Car wants to turn off unless i accelerate it

Try this http://www.obdii.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002192.html

Look into exhaust, clogged cat conv. could cause that. Best way to test is a vaccum test on the intake. When exhaust is restricted the vaccum should go to 0 at the intake manifold while accelerating.

Does the car have ABS? Sometimes the brake light indicates a problem with the ABS sensors.

Click on the following free, direct LinkS. It has all the Timing Belt Diagrams you will need, complete with Instructional and Directional Diagrams to set your Timing.
To my knowledge the 1997 Ford Escort only had a 2.0L not a 1.8L.
The 1996 had available the 1.8L and 1.9L. I could be mistaken - my apology.
In any case:
The 1st Link is for the 1996 Ford Escort 1.8L
The 2nd Link is for the 1997 Ford Escort 2.0L
Compare/use.

Let me know if this helped or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1996/make/ford/model/escort/1996_ford_escort_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1997/make/ford/model/escort/1997_ford_escort_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

I would investigate a clogged fuel filter or weak fuel pump. May just not be getting enough gas to go faster....

Don't forget to check the air filter. Dirty air filter will usually cause issues at lower speeds too but can't be ruled out.

are you sure it is the parking lights? have you figuered it also can be something to do with your break pedal stop assembly (switch)

SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE ARELAY GOING OUT!

How many miles on car? It could be fuel pump and or alernator or both.

This noise is caused by the bushings in the brake calipers being worn out

Hi,

Appreciate the "Ask Me".

The technically proper diagnostic procedure would be to have the car's computer scanned and the readings interpreted for errors. The error codes would determine the "probable" defects.

To my knowledge, there were at least three (3) Technical Service Bulletins for '97 Escorts:
1. July '98 - wiring harness/loom for power control module;
2. Oct '98 - change IAC valve with a new design/version; and
3. Oct '98 - change power control module (PCM).

All of the above directly affects idling (among others) and are strictly dealer repairs. If however you would prefer a DIY (do-it-yourself), then you would probably want to focus on:
a. locate the PCM and connect a grounding wire to pin 28;
b. remove, check/clean/replace the IAC valve and the throttle body/assy with special precautions. Pls reference this page for additional information;
c. or it maybe as simple as a return spring out of position for the idle level. I believe their are available aftermarket idle repair kits for Escorts that are comparable if not better.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

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