bad O2.
As for gas.
Thanks Eric! I have seen those videos before, and they are excellent and are simple to understand. You’re also a great orator and on-camera personality. You should have your own TV show.
It’s going to the shop on the 24th for diagnostic. I’m not replacing any parts until I get definite answers. They have the correct diagnostic tools for it so there’s no guessing it.
Ok, so update! (I promised).
I got the car back from the shop Monday. They did a diagnosis, and lo and behold it was a failed PCV hose causing a vacuum leak. I suspected it was either that or a fuel problem, but they smoke tested it and found the leak. They recommended replacing the hose and the valve. I had pleaded and prayed it would be something simple and it was! The parts will cost about $6. I am also going to replace the fuel filter, air filter, and run some fuel system cleaner through it.
I had a question about that too…
Hopefully that will help the DTC so I can pass emissions!
Thanks!
FYI, it passed emissions just fine! Runs a lot better! We did the brakes and a left outer tie rod. The auto parts store (Costless) charged $10 for the replacement, and it had a zerk fitting so it’s serviceable! The original wasn’t. The PCV hose was a bear to fix, had to use off-shelf elbows (both were broken and disintegrating) and modify one of the broken original elbows with a knife and some electrical tape. Otherwise we’d have to order one from Ford (the whole hose assembly) for something like $70. The fuel filter was the original and very dirty. So a happy ending! Thanks for all the help and insights! You guys rock.
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