Help- I have been having idling problems with my Escort lately and just yesterday I got the check engine light and the idling problem has gotten worse. My car will stall when idling (neutral). So as long as I am moving I am okay, but as soon as I need to stop I stall.
What could the problem be, could it be a sensor, vacuum hose? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

I recently had the same problem in my 95 escort. It was a vacuum leak between the PCV valve and the intake. Apparently it is a common problem with these cars.

 

Vacuum leaks are quite common all over. Get your head down in there and listen for the hiss of air being sucked into all those rubber hoses running all over the top of the engine while the car's running.

Another possibility is the fuel filter. although it's big and would take a lot to clog it's cheap to change. I used to have to put my foot on the clutch and tap the gas pedal on an old honda civic while idling when the filter got full.

 

What and where is the idler air controller (IAC)? I heard this term on another forum.

 

Fortunately, I haven't had enough problems with my own to give you any tips as to where to look.

However, diagnosing vacuum hoses can be tricky. Mostly it takes a lot of patience.

I would probably try replacing the fuel filter first.

They aren't expensive, and are fairly easy to remove. Your year may require a special tool to release the clamps but they are widely available.

Most other problems lead to problems while accelerating as well.

Some parts stores will read your engine codes which get set whenever your check engine light comes on. Unless it just came on because you stalled.

 

I do have the Check engine light on and yes the parts store will pull my codes. The parts store ask me if I have a diagnostic plug-in. I assume I do, where is it exactly?

 

The diagnostic box is called a Data Link Connector (DLC). It's located under the dash just to the left of the steering wheel, but to the right of the fuse box. 16 pins.

Let us know how the diagnosis turns out.