Low engine power

1997 FORD ESCORT
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BOBBY_JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
144,000 mi.
My car was running fine last week, I pulled to a stop to get some dinner, when I returned to the car and started it, it idled very roughly and seemed to have very little power. I have changed the coil pack, spark plugs and wires. it has a new O2 sensor, Idle Air Control valve, Air filter. The car currently is becoming harder and harder to start, it seems to require me giving it a lot of gas before starting and when it does start it idles out roughly still, but as soon as I put it into gear it dies. I have tried giving it gas as it was put into gear and it seems to lack significant power almost as if it has no lowend. I hope you can help
Jan 12, 2007 at 3:43 PM
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STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,354 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a plugged catalytic converter. Here are a couple of guides that can confirm the blockage and to check other items such as the mass air flow sensor - map.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-engine-power

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle


Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Jun 29, 2017 at 2:38 PM
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