1998 Ford Escort Rough Idle Misfire

1998 FORD ESCORT
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SNOWBOARDV
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1998 Ford Escort 115,000 miles. It runs rough at signal lights and when you accelerate after sitting at an intersection. The check engine light will blink then stop but won't turn off. It also sounds like its choking.
Aug 4, 2006 at 8:20 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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The light blinking means there is damage being done to the converter. Don't run it like this. IF you can't figure it out, get it to a shop. The rough run is likley fuel not being burned causing a misfire.
Aug 5, 2006 at 7:01 AM
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Suggested Repair

Stop driving the car. A blinking check engine light indicates a misfire from unburned fuel that can damage the catalytic converter. Diagnose and repair the misfire, or have a shop inspect it if the cause cannot be found.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Ford Escort with 115,000 miles reports rough running at lights and when accelerating after sitting, a choking sound, and a check engine light that blinks then stays on. The expert says the blinking light means the catalytic converter is being damaged by a misfire from unburned fuel, and advises not driving it and taking it to a shop if the cause cannot be found.

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