2002 Escort zx2 no power

Tiny
WILLE304
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD ESCORT
2002 ford escort zx2 with ~54000 miles. When I hit the gas pedal, it diesels REAL bad and has no power. If I BARELY touch the gas it runs fine - albeit gets up to speed very slowly. Had the computer checked as the check engine light came on and replaced the MAF sensor - no help at all. I replaced the fuel filter, again no help at all. Car seems to rev ok while in park and idles fine - but no power under load. Check engine light is NOT on any more. Only owned the car for 6 weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, July 9th, 2007 AT 2:09 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
M1903MAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have to start by saying that this vehicle is used as a professional rally racing car, and for the most part has done a GREAT job. However, the above issues are EXACTLY the same. I can push the gas down up to half way, and the car will do just fine the entire time. But when I give it a bit more 'go-juice' the car begins to buck and eventually looses all power. Take my foot off the gas and then reapply it half way, no issue. I have replaced the TPS with so effect. There are no conclusive OBD II codes being produced. NOW, I will say that before, it seemed to correspond to the level of gas in the fuel tank. Any help on this issue?
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Monday, February 23rd, 2009 AT 11:38 PM
Tiny
PETER RICHARDS2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The fuel pump and fuel tank have gone bad. Pull the rear seat which attaches with two clips in the front, use a flat head and hammer to remove the fuel pump locking ring and pull the pump by unclipping two white tabs on either side. It’s tricky to get out but just be patient and wiggle it around in all sorts of ways and you’ll get it. I’m certain what you’ll find is a gas tank that’s full of rust and clogging up the pump. The reason it’s better with more gas in the tank is rust that’s clogging up the pump spread around more in the gas thus making it easier for the pump to work. You can either clean the rust out of the tank using various rust dissolving chemicals. Vinegar works well but takes some time. Don’t use muriatic acid! Or B: just replace the tank. I personally would opt for B but if budget is a concern, you could get a couple more years of life out of the tank by cleaning and getting rid of the rust. Replace the fuel pump, don’t bother trying to clean it. Put a new fuel filter in and it's good to go.
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
PETER RICHARDS2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
With only 54,000 miles I bet the car sat for a long time and when cars sit, gas soaks up moisture out of the air and eventually the gas soaks up so much moisture it can’t hold on to it anymore and it falls out of solution. Straight up water in your gas tank.
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 9:30 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Thanks for providing that info. Unfortunately, this is a post from well over 10 years ago, so they are unlikely going to benefit from it.

However, I am sure others will.

One thing I will add to this is due to the fuel level having an effect on issue that was mentioned in the second post then this means it is likely related to the EVAP system.

Basically, when the purge hangs open the engine gets flooded and if the fuel tank is full or low then that will affect the vapor volume.

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

I would suggest removing the purge and check to see if it is stuck.

I am attaching the info below on this so hopefully this will help others in the future.

Thanks
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Thursday, May 5th, 2022 AT 2:51 PM

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