1997 Ford Probe Misfire at Low RPM

Tiny
JUNIOR4199
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD PROBE
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 160,000 MILES
The problem I am having is a misfire/sputter at low rpm. But as soon as im at cruising speeds like 55mph its a smooth ride.

I have done a complete tune up with plugs/wires/cap an rotor/distributer/fuel filter/ even computer. Did not help. I also replaced gaskets from intake on up thinking oil getting into spark plugs was messing with spark. Then I replaced the ckp sensor but still nothing has helped

I have 160 compression on all cyl

I think that is it. Im hoping this is a common problem/fix. Cant wait to hear from you.
Sunday, April 6th, 2014 AT 1:35 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 57 POSTS
Are there any engine codes on the dash? That's good, you may just have a ton of carbon buildup in your fuel system. One thing I would try that I have seen make a HUGE difference in high milage cars with a bad idle is a fuel system cleaning. You can buy a nice 3 part set at the auto part store. First part clean your throttle body. Open the butterfly valve and clean the rim. Next run an additive like sea foam though your break booster vacuum line into your intake (this part is nice to buy in the set because it comes with a tube that connects the bottle to the vacuum line and vaporizes the additive before it enters the intake) but you can just buy the liquid sea foam and let it SLOWLY suck it out of the bottle, too much liquid can cause vapor lock which inst good. Next part clean your throttle body, open the butterfly valve and clean the rim. Lastly put an additive into the fuel tank to clean your fuel injectors. Now you have done all three parts, hook back up your vacuum and start up the car, may be a little hard at first. Take the car up to 2K rpm for 30 sec the idle for 30 sec then back to 2K 30 sec. Should smoke quite a bit. Let me know if it makes any difference for you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 6th, 2014 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
JUNIOR4199
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi thanks for responding. It idles fine (I should have mentioned that) it just has no power. I have to play with the throttle to get it in high rpms just to go from a complete stop, its hesitating/sputtering and back firing a lot. (Best I can explain is no power even in 5th gear cruising if I push the throttle past 1/4 it loses power and sputters)

it does have codes though I will list them.

P1195 map sensor - I believe is my problem but its $400 (I would like to be sure)
p0110 intake sensor
p0300 misfire
p0325 knock sensor (vehicle is not knocking)
p0120 throttle position sensor

ABS just came on today but this problem has been occurring before this so not related I assume
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 6th, 2014 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
JUNIOR4199
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Where is the map sensor? I read on how to test it but can't find it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 6th, 2014 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
KTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 57 POSTS
The MAP sensor and IAC sensors do sound like likely culprits to your problem, If there bad you would definitely see a power loss. Unfortunately im not sure where your MAP sensor is located on your car. Best I can say is its measuring manifold pressure so its probably on or near your intake manifold. I also saw that the sensor was $400 at the auto parts store. You may want to invest in an auto repair manual for your car, it would definitely tell you the location of the sensor as well as some other helpful trouble shooting. As far as replacing the sensor goes try finding a used auto parts store or a junk yard we have one near me called pull and pay self service auto parts. If they had a ford probe you could remove the sensor for less than 10$ and give it a shot. Let me know
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 7th, 2014 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
JUNIOR4199
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I could not find a map sensor on a junk yard probe I found. Took the intake off with the fuel rail and grabbed every sensor I could find, but none match up to autozone photo of the map sensor available. (Maybe it doesnt have one but the mazda version of this car does?)
That's why there is a part available

I did take it in to a tech at Michel tire plus for a diag and he deleted all the codes and waited to see which popped up first. He said a code for the egr valve comes on right away but autozones code reader never showed an egr code. Anyway I grabbed that too to take to him to see if anything changes. But in his opinion he thinks my coil pack is bad. I will know tomorrow.

I
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 7th, 2014 AT 7:28 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links