rough idle, slow acceleration

1999 FORD CONTOUR
160,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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HFROIS
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My car is idling very rough. It sputters, almost stalls. This started about 2 weeks ago and has gotten worse. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. It's accelerating slow. The oil is a little bit dark but not thick or creamy colored. I'm new to vehicle maintenance and I don't know where to start.

Thank you!
Sep 8, 2016 at 6:49 PM
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CARADIODOC
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How long since the engine has had a tune-up? How old are the spark plugs and wires? Have you had the diagnostic fault codes read and recorded? The people at many auto parts stores will do that for you for free.
Sep 8, 2016 at 8:14 PM
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HFROIS
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About a year for both.
Sep 9, 2016 at 6:44 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,308 POSTS
Now you know where to start. Normally I'd say to have the cause properly diagnosed, but replacing the spark plugs and wires again is less expensive if it solves the problem, and low-cost insurance if it doesn't.
Sep 9, 2016 at 8:55 PM