1990 Ford Escort Help Please

OK, I would be done with this car, but it has served be well for 8 years. And, I am a first year teacher and there is no way I can afford a new car.

So, here is the problem. This has happened before, then the problem mysteriously vanishes, only to return later. On the interstate, after driving for at elast 20 minutes between 60-70 MPG the engine car "jerks" as if it were not getting enough gas. It is a short, sharp sputter. There are usually at least one, but often more in a row, then the car is fine. The odomoter and spedometer never change while this is happening. This morning is the first time that the check engine light has come on. When I drive in town, the sputtering stops, no problems. When I come to a complete stop, the check engine light goes off.

My feelings are this. This is not mechanical. I think it must be something to do with the gas tank, gas line, fuel filteror some type of computer problem.

I need as much advice as possible, please help. (Remember, young, starving, recently graduated first year teacher, can't afford a new car)

-Curtis

First find out what the computer says, if the light came on there should be a trouble code.

Take it to Auto Zone. They will diagnose your problem with a code reader and will tell you what part you need to fix it. This is free.

I had the same problem. Code was for throttle position sensor. Replaced twice to no avail. FINALLY found a wire in the harness that runs to the sensors on the intake had rubbed and was touching the engine when cruising/accellerating. Fixed wire, problem left. But you first need to find out why the light is coming on...

does it idle high sometimes?

Yeah, the guy I got my car off of had the same problem, with a 5 speed. He replaced the throttle position sensor, map sensor, oxygen sensor, and EGR valve. Turns out the fuel pump was almost dead. I replaced it with one from an '85 tempo...supposedly won't work due to low pressure, but it works just fine.