sputtering

I had a 1995 escort LX with 148,000 miles and it started a couple of days ago. When I start the car it will start and sputter a couple of times and the run fine. When driving, every now and then the car will do it when I realse the gas pedal it will sputter but will not die.when Excelerating it sputters and the check engine light will come on and stay on for a little while, but will go off again.I have replaced the fuel pump about 1 1/2 years ago, So could anyone give me some advise on what to check?

P.S. I drive the car 150 miles aday for 4 day work week and I still drive it while it is sputtering.

If you could pull the codes while the engine light is on, you would be know for sure where the problem is.

Just guessing, I would suggest a vacuum leak or an IAC valve.

Could be bad spark plugs or the wrong type of plug.

Check those spark plug wires , ford are great for missing with bad wires ! Spray some water around the wires with a spray bottle with a light mist if it starts missing replace those wires...,

I have new wires and plugs I put on about a month ago, and it ran fine

I'm not clear... it is running ok now or not?

Even new plugs, if the wrong type they can cause the symptoms you described. A friend of mine had a Camry that did that... it required a plug with two tips and didn't have it... caused sputtering just like you describe. Put the right plugs in and the problem disappeared.

In your case, do you feel it could possibly be a transmission issue or are you certain it is related to the engine?

I'm not clear... it is running ok now or not?



Mouse, I think he's saying that he put the wires on a month ago, and it ran great - then. This problem started a few days ago.



W

I had a similiar problem that was cured by pulling out the mass air sensor and gently cleaning it with a Q-tip and isopropal alcohol.

Well if you replaced them a month ago, go back and make sure all the plugs are in tight, then make sure that the wires are in tight too. I accidently forgot to tighten a plug once, and the compression coming out of it would kinda blow the wire off, thus causing a miss.
I'd say its your plug wires though, maybe one of them are not on good, #1 cyl is the hardest to get on right, at least for me it is.

Unless you purchased Ford wires or Napas best more than likely you will need to buy a crimping tool for plug wires and recrimp the plug ends. Almost all cheap wires need recrimped at the plug end. The wires work ok if recrimped

I suggest a new coil. Had a similar problem with a 99 and went through three sets of wires before replacing the coil. Replaced the coil and haven't had any issues since I replaced it 2 years ago.

I suggest a new coil. Had a similar problem with a 99 and went through three sets of wires before replacing the coil. Replaced the coil and haven't had any issues since I replaced it 2 years ago.

I have a 91 Escort and this sounds like the key to solving my problem too. I don't know if I would call it 'spuddering' in my case, it seems more like the car is 'shivering' like people do when they are cold.

Does this sound like what you were experiencing? The engine just irregularly 'shivers' for no reason. I have replaced plugs, wires, etc. and it doesn't go away.

Sorry to the OP if I'm hijacking the thread! :uhoh:

Thanks!!!

Rob