My daughter has a 98 escort that would not idle for nothing,,, I replaced fuel filter, IAC it runs 95% better, but still stalls at idle 35% of the time only when hot.. I also replaced the MAF sensor but it made no difference so I took it back.... any suggestions ??? maybe adjust TPS ?

 

The symptoms sound about right for a failing TPS. You can test it using an Ohms meter. Disconnect the harness from the switch and test the resistance between the two contacts at the full open throttle, half throttle and closed throttle positions. Check the manual for specific resistances but, you should have the highest resistance in the full open position and less resistance as the throttle closes. The manual should give the proper resistance and an indication of when the sensor should be replaced. Hope that helps.

 

appreciate the help,, I did replace the TPS, but it made only a slight difference... Just can't understand why it just doesn't idle when it's hot. I took it to 3 different mechanics and got 3 different answers, none of which sounded right

 

I missed the only when hot part.

Check for a clogged catalytic converter. It's about the right age for that. When the cat is clogged the car will run fine when it's cold but as soon as it gets hot, forget about it. Check out this link they go into more detail about a clogged cat and the symptoms. Hope that helps.

 

thanks,, could not find link you mentioned, the cat was my next step

 

Yeah, this forum does not highlight links very well. Hover over the word "link" in my post and you will see the little hand come up showing it as a link.

 

well I dropped the cat out of the way and it didn't make a difference, I guess the next stop is the dealer...

 

Before you hit the dealer and they nail your wallet, have you checked the PCV valve and all of the vacuum hoses for cracks and dry rot. A vacuum leak would cause rough idle too. Just tryin' to save you some $$$.