car goes into gear, but won't accelerate AT ALL

[d112crzy]

1993 Ford Escort wagon, 1.9l, auto.

I'm trying to help out my buddy find out what the problem with his wagon is.

It starts up, but it struggles. The idle surges for a little bit. When it's in park, you can fully press the gas pedal and it won't really rev up! It goes into gear fine, but it won't go anywhere even when at WOT.

I'm not new to cars. I've been working on imports for a long time now, and know my way around most things.

This is the first domestic I've worked on.

I'm thinkings its something timing related. It back fires once in a while, which makes me think cam timing is retarded a few teeth.

Another thing I was thinking was the coil pack(is that what its called? I'm used to distributors, sorry).

He said that he noticed his car losing power the past few months. His rpm needle jumped up and down a bit, while cruising. This is what makes me think that it might have something to do with that "coil pack" or w/e it is.

I'm stumped here. He said he's had like 3 "mechanics" look at the car and none could even tell him what they thought it was.

I'm sure it has to do with timing. Due to the back firing, rough idle, and the rpm fluctuation.

Any help is appreciated guys/gals, thanks.

[jonmark1985]

I'm with you on timing chain, check your compression to give a good indication.

[d112crzy]

Well see, I was dead set on that. But, what really gets me is that it doesn't accelerate for shit! When given some throttle, it doesn't rev.

This leads me to think it's not getting a proper firing signal, either from the ecu or the coil pack.

I've had cars where the timing was off by about 3 teeth before. It ran like complete shit, but it still ran. This car won't even move.

I was reading about the MAF sensor last night. I guess they give issues? I'm gona tell him to clean it and see if that helps any.

BTW, he's replaced his TPS, and that other sensor on top of the throttle body(my first thought was IACV *intake air control valve*, but I duno what you guys call it)

[d112crzy]

Early morning bump. I'd like more replies on the coil pack thing.

Do those have a tendency to go out on Escorts?

[svtzx2]

Originally Posted by d112crzy

Early morning bump. I'd like more replies on the coil pack thing.

Do those have a tendency to go out on Escorts?

when a coil pack goes out it goes out there is no in between it eather good or bad

[carnut]

its common with escorts with the coil pack lol replace it check all the earth grounds are connected to the body and chassis ok