1997 Ford Escort Logo
Robert Hoffman Posted on Apr 10, 2012
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1997 ford escort idles rough when hot

When in drive with engine is at it's operting temperature it idles rough. When I turn on the air conditoning the idle smooths out. This problem is intermittent. That is at times the car will idle fine then after waiting for a traffic light the engine vibrates slightly.

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Johnny Brown

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  • Ford Master 5,763 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 10, 2012
Johnny    Brown
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Joined: Sep 18, 2009
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1997 escort idles rough, the first thing is to make sure the throtlebody plate is clean. This sounds like the idle may be staying to low at times if it smooths out with ac on, when the ac is turnned on the computer raises the idle a touch to make up for the strain on the engine from the ac compressor, clean throtlebody and look at and clean idle air control valve, if this valve is not controlling the idle when needed the engine will idle lower than normal and cause a rough idle.
Another thing is the sparkplug wires, take a look at those, if at night or with a good eye use a spray bottle and spray a mist over the wires and watch for any sparking, this spark may be very small so look at each wire closely or may be big enough to see and hear. this is where i would start. good day.

4 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 410 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 27, 2009

SOURCE: 1994 ford escort vibrates horribly in idle.

Your Idle air control valve is probably going bad. It is located on the throttle body and is a relatively easy fix as it is only held in with 2 screws. Good luck and thanks for using FixYa!

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Anonymous

  • 31 Answers
  • Posted on May 08, 2010

SOURCE: Engine problem 1999 Ford Escort 4 cyl Front

Sounds like you make have a vacumn leak on one of the rubber vacumn lines that attach to the intake manifold. Check all of these lines and look for cracks, pinholes and lines that have colapsed.

GQ-ROD

  • 635 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 02, 2010

SOURCE: vibrating when idling in drive, smooths out in

You will have to replace ALL the motor and tranny mounts in a specific order.

ZX2Fast

Brad Kirby

  • 547 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 01, 2011

SOURCE: car runs very rough at stops, dies at times but

There is a TSB for the PCV hose. The elbows at both ends get holes in the underside that you can't see unless you remove them and look. This is a very, very common issue on the ZX2. You can get a new PCV hose with both elbows for about $30 from the Ford dealership. You only need to remove the air intake to gain access to the PCV hose to replace it.

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Idle is rough

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U i have a 97 ford escort that idles rough so i replaced the wires and plugs it still idles rough but runs a little better the coil shows spark on all cylinders any ideas

Often, on the Escorts of this vintage, rough idle can be due to a leak in the vacuum system. With the engine running, listen closely for any tell-tale hissing sounds coming from any of the vacuum hoses. Check that they are all securely in place and the end-clamps are all tight. Also check that the PCV valve and the hose connecting it to the manifold are securely in place. Another possibility is the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve. If it is clogged or sticking, it can cause rough idle. Refer to a service manual to diagnose the IAC valve. Other things to check: make sure that the air intake is unobstructed and clean. You might consider cleaning the manifold and throttle body. Check the air filter and replace if necessary. Let me know if you have any other questions.
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My 1999 Ford escort idles rough when the car is in drive and im on the break.

While this can come from several sources, a 'normal' misfire from a single plug can cause that. Another possibility is the idle air control may not be functioning as it should.
You didn't mention it but we can assume you have an automatic transmission. Standing with the brakes on and the tranny in drive, does load down the engine somewhat (drag) so nearly anything out of whack can cause the rough idle.  
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