What could cause my 99 Escort to sputter when accelerating normally?

1999 FORD ESCORT
127,000 MILES
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LYLELYLECROC
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  • 1 POST
I have a '99 Escort that starts, idles and cruises fine, but sputters or jerks when accelerating normally, however it is very inconsistent. It can sputter once or twice or so bad that I have trouble getting up to speed. If I floor it, it usually doesn't sputter and accelerates normally. I had a CEL for a #4 misfire that eventually went away, but eventually came back. What could it be? I've already replaced the fuel filter. Wires and plugs are 1-2 years old. In the dark I can see an arc from the #4 boot to the block. thanks, Mark Fike
Aug 14, 2012 at 5:17 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That indicates the 4th spark plug wire is jumpng sparks and it could be a bad wire or spark plugs.
Aug 14, 2012 at 5:40 PM
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