1997 Ford Escort Low Power

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BOBBY_JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
144,000 mi.
My car was running fine last week, I pulled to a stop to get some dinner, when I returned to the car and started it, it idled very roughly and seemed to have very little power. I have changed the coil pack, spark plugs and wires. it has a new O2 sensor, Idle Air Control valve, Air filter. The car currently is becoming harder and harder to start, it seems to require me giving it a lot of gas before starting and when it does start it idles out roughly still, but as soon as I put it into gear it dies. I have tried giving it gas as it was put into gear and it seems to lack significant power almost as if it has no lowend. I hope you can help
Jan 12, 2007 at 7:43 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,682 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a plugged catalytic converter. Here are a couple of guides that can confirm the blockage and to check other items such as the mass air flow sensor - map.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

and

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle


Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Jun 29, 2017 at 7:38 AM

Suggested Repair

Test for a plugged catalytic converter and also check the mass airflow or MAP sensor, since rough idle, hard starting, stalling in gear, and lack of low-end power can point to exhaust restriction or airflow issues.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Ford Escort with 144,000 miles suddenly developed a rough idle, hard starting, stalling when put into gear, and very little low-end power. The owner had already replaced the coil pack, spark plugs and wires, oxygen sensor, idle air control valve, and air filter. The expert suggested a plugged catalytic converter and recommended confirming the blockage while also checking the mass airflow or MAP sensor.

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