Cutting in and out

[badpoor]

Originally Posted by badpoor

They only thing that comes to mind on the cutting in and out would be defective spark plug wires..i had two sets in a row that would spark but not enough...I'll never buy cheapies again

The engine would cut in and out and I went through every possible solution that never worked..I even gutted my CAT thinking it was blocked...so on a whym I just changed the wires and it worked.

[702VegasLife]

Ya that's the only thing i can really think of too.. I was thinking about going to autozone and buying some chepies plugs n wires too. But from what i've read it's better to spend the extra couple dollars and get the better ones.Guess i'll have to wait till Friday when i get my check.

[inafogg]

vegas have you checked the ground straps/connections??
try & run another ground. body to engine,& battery ground to engine
see if that helps

[702VegasLife]

Update: i just replaced the spark plugs, Didn't have the $ for wires at the time. Car still cuts in and out. I'll try and replace the wires tonight maybe? I'll keep ya updated

[702VegasLife]

I also changed my fuel filter along with plugs.

[Intuit]

Sounds like you need to inspect for more damage. The wreck crushed your framing far-enough in to reach the radiator, air cleaner and other such items, it was a pretty bad wreck. Could have valve cover, exhaust header and/or oil pan damage. I don't know about the 3rd-Gen scorts, but on the 2nd, there is also some wiring that runs underneath the fenders and up around the front-framing on the vehicle.

[frafreg]

Originally Posted by badpoor

They only thing that comes to mind on the cutting in and out would be defective spark plug wires..i had two sets in a row that would spark but not enough...I'll never buy cheapies again

So many things can cause this problem. I'm not familiar with the 02 Escort but if it has an EGR valve it could be leaking at idle after warm up. I think the EGR valve stays closed at idle and opens according to vacuum when accelerating. If the EGR valve is stuck open after warm up, it leaks, and causes poor idle and even stalling.
Another thing that comes to mind is a loose wire someplace or a bad spark plug or ignition wire coming from the coil.
Also, make sure it isn't a fuel filter, fuel line, or fuel delivery problem with the fuel pump. Good luck.

[702VegasLife]

It just doesn't do it when its warmed up, I can't even drive my car. It feels like the idle just needs to be adjusted but according from what I've read there's no adjusting it on this car. It starts every time but won't stay on unless i have my foot on the gas pedal. I've read that it could be the ignition coil pack, Is there anyway of testing it ?