1998 Ford Escort The car lacks power and makes noise

VINCE84

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT

Engine Performance problem
1998 Ford Escort 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive 159969 miles

Well I just bought this car and it has been sitting for about 3 years. The car starts right up and seems to run fine at idle but as soons as you try to get it to move it loses all of its power and bogs down but it doesnt die. The exhaust really stinks and makes puffing noises when idling but there is no smoke. Also the check engine soon light is on and flashes sometimes. I drove it for a little bit and once it gets up to a higher temp it starts to make a really loud noise like the horn is honking, It sounds like the noise might be coming from the area where the idle air control valve is but thats close to the serpintine belt and it doesnt really sound like a belt is slipping or anything its a loud squeal/honk. I recorded the noise and took the recording to a shop and they said it doesnt sound like the idle air control solenoid valve and it could be a pulley or ac compressor. The car is the ZX2 with the duel ovehead cam.

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RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis, finding out what's going on.

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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 3:45 AM

VINCE84

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7 POSTS

I ran these codes at autozone, p0304 p0340 po102

I just installed a new cam position sensor also

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Sunday, August 15th, 2010 AT 7:11 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

P0302- misfire at cyl no.2-check the sparkplug/compression and injector on this cylinder

P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Circuit Low Input

A code P0102 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

The MAF may be disconnected, or a wiring connection may be bad
The MAF may be dirty or otherwise contaminated (Note: if you use a reusable oiled air filter, be careful not to apply too much oil or that can contaminate the MAF).
The MAF sensor may be faulty
The vehicle computer may be faulty (very rare)

Possible SolutionsThe simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back. Then start with the cheapest, easiest repair procedures:

Verify that the Mass Air Flow Sensor wiring is connected properly and that there are no broken / frayed wires.
Inspect for any air leaks near the MAF sensor.
Take the MAF out and clean it using a spray cleaner such as brake cleaner or electrical contact cleaner. Be gentle with the sensor.
Check the voltage of the MAF sensor (refer to a repair manual for vehicle specific information)
Replace the MAF sensor.

P0340- Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

A code P0340 could mean one or more of the following has happened:

"� a wire or connector in the circuit could be grounded/shorted/broken
"� the camshaft position sensor may have failed
"� the PCM may have failed
"� there exists an open circuit
"� the crankshaft position sensor may have failed

Possible SolutionsWith a P0340 OBD-II trouble code, diagnosis can be tricky at times. Here are some things to try:

"� Visually inspect all the wiring and connectors in the circuit
"� Check for continuity in the circuit wiring
"� Check the operation (voltage) of the camshaft position sensor
"� Replace the camshaft position sensor as required
"� Check the crankshaft position circuit as well
"� Replace circuit wiring and/or connectors as required
"� Diagnose/replace the PCM as required

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Sunday, August 15th, 2010 AT 8:46 AM

VINCE84

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I changed the spark plugs out, put a new pcv in and changed the air filter the old one was way dirty. Now it hasnt made that noise and it runs in top form! Is there anything else I should check just incase? Thanks for the great advice.

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Sunday, August 15th, 2010 AT 7:32 PM

VINCE84

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I have noticed something new now after driving it. The car car doesnt seem to want to climb hills very well, it runs fine on flat land but once you get going up a long hill it wont go over 50 I down shift into fourth and nothing no power gain. Lol I know this car isnt that weak. I hope these other problems didnt mess something else up.