98 escort jerking

[juanitarain]

i have a 98 escort that i just bought used, and it's one problem after the other!! I just recently had the transmission rebuilt, replaced the distributor, front brakeing system, spark plug wires and spark plugs. Now there seems to be a new problem. My check engine light has come on (again) and now blinks when im accelerating. My engine's giving a little kick up hill, and it feels like its struggling. We've had a ton of rain recently, so i don't know if that matters. I literally replaced my spark plugs and wires two weeks ago, it couldn't be that again, could it?

[mightymoose_22]

Get the code from the check engine light. That should tell you exactly what your problem is... or at least where to start.

If you didn't set the gap on your plugs, then yes, that could potentially be a problem.

Hard to say anything with the information given. The code will help a lot.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by mightymoose_22

Get the code from the check engine light. That should tell you exactly what your problem is... or at least where to start.

If you didn't set the gap on your plugs, then yes, that could potentially be a problem.

Hard to say anything with the information given. The code will help a lot.

I agree with moose. Could be a host of other problems. After all those mods you talk about was the computer ever reset? At least start by checking the plugs and gap even though you just put them in. You could have a cracked ceramic or pentirated/grounded plug wire. Check all that and get back to us

[Davescort97]

Welcome to Automotive Forums! Check the boots of the wires and make sure they are all the way onto the plugs. If you had someone do the work for you go back and tell them (in a nice way) the kind of problems you are having and mention the erratic behavior going up a hill. If the plug wires are loose on the plugs or on the coil packs it could cause hesitation up a hill. If you feel like it take it to Auto Zone and have them "pull the codes" on the Check Engine Light. They will be able to tell you why the light is blinking and will be able to tell you what needs to be fixed. They won't charge you for this service. They hope you'll buy the parts from them. It's better to go some time when they aren't too busy. If you know why the light is coming on you can better make a decision as to whether or not the current problem is from some work you had done. Thanks for coming to our forum. Let us know how things have progressed for you. Just log on again and let us know how things are going. Moose and
Chevy are right on. Dave

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

Welcome to Automotive Forums! Check the boots of the wires and make sure they are all the way onto the plugs. If you had someone do the work for you go back and tell them (in a nice way) the kind of problems you are having and mention the erratic behavior going up a hill. Dave

You know if the plug wires were pulled of for any reason (like to reset/ reattach) and the boot is not pulled the right way you can pull the connector right off the end of the wire (while the connector is in the boot and can't be seen). That's why even though you "just did it" you'd might want to check these out anyhow.

I had that happen once and I tried to repair it but still didn't work well.