1996 Ford Escort engine dies when heater is turned on

PATIKQ1

MEMBER
1996 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My battery is new and since Im a student my money is low and I cant take it to a shop. How can I determine where my problem lies. I have a book on how to fix things, but it doesnt say what problems are caused by what.

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 4:37 PM

4 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Put vehicle in neutral. Are the headlights dim when the vehicle is idling? When you bring up the rpms do they brighten up? Try same in gear.

Bring up rpms and turn on blower in park or neutral does it die still?

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Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 6:15 PM

PATIKQ1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I forgot to mention, that after the engine died, it restarted itself, without me turning the ignition with the key.

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Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 10:05 PM

PATIKQ1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I started the car and left it in neutral, the lights did not change when rpms heightened, and there was no change when put in gear. I then put the car in park and started the blower, nothing happened, and then put it in neutral with the blower on. The car did not die.

The 2 times the car died (the same day) was only when I was driving and I felt as though I was just going to coast to the side of the road when it restarted.

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+1

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 10:11 PM

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Hmmm. Well I think it might be time for a tuneup. Check the plugs and wires. Also get a hold of a fuel pressure check guage and check the fuel. Clean out your throttle body and check for vaccum leaks. You can do this with a can of carburettor cleaner

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Monday, December 7th, 2009 AT 9:39 PM