2.0L Rough Idle Bad Throttle response

I have a 1996 4cylinder 2.0L After the engine idles down the engine sounds like it wants to die, then just has a low idle. The throttle response is also very bad.
I changed the fuel filter and ran codes, but could find nothing. I might be running lean, but I can't be sure that I had an accurate reading when it told me that. Can't find an obvious vacuum leak.

a vacuum leak would certainly cause the symptoms you describe as well as running lean.

Check all you connections and clamps around the MAF sensor, if any are loose which I have seen before this will cause problems, the system has to be sealed, no leaks.

Good luck.

Mr.Rob

I discussed this with one of the other mechanics at the dealership today and we swapped the Mass air flow sensor with another one. The problem seems to be solved. This is my girlfriend's car so she took it. I took a close look at the sensor part of the MAF. one of the sensors had the front side covered in something that had gotten by the air filter. I was able to clean it off with repeated strong sprays of intake cleaner. I expect that I will be able to put it back in the car now and it will work.

I put the cleaned MAF back in the car and it is night and day. Saved $100 by cleaning.