My daughter's 1997 Ford Escort 1.4 with fuel injection seems to have lost a lot of power over a fairly short period of time. I did a test drive and although it's drivable it certainly struggles, especially uphill. Some thoughts:
- It starts OK and idles reasonably well, without hunting.
- As the engine speed is increased, the power just isn't there.
- It is not the clutch slipping or the brakes binding.
- The engine still runs fairly smoothly - it does not surge, misfire, or run roughly or lumpily.
- I can't hear an obvious air leak, and have wiggled all the air/vacuum pipes I can see
Because of the above, I'm guessing it's NOT: - Blocked fuel injector - Spark plugs - Fuel filter or pump (??) - Ignition timing
So.....what are your theories, in priority order, please, bearing in mind the above observations and the fact that it seems to have come on quite suddenly? Here's my speculative list for starters:
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
- Fuel Pressure Regulator
- Oxygen sensor problems?
- Some other sensor (eg. temperature) that feeds the ECU
- Vaccum leak that I haven't found
- ...er, that's it. I've run out of ideas
I ( and my daughter) would appreciate any help you can give. Thanks Steve