94 Escort hesitating
 

I have a 94 Escort LX Wagon 1.9L it hasover 166,000 miles and did not have any problems until about 160,000 miles. The problem with my car is that it seems to starve for fuel, usually around 2,000 RPM and cruising around 55-65 MPH. These problems are usually magnified when going uphill, andduring accelerationafter slowing down from highway speeds. The car will start hesitating and sometimes it feels as if it will almost stall until I floor it. I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, PCV valve, and all the fluids are properly maintained, but the problem persists. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!!

RE: 94 Escort hesitating
 

[align=left]I've had a similar scenario although I thought it felt more like my tranny slipping then it starving for fuel. My Escort is 97 with 97,000 miles. I'm at least the 3rd owner though. So I don't know much about its service history beyond what I've done to it already. I started noticing the hesitating sensation when I started driving in Over Drive; especially uphills and during acceleration after a sudden brake. It gives me the sensation I'm starting in 2nd gear-as if I were driving a clutch. On hills the stutter sensation happens when I'm applying consistant gas without trying to gun it up the hill. The onset of these sensations were accompanied by the shuddering idles at stops and in reverse. Now I'm not thinking its the tranny because the problem hasn't gotten worse over the last year and a half. I've had all the routine maintenance done to it like you mentioned and I'm still experiencing it also. I'm at a loss too. If you find out any possible culprits be sure to post your findings. :)[/align]

RE: 94 Escort hesitating
 

I have a very similar problem. I have a 1991 Escort, automatic, 1.9 L. The engine shudders or hops whenever I'm accelerating between 30 mph and 40 mph. The problem seems to be more noticeable when the engine is cold. I recently replaced the timing belt, alternator, battery, and spark plugs. Has anyone had any success with this problem? I've seen a couple of references to this problem on the Internet but no definite solutions.

For example, there's a suggestion here to look at the valve body and/or TCC solenoid:
Ford Escort Car Repair Questions and Answers

Does this seem right? Any ideas?

Thanks

RE: 94 Escort hesitating
 

Hello,

Have someone check the O2 sensors. I had a '98 escort in my shop 2 months ago with similar complaints. The car acted like it was starving for fuel after being driven at highway speeds for more than 15 minutes. Also, it would occasionally hesitate, spit, sputter & sometimes die, when taking off from a stop when hot. Two other shops had worked on it & replaced the fuel pump, filter, done a complete tune up & replaced the computer, coil & some other very expensive parts. I looked over things & determined that the O2 sensors were bad & needed to be replaced. After replacing the sensors, the car ran perfectly. The customer doubted that it was the sensors, saying that he was sure that it was fuel related. He still can't believe that it was the O2 sensors. Now he's trying to get some type of refund from the other shops. Spend the money up front & have a good shop look the car over. Its a lot cheaper to paya diagnostic charge & have the car properly repaired the first time, than to have some one just guess & throw some parts at it. Parts are not cheap & the fuel pump is aPITA on these cars. Justtrying to share my experiences.

Good Luck

RE: 94 Escort hesitating
 

I've heard (thank GOD not experienced) there are nasty problems related to a faulty MAF Sensor. I had my MAF sensor cleaned when I had my throttle body cleaned and so far no problems... My suggestion would be to check out your MAF sensor.........................

RE: 94 Escort hesitating
 

Another thing would be to check the catalatic converter to make sure it isn't plugged. If it is it could cause the same problem you are describing.