timing problem

my fathers 94 1.9L lx runs good but has a timing problem. it will run fine maybe a little rough and the check engine like will be on. then after driving it for 20 minutes or so it switches back to its correct timing, runs fine, and the check engine light goes off. is there a cheap way to fix this or would we have to take it in some where or what? this happens at least everytime or every other time he starts the car.

It's difficult to say what is wrong with it until you get the code read on the Check Engine Light. If you take it to Auto Zone they will put their code reader on it and tell you what is wrong. Then you can come back and post it on the forum and one of us will tell you what it is and what the most likely fix is.They won't charge you for this service like the Ford dealer will at $89 . Get that code and let us know how you're doing.

oh we have a code reader but we haven't checked this one yet because it always happens at an inconvenient time like when were like 20 minutes away from home. then by the time we're home its gone. i know that one of them says that a cyclinder isn't being sensed or monitored or something like that, and we can't figure out what that means or what is causing it.

There are two sensors you can check out... one is the crankshaft position sensor which is located on the front of the engine by the crank, just under the oil filter. It is a small cylinder shape and points toward the sprocket on the crank. If this sensor is bad, or unplugged, the car will fail to start. Perhaps it is beginning to go bad? Check it out... wiggle wires, etc.

The other sensor is the camshaft position sensor. This is located on the back of the head beside the #4 injector. The intake manifold must be removed to get this sensor out. I am not aware of any performance problems like you describe that would occur if this sensor was bad, but it would cause the check engine light to come on. Again, wiggle wires... see what happens.

Assuming the cylinder position error you mentioned is the correct one, you should probably focus on the crank sensor. It is less than $50 and you will need an allen wrench to remove the screws that hold it (sometimes it is a special bit... get a good look at it before you strip it ;)