94 Escort LX Runs Terrible

[twstice]

I have a 1994 Escort LX with the 1.9 sohc and 5 speed transmission. For some reason it has no power at all, for example, in neutral just sitting still, I can floor it and it would take probably 10-15 seconds just to rev up to redline but I was scared to even rev it up past 2000. It has good spark plugs and wires and i recently replaced some air lines thinking that was the problem. I tried wiggling the injectors and made sure the injector wires were on properly. Another weird thing is the check engine light comes on and off intermittently. I'm thinking it is some kind of sensor maybe? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks ahead of time.

[mightymoose_22]

Does the car start and idle normally?

Try and retrieve the code from the computer. Some parts stores will do this for you for free.

If you are sure plugs and wires are good, verify air and fuel filters are good.

Did this just suddenly start happening, was it gradual? Did you do any other recent maintenance?

[twstice]

It does start and idle normally sometimes, and then all the sudden you can feel the power drop and it idles a little lower, but does idle. Air filter, plugs, and wires are fine. But i have not checked the fuel filter because i thought it would do it all the time if that was the problem. It was gradual but i never really got to see it for myself until now. It had always drove fine for me and my mother would always tell me how crappy it was running. The check engine light would always come on after driving for a while, but then the check engine light would be gone at the next start up and then come back again after driving. Now, the past few times i've started the rpms fluctuate and immediately after that, the car loses power all the sudden, before it even warms up. Now i doubt it will even make it to a shop/parts store. Oh yea, i recently replaced the thermostat too, the same time i replaced some air hoses. Right after i replaced all that i drove the car for about 15 minutes straight and it worked great, and now this

[jeffescortlx]

Get your codes check. We cant guess what your computer is trying to tell you.

Could be your o2 sensor. That will cause it to run poor once it's warmed up.

[twstice]

I tried to get autozone to check the codes but they can only check '96 models and up. We may try the oxygen sensor and hope thats it but i'm not sure if she'll want to spend that kind of money on a guess. I appreciate the help, and if anyone has any other ideas, let me know. I'll post if i figure this out.