I have a 1998 Ford Escort SE, 2.0l 4cyl. It has served me well for more than six years. However, here in Las Vegas, we are experiencing intense heat and it seems to have affected my car. Early one morning, I drove the car with absolutely no problems. At
5:30pm. we left the house to go shopping and within 5 blocks of the house, the car refused to accelerate; surging for a bit, then dying to idle, and back to surging. The engine then died but restarted at an idle. I managed to get the car home. A mechanic at work suggested that I start with replacing the fuel filter. We did, the car started fine, and everything seemed to be okay. The next morning, I drove it to work (about 12 miles) with absolutely no problem. At 2:30pm, with temps well over 110, I left the yard with no problem but, within a mile, the same surging started. I managed to get the car home by letting it accelerate at its own rate - it ran just like normal at 55mph plus - as long as I didn't try to accelerate too hard. Next thing was to replace the fuel pump assembly. Again, when cold, ran just like normal. But, within a mile of the house it did exactly as before. I have no idea what else to do. Could it be that I need to clean and/or replace the injectors? How about using the injector cleaning fluid? Or, am I going to have to replace the fuel regulator? Of course, the Ford dealer is absolutely no help unless I pay $95 just for a diagnostic. Any and all help will be deeply appreciated.- posted
18 years ago