99 Escort - rough idle - bogs on acceleration

97Red150Ext · 05-01-2008, 06:19 AM

Good morning Ford-folks, I have a 99 Escort with the 2.0 SPI engine. I have only recently received this vehicle so I do not know the history of it. Here's what I do know; there was a hose totally missing from the stem of the PCV leading to the Air Intake (now replaced), there was a vacuum leak (disconnected hose - now fixed). The car was idling very rough, until these were resolved, now the idle is very smooth.
HOWEVER, when I attempt to bring the car above idle (either by the throttle control or pedal) the car bogs. Same thing if I put it in gear and attempt to drive it.
At this time there is no CEL - therefore no codes to work with. There was discussion that it might be the fuel pump, but with this being an electrical pump do they go weak? It looks easy enough to pull and replace if need be but would rather not spend the $200 if I can avoid it. Any suggestions to try prior to doing the pump...?

phantom_smack · 05-01-2008, 06:40 AM

There may be codes without a light,also did the light prove out?If you disconnect the maf sensor does it still bog?Also need to check fuel pressureto verify a fuel pump problem.Change the fuel filter anyway since you dont have a history on the car.

Sorry my thoughts are a little scattered this morning.

97Red150Ext · 05-01-2008, 07:40 AM

The light does work, I had a few codes. I cleared after resolving the vac-leaks, hoping to see something "come-back" if they existed. I haven't cleaned the MAF but that is something simple enough to do/try.

One of them was -
P1131 Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch - Sensor Indicates Lean - Bank No. 1 - Notes on this state - "You will likely not notice any drivability problems."

Thanks for the feedback PS, since this car resides in Miami and I'm in West Palm (90 miles) I only get to it over the weekend. So be patient... thanks again...

97Red150Ext · 05-11-2008, 06:38 PM

Just a follow up - We took a fuel pressure gauge attached it to the fuel rail, and realized that the pressure was poor. Proceeded to pull the fuel pump (real easy - under the backseat - 4 screws and a pushing the ring) realized that the "mesh" filters were clogged with crap - sediment - call it what you'd like. Cleaned those with carb cleaner along with all plastics from the pump housing, etc. Reassembled - car runs like new. No bog, no hesitation - good acceleration. Looking forward to saving a few bucks at the pump...