Rough Idle

Tiny
ROBRYAN50
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Hi. I have the 2.0L engine. Recently, the engine started running rough at idle. It runs smoothly once you get the rpm's up, and it seems to run more smoothly in neutral or park. I installed new Bousch spark plugs (correctly gapped) over the summer. I tested the wires (which still look decent, not cracked or overly dirty) by using a spray bottle with water while the car was idleing in park. I did not see any arching, and there was no change in the idle (did not start running rough). Last weekend, I installed a new coil, and that seemed to help for a few days, then the problem started coming back. It has a K&N air filter in it, and that was thoroughly cleaned in the late fall. The fuel filter is maybe a year old. When it's running rough, which is usually when I'm stopped at a light, or in traffic, I can see the headlights dim in time with the rough running. Now the rough idle is not steady, but it will "stumble" several times during a typical stoplight, and the number of "stumbles" is starting to increase in both number and depth (the stumbles are getting deeper, or a greater shudder, if you will). I thinking I will put new wires on next, but I'm not convinced that will do it. Perhaps an injector is going bad? Any thoughts you may have would be appreciated before I take it somewhere and start having to pay shop time. Thanks.
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 12:05 PM

38 Replies

Tiny
JASONRAY
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Is the check engine light on? If I'm correct, that's the variable cam timing engine. There will be a connector on top of the engine at the front of the engine(through the valve cover), and there will also be one on the side of the head (between the radiator and engine, and near the rear of the head). If so, unplug the connector on the side of the head. That's the cam sensor. See if it smooths up. I had one not too long ago doing the same thing and, when I unplugged that sensor, it ran perfect at idle but not a lot of performance on the road. I replaced the cam sensor and all was well!
I would suggest installing the factory plug as well, I have seen many issues arise after the installation of those plugs if they are the platinum ones
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Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
ROBRYAN50
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Jason, no, the engine light is not on. I'll check tonight to see if it is a variable cam engine, and if the sensor is where you suggest. I'll give you some more feedback tomorrow.

Thank you.
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Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
KETCHEMONTHERUN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My Escort did the same thing and they did a full tune up with all factory parts and the miss went away. Hope this helps you
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
FISHMONGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
1999 Escort wagon 48k miles 2.0l sohc spi. I have replaced the plugs, wires, air and fuel filter. I've cleaned the MAF, idle air control valve, EGR, PVC, checked for vacuum leaks, and I still can't get it to idle smoothly. I had it scanned for codes at the Auto Zone-none. I've been told the 2.0 sohc engine isn't a smooth running engine. Any suggestions, thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LITTLEBIGBRONCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Where do you get your gas if you go to the same place to get gas try some where else I had the same problem with a dodge neon the gas I was buying was bad gas from AM PM now I only go to chevron
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
They arent the smoothest but. Have you checked spark at all coil terminals? Compression test to be sure you arent chasing a low cylinder? Did you use OEM parts?
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FISHMONGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes I did use OEM parts. I have not checked the spark at the coil terminals, I assumed the coil was ok based on terminal cleanliness and the fact the plugs while worn all had the same color, light tan. I haven't done a compression test because I don't own a tester. All the work I have done seems to have made it run better but, I just wish I could get it to idle a bit smoother. The funny thing is the engine does't shake at idle, it just seems to vibrate like the timing is retarded or it's too rich.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JKUHAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
1999 Ford Escort 4 cyl Automatic 84000 miles

My Ford Escort recently started idling very roughly. It always vibrated a little when I was stopped at red lights or stop signs, but over the course of the past few months, my entire car has started shaking violently. I've started popping it into neutral because that seems to help, although only very little. Is this something serious, or can it be fixed quickly and inexpensively? Thank you!
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the idle speed control motor, throttle position sensor and mass airflow sensor.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JUANKY94
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
The car idles ok until the air conditioner is turned on then it begins to vibrate, the idling gets very rough. If it is in drive gear with the brakes applied and with the a/c on, the vibration gets worst al the car shakes. What can be causing this? All engine & transaxle supports are new.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try cleaning out the idle air control valve and passages and see what happens
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOTUS397
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 62,500 MILES
For some time now we have had a problem with really rough, shaking vibration when the car is in drive, but not moving. As soon as you hit the gas, the shaking stops (or becomes unnoticeable). The shaking starts again every time you come to a stop. It also goes away if you shift out of drive. We have had two motor mounts replaced (transmission and front). We were told that the other two were ok. Since the shaking continued after the new motor mounts were installed, the mechanic said, well maybe the other two mounts, while not broken, were worn enough to allow movement. He also checked for vacuum leaks (found none) and replaced a collapsed hose on the pvs valve.
There are no "service engine soon" lights or other waring lights.
Can you tell me what can still be causing all the shaking?
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Engine running rough or misfiring can be cause by the following:

1. Defective spark plug
2. Inadequate spark/coil, defective spark plug wire.
3. Lack of compression
4. False air leakage.
5. Faulty fuel injectors.
6. Insufficient fuel pressure.
7. Contaminated fuel.
8. EGR valve that is leaking.
9. Oxygen sensors.
10. Throttle position sensor.
11. Idle air control valve.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JRBAKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
Car idles rough at stop sign with car in drive. Car idles fine when in parking lot in park / neutral. At stop sign, it smooths out if you press on the gas just a bit while managing brake. As soon as you accelerate away from stop sign, the car runs fine and runs great at higher speeds, to include full highway speeds. Car has never had fuel filter changed. Could this be it?
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NIGHTSTYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
My escort has a rough idle. The engine shakes a little while in park, but will shake worse in the first couple of gears. After I pick up speed it is not as bad. While I'm park, if I turn on my AC the whole engine will shut off. Also if I try to turn on the AC with the engine reving, the belt will slip.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Nightstyle,

Get the AC belt tension checked and adjusted.

What is the idling speed?
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOBIMARK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD ESCORT
Engine Performance problem
1995 Ford Escort 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 110k miles

Hi. I have a 1.6 16v escort zetec. Poor idling, sometimes sits with revs too high on tickover sometimes hunts and often stalls at junctions. If I remove the connector from the throttle position sensor the engine runs fine (though this is maybe because the removal is being compensated for by the emu?). I have tried replacing the throttle sensor and this makes no difference. I have cleaned the idle control valve. Cleaned the crankcase breather valve, checked to the best of my ability for vacuum leaks in the multitude of vacuum pipes and carefully checked/cleaned the air flow meter. Through research I have come across other potential causes listed below. Can you please tell me if any/which of these are the most likely cause?
1. Exhaust o2 sensor
2. Coolant temperature sensor
3. Road speed sensor
4. Pulse air injection solenoid

Is there anything else you may be able to add to this list.
This appears to be quite a common fault with a lot of possible causes.
Help!
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
With Ford it's usually a bad IAC, even if the check engine light doesnt come on.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOBIMARK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi. I have cleaned the IAC/Idle control valve. It was quite coked with carbon but clean now and no improvement.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
IAC valves usually DO NOT improve with cleaning! Ford recommends replacing if they are badly carboned.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM (Merged)

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