I have a 1998 Escort 2.0 and it has been giving me problems. First we changed the plugs and wires about 4 months ago. It has been stalling and running really rough when I am sitting at a light. When I try to take off it tries to stall and sometimes does. It seems to be fine until the car is warmed up and thats when the problem starts. But it does not do it at every light. Plus I have also had problems with going up hills, I lose speed and can't regain it until it evens out. I also have noticed that the gas milage has been REALLY BAD!!! I went 30 miles and it took 1/4 tank of gas. NOT GOOD. PLEASE HELP!!!! We also changed the fuel filter and changed the oil and still no difference. Does anyone know what else we can do????

 

any check engine light? o2 sensors, tps, plug wires installed correctly...............possible hair line cracked spark plug, I have chased cracked plugs for weeks.

 

check you VSS...(Vechile speed sensor) also have you checked your Coil Pack? HMMMMM....gas mileage..you may only need to change the Gas Filter...this also may cause these symptoms.

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Have the air flow vaccum? checked. I had a similar problem with my 98 a year or two again. It would be really rough at stops and stall unless I kept the rpm's up a little while holding the brake. It was a problem with the air flow system but I do not remember the exact name. This would probably affect your gas uptake as well.

I only lose power/pep going up hill when the a/c is on.I'll try to find a receipt for the other work for the part name.

 

How many miles are on the vehicle? Oxygen sensors are (usually) rated for approx. 80,000 miles before replacement. Bad sensors kill your mileage. And, sorry, was there an OBD light and code?

 

An item often overlooked , check and clean the throttle blade/butterfly .

 

What exactly is the throttle blade? I have a 1988 Escort (5 spd) and as the idle dropped, would eventually stall out. Now it stalls as I come to a stop. While driving or on the highway no problems. If I maintain a little RPM she wont stall. Had the throttle position sensor replaced just over a year ago but mech doesnt suspect that to be the issue. No lights on dash until stall out then the obligatory engine & battery lights come on. Restarts fine otherwise

 

From what you describe , there is a good possibility the engine has a vacuum leak.
Look for any cracked, loose or broken vacuum hoses.