ZX2 problems

[ahorvath01]

My son has a 1998 ZX2, manual trans. The timing belt and vct was recently changed. It idles fine but when you try to accelerate it lurches and acts like it wants to die. I have changed the fuel pump and put a different pcm into this vehicle. It still has the lurching problem. Anyone out there have any suggestions as to whats causing this problem or has anyone heard of this. My mechanic thinks it may be something electrical. It keeps coming up with the VCT code camshaft overretarded on bank #1. The engine has been checked for correct timing three separate times. The VCT checks out good for electrical and mechanical.
Any help would be appreciated.

[zx2srdotnet]

over retarded would either be the VCT is stuck or the timing has jumped a tooth.


what was the PCM change you did? a 99+ PCM will cause problems in a 98 zx2

and VCT is like $600 to change why was it worked on?

[ahorvath01]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

over retarded would either be the VCT is stuck or the timing has jumped a tooth.


what was the PCM change you did? a 99+ PCM will cause problems in a 98 zx2

and VCT is like $600 to change why was it worked on?

PCM was out of 1998 Escort ZX2, manual trans. just like the one I exchanged. Both cars are identical. The timing belt was shredded and was replaced with everything new ($765.00). I have had the problem since it was changed. I replaced the fuel pump and the PCM per mechanic. Had the mechanic check three time for correct timing. Crankshaft was at TDC using Ford pin to locate crankshaft. Camshafts in correct position using Ford tool. Ohmed out the VCT solenoid (6.3 oms) The VCT was replaced because it keeps coming up code 1381 (Camshaft over-retarded bank #1). The mechanic now thinks it may be electrical. Possibly getting false reading to and from PCM because of low voltage reading somewhere in the wiring. I am at a loss. The car idles fine, it just lurches terribly under acceleration

[zx2srdotnet]

if you uplug the VCT connection on top of the motor it will in effect turn off the VCT. try that if its fixes the problem then it is mostly VCT related.

But at full throttle the VCT shuts off (or it SHOULD be shutting off)

Is this Ford or a local mechanic?
Was the timing checked AFTER the belt install?

[ahorvath01]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

if you uplug the VCT connection on top of the motor it will in effect turn off the VCT. try that if its fixes the problem then it is mostly VCT related.

But at full throttle the VCT shuts off (or it SHOULD be shutting off)

Is this Ford or a local mechanic?
Was the timing checked AFTER the belt install?

My local mechanic, been with him for almost 18 years. Timing was checked after belt installed.

[zx2srdotnet]

hm this is an odd one

[ahorvath01]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

hm this is an odd one

I have decided to cut my losses and get rid of it. I hope to sell it for enough to get the money back that the mechanic bill cost me and continue life.
No more 4 cyclinder Fords for me.

[zx2srdotnet]

it really just sounds like a belt problem, these cars arnt generally trouble some

[mr_tw]

ya usually the Zetec is a solid engine my budddy has one, and it hasn't caused him any trouble

[zx2srdotnet]

yeah they were used as race motors in the UK for over 20yrs lol

[mr_tw]

Rally? tis an interesting tidbit