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Ford EscortFord Escort ZX2 is a hot-looking compact coupe with a rakish design. Yet its handsome interior reveals a roomy back seat and surprisingly large trunk. ZX2 provides responsive handling and good road manners and its engine delivers decent power. At the same time, the ZX2 is a practical car, with plenty of room in the back seats for friends.
I have a 98 Ford Escort ZX2 and my check engine light came on. The problems I'm having is a rough idle, a couple times stalling, also my A/C is now only blowing out of the defrost. These things happened at the exact same time, although I'm not sure if they're related. I talked to my uncle who is a former former ford mechanic and he thought vacuum leak. I took it into a ford dealership and they got the code P0171. They said exhaust manifold leak or gasket or something along those lines, but at least $100 just to find out the exact problem. I want to know what the best way to find a vacuum leak. I'm really not good with cars, and I'm not sure this car is worth a whole lot anymore. Anyways I appreciate any and all help and if you need any more info let me know.
spray carb cleaner at the base of all your vac lines. or if you're worried about using that, you can use a propane torch (unlit of course) and use same procedure. With the engine running, it'll start to bog down. Trust me, you'll know if you've found a leak or not...
your uncle could've told you about that. it's a REALLY old trick.
happy hunting!
Last edited by jonzo77; 08-14-2008 at 06:50 PM.
Reason: good luck
It is a vaccum leak. Ford knows this, they just want to rape you. I bet it is the PCV elbow to. There are two of them, one at the PCV and one at the intake manni. Check them all, of course, for leaks and to be certain they are attatched.
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1998 Escort ZX2, T3 Super 60 at 8 psi, SCT Xcal2, Cobra MAF, 42#/hr injectors, MSD coil, Ford Racing wires, Ford Racing UDP, Fidanza flywheel, Spec 3 clutch, B&M shifter, Trubendz 2.5" exhaust, 19mm RSB, ES bushing kit, Eibach sportline springs, other goodies....
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98 Escort ZX2 Problems 
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