99 zx2 bucking in transmission?

[Cinemahk]

i have a 99 ford escort zx2 and it has been bucking when i drive, its really bad up hills and wont accelerate over 30 mph. it actually stalled when i had it in reverse and the lights dimmed a little. ahhh!

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

There are several possible issues here. First it could be a bad coil and wires that are causing the engine to misfire badly and not allow you to climb hills without bucking. Another possible issue is a partically blocked catalytic convertor. It restricts the engines ability to breathe and kills performance. Finally, there is a possibility that the fuel filter is blocked to the point where your are not getting enough fuel to allow you to accelerate. Check all of these and if it doesn't help post again and someone will help you.