1994 Ford Escort LX, Hesitating

Hi there,

I am an owner of a 1994 ford escort lx that I have owned sine this last june 05'. Just this week I have encountered a problem with it. It all started when I took it through a carwash and it started acting up. As soon as I got out of the wash ( oh and it was also 20 degrees out if that helps at all) the car starts thumping and the engine starts shaking and wanting to cut out but it never does. I am in high school and have asked my auto teacher today what I should do and he said to check that my main air hoses are connected tightly and to replace my air filter.

so today I get the filter and put her on and make sure the air hoses are all connected tightly. And at first it seemed like it was all fixed and the car seemed to have the get up and go it did just last week. But now it is hesitating again as it goes from gear to gear. It basically is fine idling then when you hit the gas it chugs a little and accelerates a little bit then slows down then catches. I have noticed it doesnt do this once im over 55 mph and once I start cruising along at a steady speed. I have looked far and wide for car reviews to se if others have had problems like this but I have seen nothing of the like.

also, I have had a check coolant light come on and stay on. The coolant ratio is the perfect 50\50 and it doesnt leak one bit. So if that sensor has something to do with my accelerating problems I figured i'd mention it.

any help would be appreciated, I have the resources to do work on this car so any problem is fixable. Spill any ideas on what you think the problem may be

Thanks for your time and advice,

Ford Escort Guy