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.
Its an automatic. A new symptom - if I pop it into neutral at stops it keeps running
Does the shift lever physically move or does it just drop out of drive ?
Check the transmission fluid level. It could be low. DO NOT OVERFILL ! Also if the fluid is dark red or brown (not bright cherry red) and/or it smells burnt, you will be needing a rebuild soon !
Wizzard,
I think you mis-interpreted his "new symptom" It should have bees stated as a new "finding". He discovered that if HE puts it in neutral, it doesn't stall.
Its just that he is putting a little less load on the engine by putting it in neutral.
He should go with your earlier advice... pull codes.
Prior to pulling codes, one should check that the coolent is up to normal levels, and that there are no vacuum leaks.
__________________
BroncoJoe19
2006 Alt Fuel Jeep (electric)
'98 windstar 3.8L
'99 Crown Vic 4.6L
'90 Full Size Bronco 5.0L
I'm not a professional mechanic, take my suggestions with a grain of salt, or a cup of coffee
At the bottom of each post there is a little icon
Clicking it gives feedback to the moderators, and poster regarding which posts are most helpful.
Wizzard,
I think you mis-interpreted his "new symptom" It should have bees stated as a new "finding". He discovered that if HE puts it in neutral, it doesn't stall.
I had a similar problem with 99 escort. I would listen to theoldwizard before I would go and spent money. Go to auto Zone they check your computer for free. Before I forget my problem was the throttle position sensor. You can find that sensor in chapter #4 of the Haynes Repair Manual book.
Quiet likely a vaccum leak. Very common on the ZX2 for the PCV elbow to rot and crack.
__________________
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....
I had a similar problem with 99 escort. I would listen to theoldwizard before I would go and spent money. Go to auto Zone they check your computer for free. Before I forget my problem was the throttle position sensor. You can find that sensor in chapter #4 of the Haynes Repair Manual book.
...that's what happened to my '86...
__________________
'79 FEARmont Futura, 98 Cosworth Escort Mk5 RS2000 , 90 RamCharger, 80 fairmont Sedan, 86 cougar, 89 Crown Vic, 93 T-bird 5.0HO, 98 countour, AND 2 BRAND NEW (1994 AND 2004) MUSTANG COBRAS!!! straight from the bone yard... also the others 96 3.8 stang, soon to get the 5.0HO from a 94 SVT
Shopping for new Ford can be a stressful experience especially if you don't have the right information. Our new car research center at CarEverything.com can help relieve this stress and bring the joy back to new car buying!
The Car Blog, or TCB for those who are acronymically inclined, is alive because some of today's top Web designers needed a place to drool and bitch about their motor vehicle obsessions.
Read the auto blog at Automotive.com to get the latest news and opinions, view the newest concept cars, and join discussions with auto experts from around the world.
1998 escort - dies when coming to a stop 
Linear Mode
